Australian heavy rare earths developer, Northern Minerals Limited (ASX: NTU) has achieved mechanical completion of its Browns Range pilot plant. All the process plant components have been installed, powered up and tested as part of the commissioning process. The beneficiation plant, having been load commissioned in June, is performing well at this stage of the operation with approximately 100 tonnes of xenotime concentrate produced through the beneficiation plant to date.
Australian heavy rare earths developer, Northern Minerals Limited (ASX: NTU) (the Company) is pleased to advise that the Browns Range Pilot Plant has achieved mechanical completion. All the process plant components have been installed, powered up and tested as part of the commissioning process.
The beneficiation plant, having been load commissioned in June, is performing well at this stage of the operation with approximately 100 tonnes of xenotime concentrate produced through the beneficiation plant to date.
With this stockpile of xenotime concentrate ahead of the drier and kiln, both of which have been load commissioned already, the back end of the hydrometallurgical plant from water leach through to rare earth carbonate product can now be load commissioned.
Northern Minerals’ Managing Director and CEO, George Bauk, said “Mechanical completion is an important milestone for the company and having 100 tonnes of xenotime concentrate stockpiled provides a great base as we move into commissioning the back end of the hydromet plant.
“Given we have only been commissioning the pilot plant for a short period of time, early results from the beneficiation plant are very encouraging. Whilst a lot of work remains in the beneficiation plant to achieve key targets, focus will broaden to include the hydrometallurgical plant.”
