University of Arizona’s Flotation Tech Promises 90% REE Recovery for GNM

Strategic Partnership to Unlock Rare Earth Potential

Great Northern Minerals Limited (ASX – GNM) has announced a binding patent option agreement with the University of Arizona, marking a pivotal move to enhance the processing of bastnaesite rare earth ores at its Catalyst Ridge project in California’s Mountain Pass district. This exclusive option grants GNM the right to negotiate a license for a cutting-edge flotation technology developed by the university, designed to significantly improve rare earth element (REE) recovery and concentrate quality.

The flotation technology employs hydroxamic acid-based collectors, a notable advancement over traditional oleic acid methods, achieving REE recoveries between 80% and 90% and concentrate grades of 30% to 40% rare earth oxides (REO). This innovation also reduces reagent consumption by approximately half and operates efficiently at lower temperatures, promising substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.

From Lab Validation to Pilot Scale Ambitions

The technology has progressed through Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2 to 5 using ore from the Mountain Pass Mine, a globally significant REE source. GNM and the University of Arizona will now collaborate on a sponsored research program aimed at advancing the technology to TRL 6, which involves pilot plant testing and flowsheet development over a 24-month period. This phase will also include testing bastnaesite samples from GNM’s own Catalyst Ridge project, aligning the technology’s development closely with GNM’s operational goals.

Associate Professor Jinhong Zhang, a leading expert in flotation chemistry at the University of Arizona, leads the research team. His expertise in mineral processing and surface chemistry underpins the technology’s selective flotation mechanism, which targets bastnaesite while minimizing gangue mineral interference.

Strategic Implications for US Critical Minerals Supply

Located in the Mountain Pass District, a recognized hub for rare earth mining in the United States, the Catalyst Ridge project stands to benefit from this technology in a market increasingly focused on securing domestic critical mineral supply chains. GNM’s Non-Executive Chairman, Eddie King, highlighted the strategic timing of this partnership, emphasizing its potential to reduce processing costs and enhance recovery rates, thereby unlocking greater value from the project.

Moreover, the alignment with US national security supply chain strategies could open doors for critical minerals funding, positioning GNM as a potential next producer of rare earth elements within the country. The simplified flotation flowsheet and reduced energy requirements further enhance the project’s economic and environmental profile.

Looking Ahead

While the patent option agreement provides GNM with an exclusive window of six months to negotiate the license, the company is also exploring other critical mineral processing technologies to complement this advancement. The forthcoming months will be crucial as GNM formalizes the licensing and research agreements and embarks on pilot-scale validation, setting the stage for potential commercial deployment.