How American Rare Earths’ New Beneficiation Tests Could Transform Halleck Creek
American Rare Earths reports promising beneficiation optimisation results and an updated mineral processing flowsheet for its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project, marking a key step toward production.
- Preliminary updated mineral processing flowsheet released
- Reflux Classifier Concentrator (RCC) tests show improved rare earth recoveries
- RCC offers lower mass yield and higher enrichment than traditional spirals
- Ongoing comminution tests aim to reduce fines and boost recovery
- Results support positive outlook for forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)
Beneficiation Breakthrough at Halleck Creek
American Rare Earths (ASX – ARR) has unveiled encouraging initial results from beneficiation optimisation tests at its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, USA. Central to the announcement is a preliminary updated mineral processing flowsheet that incorporates recent hydrometallurgical data and beneficiation advances. This development represents a significant milestone as the company moves closer to establishing Halleck Creek as a producing rare earths mine in the United States.
The standout technical highlight is the performance of the Reflux Classifier Concentrator (RCC), a beneficiation technology tested against the traditional spiral concentrators. The RCC tests demonstrated a rare earth element (REE) recovery rate comparable to spirals but with a markedly lower mass yield; 14.0% versus 24.8%. This reduction in mass yield implies less material to process downstream, potentially translating into lower operating and capital costs for hydrometallurgical extraction.
Technical Details and Implications
Testing conducted by Nagrom in Perth, Australia, involved processing over two tonnes of reverse circulation drill cuttings from multiple holes at Halleck Creek. The RCC achieved a 5.66x enrichment factor, more than double that of spirals, indicating a more concentrated rare earth product. Additionally, the RCC effectively separated deleterious elements such as silica, aluminum, and iron, which can complicate downstream processing.
Complementing the beneficiation work, American Rare Earths is conducting comminution optimisation tests aimed at reducing the generation of fines; ultra-small particles that can hinder beneficiation efficiency and REE recovery. Early indications suggest these tests may further enhance the overall processing flowsheet.
Path to Pre-Feasibility and Production
The updated flowsheet is preliminary and subject to validation through bulk RCC testing using material from ongoing comminution trials. If confirmed, the improved beneficiation circuit could positively impact the economics of the forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of project viability.
American Rare Earths is also progressing impurity removal and solvent extraction simulations to refine the separation and finishing stages of the mineral processing. These steps are critical to producing market-ready rare earth oxides, essential for advanced technologies and defense applications.
Located on Wyoming State land, Halleck Creek benefits from mining-friendly regulations and streamlined permitting processes, positioning it strategically to reduce U.S. dependence on imported rare earths, particularly from China. The company’s commitment to environmentally responsible mining and collaboration with U.S. government R&D programs further underscores its role in securing critical mineral supply chains.
Bottom Line?
As American Rare Earths advances Halleck Creek’s processing technology, investors await bulk test validations and the PFS to gauge the project’s full economic potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will bulk RCC testing confirm the preliminary beneficiation improvements?
- How will comminution optimisation impact overall rare earth recoveries and costs?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with permitting and environmental approvals?
