Australian Rare Earths (ASX:AR3) announced a significant metallurgical breakthrough at its Koppamurra Project, producing a high-purity mixed rare earth oxide using conventional, low-risk processing technology.
Recent testwork demonstrated exceptional oxalate precipitation performance, achieving 99.9% recovery of rare earths from solution while rejecting the majority of impurities.
The resulting MREO contains a strategically valuable assemblage, including magnet-critical elements as well as yttrium, gadolinium, samarium, and lutetium—materials increasingly constrained by China's export controls.
The oxalate precipitation pathway offers a simpler downstream purification process than the mixed rare earth carbonate flowsheets used by other western ionic clay projects.
Early results indicate the calcined product could reach approximately 98.6% total rare earth oxides plus yttrium oxide, with minimal impurities, positioning Koppamurra to deliver a market-ready, high-quality rare earth intermediate.
The company is now conducting an optimisation program with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation to refine the oxalate route ahead of its pre-feasibility study, while engaging potential customers for this geopolitically relevant, cost-effective rare earth supply option.
At the time of reporting, Australian Rare Earths' share price was $0.22.