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Rare Element Reports on Progress of Metallurgical Testwork On Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project

by User Not Found | Oct 10, 2012
Lakewood, Colorado---Rare Element Resources Ltd. (TSX: RES and NYSE MKT: REE) is pleased to announce that in-depth metallurgical and process data is being developed to be incorporated into the Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project's definitive Feasibility Study (FS) scheduled to commence in Q1 2013.
Poised to begin definitive Feasibility Study in early 2013

Lakewood, Colorado---Rare Element Resources Ltd. (TSX: RES and NYSE MKT: REE) is pleased to announce that in-depth metallurgical and process data is being developed to be incorporated into the Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project's definitive Feasibility Study (FS) scheduled to commence in Q1 2013.

Jaye T. Pickarts, Chief Operating Officer, remarked, "We are pleased with the progress of our technical work necessary to advance our process and introduce efficiencies that will be incorporated in the FS. To that end, we are working on numerous studies to optimize our development plan. Our goal is to implement the most efficient, effective and environmentally sound process to concentrate the rare earth elements (REEs) found at Bear Lodge and the surrounding target areas."

Upon completion of the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) in April 2012, several metallurgical test programs were identified as necessary to provide additional data to support the FS. The following test programs were initiated after April 2012.

  1. Variability testwork to quantify the metallurgical performance of all parts of the Bull Hill deposit. Eleven different composite samples that reflect the mineralogical and spatial distribution of the REE mineralization in the Bull Hill deposit are being used in the test program.

  2. Process development for the mineralized heavy rare earth element (HREE) samples from the Whitetail Ridge deposit, and the East Taylor and Carbon HREE target areas.

  3. Preliminary paste tailing physical characteristic testwork to determine the optimum tailing density and material handling requirements.

  4. Process testing and development for separated rare earth products. The first phase of this program is designed to remove impurities remaining in the process leach solution (PLS). Upon successful completion of this program, an investigation to produce separate rare earth products will be conducted using solvent extraction and/or other technologies.

Pilot Plant Summary
The data developed by the pilot plant testwork supporting the PFS indicate that additional testwork is needed to completely quantify the metallurgical performance of the ore body. The physical upgrade results were encouraging, and show that upgrading is dependent on ore characteristics.

Summary of Pilot Plant Results
Physical Upgrade

    TREE Analysis, %    
Type Weight % Feed Preconcentrate Recovery, %
High Grade 74.2 14.4 19.5 91.6
Stock Work 22.1 2.8 10.5 78.7
West Trench 40.8 7.3 12.4 81.6

 The leach extraction results are also encouraging, but indicate that additional work is needed to maximize the REE recovery

Summary of Pilot Plant Results
Leach Extraction and Neutralization Results

Element Extraction, %
La 89.9
Ce 90.1
Nd 81.5
Pr 82.4
Fe 19.0
Mn 82.2

Variability Bench Scale Testwork

Exploration drilling conducted during the 2011 drilling season included areas in the main Bull Hill deposit and the Bull Hill Northwest deposit. Samples were collected from drill core representing the mineralogical and spatial distribution of mineralization in the deposits. Bench scale testwork is currently being conducted by SGS Lakefield Canada on these samples to quantify metallurgical performance issues, if any.

The test program includes Physical Upgrade (PUG) grade work to develop baseline data for REE mineral concentration of each ore sample. The PUG bench attrition grinding and screening work is being performed to maximize the total rare earth oxide (TREO) content in the physical pre-concentrate, while reducing the overall mass. In addition, Hydrometallurgical Optimization Tests by using HCl leaching are being conducted on each of the pre-concentrate samples produced in the PUG.

Forensic mineralogy of metallurgical filter cake product is also being conducted, using QEMSCAN high definition mineralogy. Forensic mineralogy is a useful tool to decrease rare earth oxide (REO) losses, improve overall recoveries, and enhance the viability of the project.

The variability bench scale testwork is scheduled for Q4 2012.

HREE Testwork
A new resource estimate was derived for the Whitetail Ridge resource area upon completion of the 2011 exploration drilling season. The 2011 drilling identified significant potential in previously undrilled areas between the Bull Hill and Whitetail Ridge deposits, and defined HREE-enriched resources in the East Taylor and Carbon targets. Mountain States R&D International (MSRDI), Vail, Arizona is currently conducting scoping metallurgical testwork on bulk samples from these areas. The major objective of this project (Phase I) is to provide mineral characterization of the three areas and to develop a conceptual processing method for the extraction of the light and heavy REEs. The test plan will explore and evaluate a variety and combination of pre-concentration methods, followed by acid leaching and recovery, if applicable. Samples from each of these areas will be characterized and tested independently. The Company is also conducting a detailed mineralogical evaluation in support of the metallurgical testwork. Additional metallurgical test work is scheduled to start in Q4 2012 at Nagrom, located in Western Australia.

