OD6 Metals Produces 59% TREO Rare Earth Products, Targeting Premium Payability

A Breakthrough in Rare Earth Processing

OD6 Metals Limited (ASX, OD6) has marked a significant milestone in its development of the Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project in Western Australia. The company announced the successful production of high-quality Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) and Mixed Rare Earth Hydroxide (MREH) products through a novel heap leach and impurity removal process. These products boast total rare earth oxide (TREO) contents of approximately 56% and 59%, respectively, with over 90% of their value derived from critical magnetic rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.

This achievement is the culmination of nine months of metallurgical testing and process refinement conducted in partnership with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The innovative flowsheet integrates heap leaching, nanofiltration, ion exchange, and impurity removal stages, resulting in products with exceptionally low levels of impurities like aluminum, iron, phosphorus, and silicon. Notably, uranium and thorium concentrations are below 0.001%, eliminating expected refinery penalties and enhancing commercial payability.

Strategic Positioning for Global Markets

OD6’s Managing Director Brett Hazelden highlighted the strategic advantage of producing a magnet-rich rare earth product from a low-cost, scalable leaching system. The company is actively engaging with potential offtake partners across North America, Europe, and Asia, aiming to secure premium payability agreements. The high purity and magnetic rare earth content of the MREC and MREH products position OD6 among the top global rare earth projects, offering a competitive edge in the increasingly critical supply chains for defence, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.

To further refine its development pathway, OD6 has commissioned CPC Engineering to conduct an Optioneering Study. This study will evaluate multiple technically viable processing flowsheets, balancing cost, recovery efficiency, scalability, and product quality. The results, expected within the current quarter, will guide the company’s next steps toward commercialisation.

Looking Ahead, Scale-Up and Market Engagement

Building on these promising results, OD6 plans to scale up heap leach and impurity removal testwork using diamond core samples to validate and optimise processing parameters. This phase will also produce sufficient product samples to support ongoing offtake discussions and downstream customer testing. The company’s approach reflects a clear understanding of the rare earth market’s demands for consistent, high-quality supply and the importance of strategic partnerships with separation facilities and end users.

OD6’s progress at Splinter Rock underscores the potential for Australian rare earth projects to compete on the global stage, particularly in delivering products tailored for high-tech applications. As the company advances its technical and commercial programs, market watchers will be keen to see how OD6 navigates the complexities of scaling production and securing long-term contracts.