Koppamurra Bulk Heap Leach Test Yields Over 60% Magnet Rare Earth Recovery
Australian Rare Earths Limited has achieved over 60% recovery of magnet rare earths in a bulk heap leach test at its Koppamurra project, demonstrating rapid leach times and scalability that underpin its low-cost development strategy.
- Bulk heap leach test (~3 tonnes) delivers >60% magnet rare earth recoveries
- Rapid leach times significantly shorter than traditional methods
- Ongoing optimisation of reagent use, water recycling, and impurity removal
- Testwork supports Pre-Feasibility Study targeted for completion in 2025
- Project co-funded by $5 million Australian Government grant
Scaling Up Rare Earth Recovery
Australian Rare Earths Limited (ASX – AR3) has reported a significant milestone in its Koppamurra rare earths project with the successful completion of a ~3 tonne bulk heap leach metallurgical test. The program achieved magnet rare earth element recoveries exceeding 60%, validating the scalability of the progressive heap leach approach that the company is pursuing. This result builds on earlier small-scale column leach tests and confirms that the process can be effectively scaled without loss of recovery efficiency.
Faster Leach Times and Cost Advantages
One of the standout features of the bulk test was the rapid leach time, which was significantly shorter than conventional heap leaching methods. The test ran for 33 days, extending beyond typical operational durations to explore recovery potential fully. This accelerated leaching not only promises operational efficiencies but also supports AR3’s strategy to reduce capital and operating costs compared to traditional tank leach processes used by other ionic clay projects.
Optimisation and Environmental Considerations
Australian Rare Earths is actively pursuing further optimisation workstreams focusing on reagent consumption, water recycling, impurity removal, and rare earth precipitation. The company is leveraging the 2,000 litres of rare earth pregnant leach solution generated during the test to refine impurity removal and mixed rare earth carbonate production, collaborating closely with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Neo Performance Materials. These efforts aim to enhance process efficiency and environmental outcomes, critical factors for sustainable rare earth production.
Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Challenges
CEO Travis Beinke highlighted the strategic significance of the Koppamurra project in the context of global supply chain uncertainties, particularly given ongoing tariff disputes and China’s export controls on key rare earths like Dysprosium and Terbium. The project’s ability to deliver both light and heavy rare earths positions it as a vital contributor to diversified and secure supply chains essential for the global energy transition.
Pathway to Pre-Feasibility Study Completion
The bulk leach test results will directly inform the design inputs for the Koppamurra Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which AR3 targets to complete within 2025. The PFS will integrate metallurgical findings with economic and environmental assessments, setting the stage for potential project development. The testwork program benefits from co-funding under a $5 million Australian Government grant, underscoring national support for critical minerals projects.
Bottom Line?
As Australian Rare Earths advances its heap leach process and PFS, the Koppamurra project is poised to become a cornerstone in Australia’s rare earth supply strategy.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ongoing optimisation impact final recovery rates and operating costs?
- What are the timelines and milestones for securing environmental and regulatory approvals?
- How might geopolitical tensions influence offtake agreements and market demand?
