Brazilian Critical Minerals has successfully demonstrated a 200-fold upgrade in rare earth element concentration using Rare Earth Technologies’ proprietary process, producing high-purity oxides at its Ema project.
- 200× rare earth concentration upgrade from 930 ppm to 186,000 ppm TREO-Ce
- 100% recovery of rare earth elements with minimal impurities
- High-purity individual rare earth oxides achieved at minimum 99.9% purity
- Environmentally safe, commercially proven RETi processing technology
- Bankable feasibility study and pilot-scale testing planned for 2026
A Breakthrough in Rare Earth Processing
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX, BCM) has announced a significant advancement in its rare earth element (REE) processing capabilities at the Ema project in Brazil. Utilizing proprietary technology developed by Rare Earth Technologies Inc (RETi) in Cincinnati, Ohio, BCM has achieved a remarkable 200-fold upgrade in the concentration of rare earths from a pregnant liquor solution (PLS) sampled on site.
This bench-scale test concentrated the REEs from an initial 930 parts per million (ppm) to an impressive 186,000 ppm (18.6%) total rare earth oxides minus cerium (TREO-Ce), with a full 100% recovery rate. The process also produced individual rare earth oxides with purities exceeding 99.9%, all within a rapid 24-minute cycle time.
Innovative and Environmentally Responsible Technology
The RETi process integrates solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to selectively extract, separate, and purify REEs. Unlike traditional methods, this technology uses non-toxic, environmentally safe solvents and proprietary column chemistry, reducing chemical consumption and energy use. The system is already commercially operational in Europe, underscoring its practical viability.
Andrew Reid, BCM’s Managing Director, highlighted the technology’s advantages, noting its ability to deliver high-purity oxides with minimal impurity carryover in a single streamlined process. He emphasised the strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials of the Ema project, bolstered by this cleaner and faster processing route.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
RETi’s President and COO, Steve Levin, expressed optimism about scaling the technology to pilot and commercial levels, aiming to bring both light and heavy rare earth oxides to market. BCM plans further testwork and independent validation throughout 2026, alongside progressing its bankable feasibility study (BFS) due for completion in the first quarter of the year.
The Ema project itself boasts a substantial mineral resource estimate of 943 million tonnes at 716 ppm TREO, with some of the highest metallurgical recoveries reported globally for ionic adsorbed clay deposits. BCM is actively drilling to extend resources and engaging with regulators on permitting, positioning the project for potential commercial development.
Market and Industry Context
Rare earth elements are critical to a range of high-tech and clean energy applications, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics. The ability to efficiently upgrade and purify REEs with lower environmental impact is a key competitive advantage amid growing global demand and supply chain security concerns.
BCM’s successful demonstration of RETi’s technology could enhance the project’s economics and market appeal, potentially accelerating its path to production. However, the transition from bench-scale success to commercial operation will require careful pilot testing and cost validation.
Bottom Line?
BCM’s RETi partnership marks a pivotal step toward cleaner, more efficient rare earth production, next up, pilot-scale validation and market delivery.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pilot-scale tests confirm the scalability and cost-effectiveness of RETi’s technology?
- What are the projected capital and operating costs associated with integrating this processing method at Ema?
- How might high-purity oxide production influence BCM’s positioning in the competitive rare earth market?