Brazilian Critical Minerals (ASX: BCM) has engaged Altris Engineering to spearhead the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase of its Ema Rare Earth Project, aiming to advance the project from feasibility towards financing and construction readiness.
- Altris Engineering continues from BFS as Lead Design Engineer
- FEED phase to refine engineering, procurement, and capital cost
- 24-week FEED program targets enhanced project maturity ahead of FID
- Transition planned to Brazilian contractor for detailed design
- Focus on reducing technical and execution risks
Altris Engineering Reappointed to Maintain Momentum
Brazilian Critical Minerals has tapped Altris Engineering to lead the critical Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase for its flagship Ema Rare Earth Project in Amazonas State, Brazil. This appointment ensures continuity from the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) stage, where Altris also held the engineering reins, preserving deep project knowledge and mitigating risks associated with onboarding new consultants.
FEED Aims to Sharpen Project Execution and Financing Readiness
The FEED phase, expected to span roughly 24 weeks, will mature the existing process plant and infrastructure designs, confirm major equipment selections, and develop procurement packages. This work is pivotal for BCM to refine capital cost estimates and execution schedules, ultimately providing a more robust engineering foundation to support project financing, regulatory approvals, and the Final Investment Decision (FID).
Managing Director Andrew Reid underscored the importance of this phase, highlighting that FEED shifts the focus from feasibility towards execution by finalising engineering decisions and vendor quotations, which should reduce technical and execution risks ahead of construction.
Procurement and Vendor Engagement Central to FEED
A key FEED deliverable is advancing major equipment packages to the point of technically conforming vendor quotations, enhancing certainty around pricing and delivery timelines. Altris will handle equipment specifications, datasheets, and quotation evaluations, working alongside BCM and specialist consultants to optimise capital efficiency and operational performance.
Seamless Transition to Brazilian Detailed Design Contractor
Upon FEED completion, a Brazilian contractor, compliant with the CONFEA/CREA regulatory framework, will take over detailed engineering and construction documentation. Altris will facilitate this handover to preserve design continuity and uphold the engineering intent established during BFS and FEED phases, smoothing the pathway towards construction.
The Ema Project itself focuses on in-situ recovery of rare earth elements from ionic adsorption clays using magnesium sulphate solution, a method historically concentrated in China and Southeast Asia. BCM aims to position Ema as a strategically important, low-cost rare earth source outside these regions, aligning with global supply diversification trends.
With a robust BFS underpinning the project economics and recent capital injections to accelerate development, this FEED appointment marks a significant step in BCM’s methodical approach to de-risking and advancing Ema towards becoming a viable producing asset.
Bottom Line?
The FEED phase under Altris Engineering will be a critical litmus test for BCM’s ability to translate feasibility into execution-ready plans, setting the stage for financing and construction decisions.
Questions in the middle?
- How will vendor quotations during FEED impact the final capital cost and schedule?
- What timeline does BCM anticipate for the Final Investment Decision following FEED completion?
- How will the transition to a Brazilian contractor affect project execution risks and costs?