Brazilian Rare Earths has successfully produced high-purity mixed-rare-earth carbonate and uranium yellowcake from its Monte Alto Project, marking a key milestone in its integrated supply chain ambitions.
- High-purity MREC meets solvent-extraction standards
- Magnetic rare earth recoveries reach up to 90%
- Uranium co-product extracted as yellowcake
- Mineral-to-MREC process bypasses beneficiation, lowering costs
- Next steps include NdPr separation and co-product recovery
A Breakthrough in Rare Earth Metallurgy
Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX, BRE) has announced a significant technical achievement at its Monte Alto Project in Bahia, Brazil. The company has successfully produced a high-purity mixed-rare-earth carbonate (MREC) and uranium peroxide; commonly known as yellowcake; from an ultra-high-grade mineralisation rich in rare earth elements (REEs), niobium, scandium, tantalum, and uranium. This milestone validates BRE’s strategy to develop a fully integrated rare earth and critical minerals supply chain within Brazil.
The metallurgical test work, conducted in partnership with Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), demonstrated exceptional recoveries of key magnetic rare earths; neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb); with extraction rates ranging from 86% to 90%. These elements are critical for permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, underscoring the strategic importance of the Monte Alto deposit.
Innovative Process Unlocks Cost Advantages
One of the standout features of the Monte Alto metallurgical process is the direct mineral-to-MREC route that bypasses traditional mineral beneficiation. This approach not only simplifies the processing flowsheet but also reduces capital expenditure (capex) and operating expenditure (opex), while increasing overall rare earth yields. The ability to leach the mineral feedstock without prior concentration is a notable advantage, potentially positioning Monte Alto as a low-cost producer in the global rare earth market.
Additionally, the successful extraction of uranium as a co-product adds a valuable revenue stream. Using standard ion-exchange resin technology, BRE produced a clean uranium peroxide product, aligning with growing global demand for uranium in nuclear energy. The company also highlighted the potential recovery of other valuable co-products such as niobium, tantalum, and scandium, which could further enhance project economics.
Strategic Outlook and Next Steps
Brazilian Rare Earths’ CEO Bernardo da Veiga emphasized the strategic significance of these results, noting Brazil’s structural advantages including abundant low-cost hydroelectric power, skilled labor, and domestic reagent supply. These factors collectively support a competitive downstream processing hub for rare earths and critical minerals.
With the scoping-level metallurgical test work now complete, BRE is advancing to techno-economic studies and process optimisation. Upcoming work will focus on solvent extraction to separate NdPr from the MREC, demonstration of NdPr oxide production, and recovery of co-products. These steps are critical to refining the project’s economic model and preparing for potential commercialisation.
Overall, the Monte Alto metallurgical results represent a major validation of BRE’s development pathway, combining high-grade mineralisation with a streamlined, cost-effective processing route. The company’s integrated approach aims to deliver multiple high-value products, positioning it well within the evolving global critical minerals landscape.
Bottom Line?
Monte Alto’s metallurgical success sets the stage for economic studies that could redefine Brazil’s rare earths potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will techno-economic studies impact the project’s financing and timeline?
- What are the regulatory and environmental hurdles for uranium production in Brazil?
- How will BRE’s co-product strategy influence overall project profitability?