Brazilian Critical Minerals appoints Altris Engineering to spearhead the critical Ema Rare Earth Bankable Feasibility Study, aiming to advance its low-cost in-situ recovery project in Brazil.
- Altris Engineering appointed lead for Ema BFS
- BFS to cover process plant and non-process infrastructure
- Collaborations with ANSTO and WSP for metallurgical and hydrogeological expertise
- Ema Project positioned as low-capital-cost rare earths development
- BFS expected to complete within 6-9 months
Strategic Appointment to Drive Feasibility
Brazilian Critical Minerals Limited (ASX, BCM) has taken a decisive step forward in advancing its Ema Rare Earths Project in northern Brazil by appointing Altris Engineering as the lead consultant for the upcoming Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS). This move signals BCM’s commitment to rigorously defining the project’s technical and economic parameters ahead of financing discussions.
Altris Engineering, a newly formed entity with a pedigree stemming from the Primero Group, brings a multidisciplinary team of engineers and project managers experienced in battery and critical minerals projects worldwide. Their remit includes both the process plant engineering and the design of non-process infrastructure such as site services and water treatment facilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the BFS.
Collaborative Expertise Enhances Study Depth
BCM is leveraging a strong consortium of technical partners alongside Altris. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will conduct advanced metallurgical test work, refining the process flowsheet based on pregnant liquor solutions extracted during field trials. Meanwhile, WSP will apply its hydrogeological modelling expertise to optimise the in-situ recovery (ISR) mining method, focusing on injection and leaching system design.
This collaboration underscores the project’s innovative approach, Ema is one of the few rare earths developments globally utilising ISR technology, which promises lower capital expenditure and potentially reduced environmental impact compared to conventional mining.
Positioning Ema as a Low-Cost Rare Earth Source
Managing Director Andrew Reid highlighted the project’s unique position, noting the estimated capital cost of just US$55 million. This figure positions Ema as potentially the lowest-cost near-term source of rare earth feedstock, a critical advantage given the strategic importance of these elements in global supply chains for clean energy technologies.
The BFS, expected to take between six and nine months, will build on extensive drilling and metallurgical work completed over the past year, which has already upgraded a significant portion of the mineral resource to the indicated category. The study will also include geotechnical investigations, infrastructure assessments, and detailed cost estimations to underpin a robust project implementation plan.
Looking Ahead
With Altris coordinating the overall delivery of the BFS report, BCM aims to present a technically sound and commercially viable project ready for the next phase of development. The integration of fit-for-purpose engineering solutions with practical cost management reflects BCM’s strategy to attract project financing and advance Ema towards production.
As the rare earths market tightens globally, the Ema Project’s progress will be closely watched by investors seeking exposure to critical minerals with strong growth potential and strategic significance.
Bottom Line?
BCM’s appointment of Altris marks a pivotal step in transforming Ema from promising resource to near-term rare earths producer.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the BFS outcomes influence BCM’s project financing timeline?
- What are the key technical risks identified in the BFS scope so far?
- How might evolving rare earths market dynamics affect Ema’s commercial viability?