Mount Ridley Mines has lodged a provisional patent for its SelectroTM hydrometallurgical leach technology, demonstrating superior recoveries of rare earths, scandium, and gallium compared to conventional methods. The company is advancing testwork and commercial discussions to capitalise on the innovation.
- Provisional patent application lodged for SelectroTM Process
- SelectroTM achieves up to 83% HREE and 56% gallium recovery
- Technology uses lower-cost reagents with closed-loop recycling
- Bulk testwork and flotation optimisation underway
- Company pursuing scoping study and international patent protection
Provisional Patent Secures Intellectual Property for SelectroTM Process
Mount Ridley Mines (ASX:MRD) has taken a significant step in protecting its proprietary SelectroTM hydrometallurgical leach technology by lodging a provisional patent application. This move establishes a priority date and opens a 12-month window for pursuing patent protection both in Australia and internationally. The intellectual property is fully owned by Mount Ridley through its subsidiary Mount Ridley Tech Pty Ltd, with no third-party ownership, consolidating control over a decade-long development led by CTO Chris Larder.
SelectroTM Process Outperforms Conventional Leaching Methods
Initial unoptimised testwork on the company's Grass Patch Project material has delivered compelling recoveries: up to 83% for heavy rare earth elements (HREE), 80% for scandium, 72.5% for light rare earth elements (LREE), and notably 56% for gallium. This contrasts sharply with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) baseline tests, which returned zero gallium recovery under identical conditions. These results more than double the average recovery of Mount Ridley’s critical mineral basket compared to conventional acid leaching, highlighting the SelectroTM Process’s potential to unlock value from complex mineral assemblages.
Advancing Bulk Testwork and Flotation Optimisation
Building on these promising results, Mount Ridley has initiated a bulk testwork program that integrates flotation and further SelectroTM Process optimisation. The flotation step is particularly relevant given the recent confirmation that rare earth elements at Grass Patch are hosted in phosphate minerals, which are amenable to concentration by flotation. This approach aims to refine processing strategies and feed into an upcoming scoping study, providing a clearer picture of commercial viability and operational parameters.
Cost and Environmental Advantages of the SelectroTM Process
The SelectroTM Process is designed around lower-cost reagents than traditional hydrochloric acid, coupled with a closed-loop system that recycles reagents without requiring continuous addition during leaching. This design promises potential processing cost savings, although detailed reagent consumption and recycling efficiencies will be evaluated through ongoing larger-scale testwork. Environmentally, the closed-loop system reduces reagent discharge and chemical volumes, offering a smaller footprint compared to conventional hydrometallurgical methods. This advantage is increasingly relevant amid tightening environmental regulations and scrutiny in critical mineral processing.
Pathway to Commercialisation and Third-Party Engagement
With the provisional patent in place and initial metallurgical data supporting the technology’s efficacy, Mount Ridley is positioned to engage with potential partners for scoping studies and collaborative testwork. The company envisions multiple commercial pathways including direct application at its Grass Patch Project, third-party licensing, or a hybrid approach. These discussions aim to unlock further value and accelerate the SelectroTM Process’s journey from innovation to industrial application.
Bottom Line?
Mount Ridley’s patent filing and strong initial recoveries position the SelectroTM Process as a promising technology, but its commercial and cost advantages await validation through ongoing testwork and partnerships.
Questions in the middle?
- How will reagent recycling efficiencies scale in larger testwork and pilot operations?
- What commercial terms might Mount Ridley pursue in potential third-party licensing deals?
- Can the SelectroTM Process maintain its performance across diverse feedstocks beyond Grass Patch?