Over 90% Rare Earth Recovery Reported in Eclipse Metals’ Grønnedal Tests

Preliminary Metallurgical Success at Grønnedal

Eclipse Metals Ltd (ASX: EPM) has released encouraging initial metallurgical results from its Grønnedal Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in southwest Greenland. The Phase 1 program focused on Wet High-Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS) sighter tests, revealing that over 90% of REE mineralisation reports to combined magnetic fractions. This strong magnetic amenability is a positive indicator for efficient beneficiation pathways.

The tests were conducted on composite samples derived from 2023 percussion drilling and trenching, confirming consistent grades of key rare earths, particularly neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), which are critical for permanent magnets and clean energy technologies. Head assays showed Nd concentrations ranging from 533 to 1,828 ppm, supporting the project's high-value potential.

Implications for Processing and Project Development

The magnetic response profile suggests that staged magnetic separation could effectively concentrate REE-bearing minerals, potentially reducing the mass of material requiring more costly hydrometallurgical treatment downstream. Approximately 78–86% of the total mass was recovered in early magnetic stages at 7,000 Gauss, with a minimal non-magnetic tail of 3–4%, indicating efficient separation.

Importantly, the project team identified two geochemical domains within the deposit, one with lower silica and alumina but higher iron content and REE tenor, and another richer in silicates and alumina but with lower REE concentrations. This domain differentiation offers opportunities for tailored processing strategies and blend optimisation to enhance beneficiation efficiency while maintaining grade stability.

Next Steps: Phase 2 Testing and Scale-Up

Building on these promising Phase 1 results, Eclipse Metals is progressing to a Phase 2 metallurgical program using quarter-core samples from its 2025 diamond drilling campaign. This next phase aims to optimise grind size, refine magnetic separation parameters, and conduct detailed assays of magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. Mineralogical characterisation will also be undertaken to confirm the host phases of REEs and to evaluate additional physical separation methods.

The company emphasises that while the initial findings are promising, they represent preliminary response mapping rather than final concentrate grades or recoveries. The conceptual flowsheet presented is illustrative and subject to validation through ongoing testing.

Strategic Positioning in Greenland’s Critical Minerals Landscape

Grønnedal is part of Eclipse Metals’ broader Greenland portfolio, located near the historic Ivigtût cryolite mine and close to existing infrastructure including a power station, heliport, and active wharf facilities. The project’s favourable logistics complement the technical progress, positioning Eclipse well to advance its rare earth ambitions in a region recognised for its strategic mineral resources.

As Eclipse continues to refine its metallurgical understanding, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how these developments translate into resource economics and project feasibility in the coming months.