DevEx Resources (ASX: DEV) has confirmed that column leach metallurgical testing of sample ore from its Kennedy ionic adsorption clay-hosted rare earth elements (REE) project in Queensland has demonstrated strong REE recoveries from within the inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE).
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) investigated the potential for extracting Kennedy’s critical rare earths using a heap-leach process pathway to deliver total magnet rare earth recoveries of up to 68% and minimal (<5%) recovery of low-value cerium at a low acid consumption rate of up to 8 kilograms per tonne.
The results indicate the effective flow of ammonium sulfate solution through the columns, supporting further assessment of a simple heap leach processing route.
Representative Composite Sample
ANSTO performed the test work in consultation with process engineering and metallurgical consultant Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec, utilising a 127kg representative composite sample sourced from previous drilling.
Kennedy’s inferred resource contains important and high-value magnetic rare earth oxides praseodymium, neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium essential to the manufacture of permanent rare earth magnets used in EVs, wind turbines, and other renewable energy applications.
DevEx’s exploration activities have strategically targeted the mineralised zones where these oxides concentrate in grade and thickness.
Resource Growth Potential
Broad-spaced drilling to the south-west of Kennedy’s Inferred resource area — which sits across two pastoral properties — highlighted several areas for in-fill drilling and strong potential to grow the resource with more exploration.
DevEx has access agreements in place to explore both properties and continues to engage with landholders and the wider community to progress the project.
Drilling and first-pass heap leach metallurgical test work identified the potential for a number of favourable mining and processing attributes, with the entire Kennedy Inferred MRE lying within soft clays, allowing easy access to mine the entire deposit without the need to remove overburden.
The company is now of the belief that it can improve extraction results through further optimisation of leach characteristics.
