Core Viewpoint - Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (BRE) has successfully validated a low-temperature sulfuric acid curing process that demonstrates high extraction rates for rare earth elements and uranium, indicating strong potential for scalability and cost efficiency in their operations [1][5]. Metallurgical Optimisation Program - The metallurgical optimisation program was conducted at CDTN, a Brazilian federal research institute, confirming the effectiveness of the low-temperature process at 150°C using standard equipment [2]. - A 15 kg blended composite scale-up test achieved extraction rates consistent with laboratory results, enhancing confidence in the scalability of the process [2]. Extraction Results - The extraction results from the blended composite test are as follows: - Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO): 97% extraction from a head grade of 196,083 ppm, yielding 91% with a recovered grade of 179,279 ppm [4]. - Neodymium + Praseodymium (NdPr): 97% extraction from a head grade of 31,050 ppm, yielding 92% with a recovered grade of 28,543 ppm [4]. - Terbium (Tb): 87% extraction from a head grade of 246 ppm, yielding 82% with a recovered grade of 203 ppm [4]. - Dysprosium (Dy): 83% extraction from a head grade of 1,383 ppm, yielding 78% with a recovered grade of 1,081 ppm [4]. - Yttrium (Y): 84% extraction from a head grade of 6,361 ppm, yielding 79% with a recovered grade of 5,019 ppm [4]. - Uranium (U): 97% extraction from a head grade of 2,627 ppm, yielding 89% with a recovered grade of 2,347 ppm [4]. Process Efficiency - The low-temperature acid-cure process eliminates the need for energy-intensive thermal cracking, supporting a more efficient and cost-effective production model [7]. - The integration of ore sorting with a recovery rate of over 95% results in an estimated total recovery of 92% for NdPr and 89% for uranium, enhancing overall system yields [6][9]. Future Focus - The company aims to apply the validated flowsheet to a broader resource base, facilitating the integration of multiple high-grade feedstocks into a flexible production platform [8].