Ema ISR Project Achieves Over 90% Magnesium Recovery and Zero Aluminium Levels
Brazilian Critical Minerals has achieved a major environmental milestone at its Ema Rare Earth Elements project, successfully restoring clay chemistry post in-situ recovery trials. This breakthrough supports regulatory approvals and moves the project closer to production.
- Successful restoration of clay pH and chemistry to natural baseline
- Magnesium, aluminium, and iron levels reduced to near or zero
- Over 90% magnesium recovery enabling lixiviant recycling and cost savings
- No net sulphur accumulation confirming non-acid forming conditions
- Restoration phase completion supports regulatory and ESG commitments
Environmental Restoration Breakthrough
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX – BCM) has reported a significant environmental achievement at its Ema Rare Earth Elements (REE) project in Brazil. Following months of in-situ recovery (ISR) field trials, the company has successfully restored the clay chemistry to its natural, pre-leach state. This includes returning the pH to baseline levels and reducing residual metals such as magnesium, aluminium, and iron to near or zero concentrations.
The restoration phase involved controlled water flushing, which effectively neutralised and stabilised the mineralised clays. This process not only rebalanced the chemical equilibrium but also prevented migration of residual ions beyond the leaching perimeter, a critical factor for environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
Operational and Environmental Implications
One of the standout outcomes is the recovery of over 90% of magnesium ions used as the primary leaching agent. This recovery allows for recycling of the lixiviant, reducing reagent costs and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the sulphur content in the form of sulphate showed no net accumulation post-leaching, confirming the material is non-acid forming and poses negligible risk of acid mine drainage.
Managing Director Andrew Reid emphasised the importance of this milestone, stating that the restoration phase is central to responsible mining practices, ESG reporting, and community engagement. The results demonstrate BCM’s commitment to environmental stewardship and strengthen the project’s pathway to securing regulatory approvals.
Project Outlook and Next Steps
The Ema ISR project, located in the Apuí region of Brazil, holds an indicated and inferred mineral resource estimate of 943 million tonnes with high metallurgical recoveries averaging 68% for rare earth oxides. BCM is currently progressing a bankable feasibility study due in early 2026 and engaging with regulators on permitting. The successful completion of the restoration phase marks the final stage of field trials, providing robust data to support the upcoming approvals and economic assessments.
With environmental restoration confirmed, BCM is well-positioned to advance towards near-term rare earth production, a critical sector given the global demand for these elements in clean energy and technology applications.
Bottom Line?
BCM’s environmental restoration success at Ema sets a strong foundation for regulatory approval and rare earth production.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the expected timeline for regulatory approvals following this restoration milestone?
- How will magnesium recovery and lixiviant recycling impact overall project economics?
- What are the next technical challenges BCM anticipates in scaling ISR operations?
