How Brazilian Critical Minerals’ Pilot Trial is Transforming Ema’s Rare Earth Prospects
Brazilian Critical Minerals reports exceptional pilot field trial results at its Ema rare earth project, advancing permitting and feasibility studies while attracting strong market interest.
- Pilot trial hydraulic conductivity nearly doubles prior estimates
- Successful in-situ recovery using environmentally friendly magnesium sulfate
- Trial mining permits submitted and environmental approvals on schedule
- Bankable feasibility study underway with Altris Engineering
- Growing strategic offtake and financing interest amid low CAPEX and OPEX
Pilot Trial Breakthrough
Brazilian Critical Minerals Limited (ASX, BCM) has delivered a significant update on its flagship Ema rare earth project in Brazil, revealing pilot field trial results that surpass expectations. The company reported a mean hydraulic conductivity of 0.27 metres per day; almost double the figure used in its earlier scoping study; with peak values reaching 0.65 m/day. This enhanced permeability is a critical factor for the in-situ recovery (ISR) mining method, which relies on fluid flow through the mineralised clays.
Importantly, BCM successfully injected and leached rare earth elements using a low-strength magnesium sulfate solution, an approach that underscores the project’s strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials. Over 2,000 litres of pregnant liquor solution (PLS) have been extracted, confirming robust recovery rates and validating the ISR process under field conditions.
Permitting and Community Support
The company is progressing rapidly on the regulatory front, having submitted trial mining licence applications to Brazil’s Mines Department (ANM) and preparing environmental impact studies for the state environmental authority (IPAAM). These trial licences allow BCM to fast-track production while gathering data to support full mining permit applications. The environmental studies are on track for submission in the coming quarter, maintaining the project’s development timeline.
Crucially, BCM has secured full support from the local community and government officials in Apui, a key de-risking milestone. Land access negotiations with local landowners are nearing completion, facilitated by the ISR method’s low disturbance footprint and rapid land rehabilitation post-mining.
Feasibility Study and Commercial Outlook
BCM has engaged Altris Engineering to lead a comprehensive bankable feasibility study (BFS), expected to take six to nine months. The BFS will refine capital and operating cost estimates, resource classifications, and technical designs, incorporating data from the successful pilot trial. The project’s low capital expenditure (CAPEX) of approximately US$55 million and low operating costs (OPEX) position Ema as a competitively attractive rare earth supply source.
Market interest is building, with BCM in advanced discussions with multiple potential offtake partners seeking ESG-compliant rare earths. Early-stage financing talks with strategic and institutional investors have also commenced, reflecting confidence in the project’s value proposition and de-risked status.
Looking Ahead
The final phase of the pilot trial involves a water washing cycle to restore baseline environmental conditions, a critical step for regulatory compliance and commercial readiness. As BCM advances through permitting, feasibility, and commercial negotiations, the Ema project is poised to become a significant player in the global rare earths market, offering a sustainable and low-impact alternative to traditional mining.
Bottom Line?
With pilot success and permitting momentum, BCM’s Ema project is on track to reshape rare earth supply chains.
Questions in the middle?
- Will BCM secure binding offtake agreements in the next 12 months?
- How will the final bankable feasibility study impact project economics and timelines?
- What financing structures will BCM pursue to optimise capital and shareholder value?
