Aldoro advances direct hydrometallurgical route at Kameelburg

Aldoro Resources has made a significant advancement in the field of rare earth element extraction with the successful validation of its proprietary direct “rock-to-MREC” hydrometallurgical flowsheet at the Kameelburg project in Namibia. This innovative process has resulted in the production of a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) grading 39.6% total rare earth elements (TREE) and a strontium carbonate sample at 79.2% SrCO3.

The testwork, conducted by CM Solutions Metlab (Pty) Ltd. in Johannesburg, was performed on representative diamond drillcore composites. The process utilized ambient temperature and pressure, with a leach residence time of approximately two hours. This innovative method successfully bypasses traditional, more complex procedures such as conventional flotation beneficiation and energy-intensive high-temperature acid baking or roasting. By doing so, Aldoro Resources aims to eliminate flotation recovery losses and reduce the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) associated with conventional concentrators and high-temperature kilns.

The key outcomes from the testwork are as follows:

• MREC graded 39.6% TREE, equivalent to 47.5% total rare earth oxides (TREO) as-dried, or approximately 55%-57% TREO on a moisture-adjusted basis.
• Rare earth oxides constituted 85.3% of the measured metal oxides.
• Combined uranium and thorium levels were reported at 3.7 g/t.
• The strontium carbonate sample assayed at 79.2% SrCO3.

These results represent preliminary testwork from a validation flowsheet and should be considered a proof of concept rather than a finalized process. Further parameter optimization is anticipated to enhance the efficiency and output of the process.

Quinn Li, Chairperson of Aldoro Resources, emphasized the significance of this achievement:

“…for the first time, we have demonstrated our proprietary integrated pathway from mineralized rock to physical MREC and strontium carbonate products. The significance lies in the relative simplicity of the potential processing route…”

This breakthrough highlights the potential for a more efficient and cost-effective method of extracting valuable rare earth elements and strontium carbonate, which are essential for numerous technological and industrial applications. The simplicity and efficiency of this process could position Aldoro Resources as a leader in the sustainable and economical extraction of these crucial materials.