The North Stanmore project, under the stewardship of Victory Metals Limited, has recently made significant strides in the exploration and enhancement of rare earth element (REE) extraction, marking a pivotal development in the mining industry. This progress reflects a blend of geochemical research, metallurgical testwork and strategic beneficiation processes that underscore the project’s potential in revolutionising the REE sector.
At the forefront of these advancements is the adoption of upstream beneficiation, a method that has shown to substantially improve leaching efficiency by initially separating optimised REE regolith-clay fractions. This process not only lays a robust foundation for subsequent processing stages but also significantly reduces impurities and reagent consumption, showcasing a strategic leap in mineral processing technology.
A noteworthy highlight from the recent beneficiation test work is the remarkable increase in REE concentration, with the overall Rare Earth Oxide average head grade elevating from 904ppm to 1527ppm. This enhancement not only demonstrates the project’s capacity to boost the concentration of valuable REEs but also cements North Stanmore’s emerging significance in the magnet REE sector, particularly with the exceptional presence of elements such as Dysprosium (Dy), Terbium (Tb), Neodymium (Nd), and Praseodymium (Pr).
Core Resources, tasked with conducting the beneficiation test work in collaboration with ALS Laboratory Brisbane for sample analysis, played a supportive role in this achievement. The work, particularly around testing samples from various depths across the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at North Stanmore, has contributed valuable insights into optimising the beneficiation process. Core’s involvement commenced with Stage 2 of the metallurgical test work in June 2023, leading to notable improvements by July and further test work based on recent drilling programs.
This collective effort has not only enhanced the project’s understanding of REE systematics in ionic clay-regolith environments but also positioned North Stanmore as a key player in meeting the growing demand for REEs. The simple yet effective separation techniques adopted, such as screening and hydrocyclone methods, have proven essential in removing non-target elements, further refining the quality and value of the extracted REE basket.
Looking ahead, the project’s focus on Scandium recovery and the continued exploration and processing innovations promise to significantly elevate the commercial and environmental value of the North Stanmore deposit. This journey underscores the importance of collaboration, technical excellence, and strategic foresight in unlocking the full potential of natural resources for a sustainable future.
Read the full Victory Metals ASX report here
