American Rare Earths to provide an update on metallurgical test work conducted on ore from the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming, USA. Under the guidance of Wood PLC, one of the world's leading engineering companies, the metallurgical test work completed to date indicates a simple process flowsheet as the ore responds well to conventional technology. This enables notable opportunities to reduce the project's operating and capital costs. After conducting a series of initial WHIMS tests, the optimal operating parameters produced a 90.5% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) recovery for a cumulative grade of 1.18% TREO (11,200ppm). This is an upgrade factor of 3.3 relative to the original feed material with 71.7% of feed mass being rejected at this early stage of the process. These results were based off a primary grind size of 80% passing 500 microns which is considered a coarse grind. This was consistent with mineralogy test work results that showed the target rare earth mineral Allanite can be easily liberated. The coarser grind will result in lower operating costs as less energy will be consumed through the primary grinding circuit. Rejecting 71.7% of feed mass containing gangue (worthless) materials at this early stage of the process is very positive. This provides opportunities to reduce capital and operating costs, as well as supporting commitment to minimise environmental footprint. shows a conceptual flowsheet featuring a two-stage crushing circuit, HPGR and primary ball mill. However, other options, such as primary crushing and single stage SAG milling, will be evaluated in engineering studies to follow the test work program completion. The Company continues to advance the Halleck Creek project and has made significant progress over the past few months. Since December 2022 the Company has issued a steady stream of ASX announcements as work continues to fast track the development of this key project, including: Mineralogy test results showing that rare earth host mineral can be easily liberated.
Host mineral Allanite contains approximately 90% of total rare earths present. Simplicity of mineral liberation allows for high recovery rates. Ore strength (softness) is ranked in the lowest 14th percentile of 1,300 global projects. Ore will require less grinding and reduced energy use, resulting in lower capital and
operating costs. Completion of a 38-hole drill program with ARR on track to define a significant JORC resource. Preliminary assay results show consistent materialisation down to depths of 175.5 meters, a 75.5% increase over the original exploration target of 1.01-1.27 billion tonnes of rare earth mineralised rocks.
Drilling confirms the geological structure containing rare earth elements is significantly larger than previously thought and remains open at depth.
Identified potential new rare earth deposit, with 118 new claims staked to increase mineral control in the Halleck Creek district by 26%.