The proposed characterization study includes determination of the following:

  • Size distribution of the minerals of interest

  • Density range of the contained minerals

  • Magnetic characteristics of the valuable minerals

  • Leaching characteristics of the mineralized material, and

  • The most technically and economically effective pre-concentration method(s).

The initial HREE testwork results are expected by Q1 2013.

Paste Tailing Testwork
Two waste streams will be produced at the Hydromet Plant as a result of the hydrometallurgical process. The first is an iron hydroxide precipitate that is produced in the neutralization of the process leach solutions. The second stream is a bi-sulfate residue that is produced during the hydrochloric acid regeneration process. Knight Piésold and Co., Denver, Colorado, is designing the tailing storage facility which will consist of an engineered embankment and double synthetic-lined basin. The two streams will be combined, dewatered and deposited as a paste or thickened material into the basin. By dewatering the mixture, the tailings become more stable, and contaminated water is recycled and reused in the hydrometallurgical process. Knight Piésold is currently conducting mixing tests on the materials to determine the physical characteristics. These data will be used to design the storage facility. The facility will be designed as zero discharge and the paste mixture will provide a very stable and easily reclaimable material.

REE Separation Testwork
Following their earlier testwork, ANSTO Minerals, Australia, is currently conducting the REE separation testwork. The work is being performed in two stages. The first stage will identify whether any further purification work is required for the production of a rare earth carbonate, and whether solvent extraction or other separation methods can be integrated to improve on the current process described in the PFS.

The main objectives of the proposed testwork are to:

  • Carry out single-batch bench scale tests, under conditions consistent with the current flowsheet design

  • Take a sample of physically upgraded concentrate through to rare earth carbonate

  • Obtain an extensive suite of impurity analyses for the main liquor streams

  • Carry out a radionuclide analyses on the samples generated

  • Investigate the suitability of the PLS for direct solvent extraction to produce a rare earth carbonate product, and

  • Investigate whether a solution produced from rare earth carbonate dissolution is amenable for rare earth separation.

As expected, the solution stream, prior to carbonate precipitation, contains some impurities which could exceed the desirable quantities for effective processing to separated products. Test work is underway to remove the impurities through early stage solvent extraction or alternate means.

Preliminary solvent extraction tests were carried out on neutralization liquor to determine the possibility of separating rare earths from the impurities. The initial results indicate that the rare earths can be selectively loaded onto the solvent at a pH of 2.5-3, leaving impurities such as manganese in the raffinate.

pH Curve for 1.1 M Extractant
Chart: pH Curve for 1.1 M Extractant


The second stage of work will identify and evaluate additional processes to achieve a clean REE product. This stage will begin in Q4 2012.

Rare Element Resources Ltd. (NYSE MKT: REE and TSX: RES) is a publicly traded mineral resource company focused on exploration and development of REEs. In addition to the REE exploration and evaluation efforts, the Company controls the Sundance gold project, which is located on the same property in Wyoming.

For information, refer to the Company's website at www.rareelementresources.com or contact Anne Hite, 720-278-2466

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are usually identified by our use of certain terminology, including "will", "believes", "may", "expects", "should", "seeks", "anticipates", "has potential to", or "intends' or by discussions of strategy or intentions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results or achievements to be materially different from any future results or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, and include but are not limited to, estimates and their underlying assumptions; statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to the effectiveness of the Company's business model; future operations, products and services; the impact of regulatory initiatives on the Company's operations; the size of and opportunities related to the market for the Company's products; general industry and macroeconomic growth rates; expectations related to possible joint and/or strategic ventures and statements regarding future performance.

