ISR Success at Ema Project De-Risks BCM’s Rare Earth Ambitions—But Challenges Loom
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd has reported significant progress at its Ema rare earths project, achieving high recovery rates from in-situ recovery (ISR) tests and securing a $4 million capital raise to accelerate development.
- 74% recovery of medium rare earth elements (MREE) in ISR column tests at ANSTO
- Successful commencement of ISR field pilot trials with strong hydraulic connectivity
- Approval from Amazonas environmental authorities for magnesium sulphate use
- Oversubscribed $4 million placement to fund feasibility study and pilot trials
- Field data confirms impermeable basement rock supporting ISR mining viability
Technical Breakthrough at Ema Project
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX, BCM) has unveiled encouraging results from its ongoing development of the Ema rare earths project in Brazil’s Apuí region. The company’s recent in-situ recovery (ISR) column tests conducted by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) demonstrated a 74% recovery rate of medium rare earth elements (MREE), significantly surpassing previous scoping study assumptions. This achievement was realized over a relatively short 28-day leaching period using a low-strength magnesium sulphate solution, highlighting the potential for efficient commercial extraction.
These laboratory successes have been swiftly translated into field operations, with BCM commencing ISR pilot trials at the Ema site. The trials, overseen by global ISR experts WSP Brazil and environmental consultants CERN, have confirmed excellent hydraulic connectivity within the mineralised clay horizon. Remarkably, injected magnesium sulphate was detected in all downslope monitoring wells within 72 hours, exceeding internal expectations and validating the deposit’s exceptional permeability characteristics.
Environmental and Regulatory Milestones
Securing regulatory approval is a critical step for ISR mining, and BCM has obtained the green light from the Amazonas state Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM) to use magnesium sulphate in its pilot trials. This endorsement not only facilitates ongoing fieldwork but also signals regulatory confidence in the company’s environmentally sensitive approach to rare earth extraction.
Field data further supports the project’s technical robustness. The impermeable nature of the underlying basement rock has been confirmed through monitoring solution levels and pressure readings, ensuring that leaching fluids remain contained within the mineralised zone. This containment is vital to minimizing environmental risks and underpins the feasibility of ISR mining at Ema.
Capital Raising to Accelerate Development
To capitalize on these promising developments, BCM successfully raised A$4.0 million through an oversubscribed placement to professional and institutional investors. The funds will be directed towards advancing a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS), completing pilot field trials, progressing environmental permitting, and bolstering working capital ahead of pre-development activities. The placement includes a two-tranche share issuance, with the second tranche subject to shareholder approval, and free-attaching options to incentivize investor participation.
This capital injection arrives at a pivotal moment as BCM transitions from early-stage technical validation to formal project de-risking and commercial readiness. With one of the world’s largest ionic clay rare earth deposits under its control, the company is well-positioned to unlock significant value in the critical minerals sector.
Looking Ahead
Brazilian Critical Minerals’ recent achievements mark a significant step forward in rare earth extraction technology and project advancement. The combination of strong ISR recoveries, regulatory approvals, and robust field data provides a compelling foundation for the company’s next phase of development. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the outcomes of the BFS and environmental permitting processes, which will be critical in shaping the project’s path to commercial production.
Bottom Line?
BCM’s ISR breakthroughs and fresh capital position it well to lead rare earth innovation, but scaling remains the next big test.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Bankable Feasibility Study confirm economic viability at commercial scale?
- How will environmental permitting progress amid increasing scrutiny of ISR mining?
- What are the potential risks in scaling ISR from pilot trials to full production?