RARE EARTHS: GeoMegA tweaks processing for Montviel PEA

QUEBEC – GeoMegA Resources of Montreal has finalized the process flow sheet for the preliminary economic assessment of its Montviel rare earths-niobium deposit, located one hour north of Lebel-sur-Quevillon. The flowsheet will include flotation, leaching of rare earths, hydrochloride regeneration and precipitation.

Beneficiation tests have been completed to produce both pyrochlore and rare earths concentrates, as have hydrometallurgical tests to produce a mixed rare earths concentrate. Tests to produce a niobium concentrate from the pyrochlore by leaching are ongoing.

Testing revealed an average 83% overall recovery for neodymium, europium, praseodymium and gadolinium. The rate for dysprosium was 64% and for yttrium was 45%. They also indicate an average 93% overall recovery for niobium after rare earths leaching.

Using what was learned in the various metallurgical tests, GeoMegA says the final flowsheet significantly reduces reagent consumption and handling. Further improvements are to be achieved during the pilot stage.

The company and Montreal's Polytechnique Physical Engineering Department, is developing a proprietary physical separation technology to process mixed rare earths concentrate into individual elements.

Read more about the Montviel rare earths-niobium project at RessourcesGeomega.ca.