Cautionary Statement
Jaye T. Pickarts, P.E., serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and as an internal, technically Qualified Person. Technical information in this news release has been reviewed by Mr. Pickarts, and has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements that are set out in National Instrument 43-101. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used by the Company to estimate mineral reserves and resources, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the Technical Reports for our project as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We may use certain terms in public disclosures, such as "measured," "indicated," "inferred" and "resources," that are recognized by Canadian regulations, but that SEC guidelines generally prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K which may be secured from us, or from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

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Rare Element Resources
Fact Sheet

Rare Element Resources
Technology Fact Sheet

Most Recent Presentation
The MoneyShow Orlando

October 30, 2023

Money Show Orlando - October 2023

Technical Report Summary on Bear Lodge REE Project

Updated Mineral Resource for Bear Lodge Focused on Key Magnet Materials


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Open House – October 09, 2023

State and community leaders joined Senator Barrasso, Neal Blue and Brent Berg with the ceremonial groundbreaking shovel

Ceremonial groundbreaking with Senator Barrasso, state and community leaders, Neal Blue (GA) and Brent Berg (RER) 

The Company and General Atomics (GA), supported by state and community leaders, celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking for their rare earth demonstration plant.

The presentation at the Open House made by Mr. Berg can be found here.

For a summary of the event, please click here.

Please click here to see a video replay from the Newcastle News Letter Journal of the event.

CEO Corner

Commentary from Kelli Kast,
Interim President, CEO and Director

Continuing Our Progress

As I step into the role of Interim President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) for the coming weeks, I do so with confidence that we will seamlessly continue on the path the Board has set for us of progressing construction of the demonstration plant toward operations this summer, and in continuing to build awareness of the Company, the Bear Lodge Project, and the importance of establishing a secure domestic rare earth supply chain.

Please click here to read full content

Please click here to see appointed President and CEO Ken Mushinski's bio

Demo Plant Construction Update (2/20/24)

Utility Upgrades

Utilities Being Upgraded

Services to the site are being upgraded, including power, water and sewer, to support future plant operations.  Mild weather has allowed us to progress this and other outdoor work.

World-Class Technology Partner

General Atomics Fact Sheet
In 2017, an affiliate of General Atomics, one of the largest, most advanced technology companies in the world, took an equity position in Rare Element Resources.  Since that time, they have brought the full force of their technology development team enhance the Company's recovery/separation technology.
To learn more about General Atomics Click Here

Bear Lodge Panoramic
Sample Drilling
Core Samples

The Bear Lodge Project area is a significant mineralized district that contains one of the largest disseminated rare earth deposits in North America. This deposit contains many of the less common, more valuable rare earths that are essential for the magnet materials used in electronics, fiber optics, laser systems for health and defense, and many evolving green technologies, such as hybrid cars, solar panels and wind turbines. Rare Element Resources owns 100% of the Project. 

During the last few years, the Company, along General Atomics, whose affiliate is RER's majority shareholder, have been advancing their proprietary extraction/separation technology and have successfully produced commercial-grade neodymium/praseodymium (Nd/Pr) oxide in pilot-plant testing.  These materials are key components to the fast-growing, permanent magnet sector. The next step will be operations of a demonstration plant, which is currently under construction in Upton, WY.  Results generated from operating this plant will be used for the design and economic evaluation of a commercial rare earth processing facility. 

Project Highlights

  • Proprietary Rare Earth Extraction/Separation Technology – Successfully advanced the Company’s technology and produced neodymium/praseodymium (Nd/Pr) oxide in pilot-plant testing. Construction of a demonstration plant is currently underway to prove the scalability of the process and define the requirements for a commercial plant.
  • World-Class Technology Partner and Majority Shareholder – General Atomics, through its affiliate, is the majority shareholder in Rare Element Resources, is a technology leader with a proven track record of bringing new ideas to market.  Their understanding of the strategic role rare earths play in numerous advancing technologies makes them keenly aware of the need for a secure, domestic supply of rare earths. Their relationship within the U.S. Government have been essential to our ability to advance our technology.
  • Bear Lodge Project – Well-defined resource with excellent concentrations of the rare earth elements essential to high-strength, permanent magnets and the many industries that depend on them.  Two of those industries, electric vehicles and wind turbines, are expected to drive a doubling of demand for magnet materials in the next 10 years.
  • Strategic Location – Located in northeast Wyoming, the Bear Lodge Project has easy access to a major interstate, transcontinental rail, natural gas and low-power.  The area has existing infrastructure with a ready and skilled workforce.  The State of Wyoming has a rich history of mineral development and a pro-business focus, and its leaders are actively committed to economic diversification. 
  • Strong Federal and State Support – Both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) have shown their support for the Project through funding of over $26M for the demonstration plant.  The DOE continues to pursue ways to secure sources for material that will be key to industrial needs, especially those that support the country’s initiative of reducing carbon emissions, like electric vehicles and wind turbines. The WEA is supporting the State’s desire to diversify employment and understands that Wyoming can play a key role in developing a domestic supply chain – from minerals to magnets. 
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