#Brazil #São Paulo #IMC Rare Earths #Hatch Engineering #ANSTO

IMC Rare Earths Partners with Hatch and ANSTO for Enhanced Development of Brazil Project

IMC Rare Earths Ltd is making significant strides in the development of its Itarantim ionic adsorption clay rare earth project located in Brazil. Partnering with renowned firms Hatch and ANSTO, IMC is advancing engineering and metallurgical programs aimed at optimizing recovery methods for rare earth materials, which are crucial for various high-tech applications.

Collaboration for Progress

The company has enlisted Hatch, a respected global engineering consultancy, to conduct a detailed study expected to complete by the first quarter of 2027. This study will evaluate different approaches for mining and recovering rare earth elements, particularly focusing on processing techniques that could yield significant amounts of strategic resources such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium. These elements are pivotal in advanced technologies, including renewable energy and electronics.

Hatch will compare traditional methods like open-pit mining and leaching against innovative techniques like in-situ recovery (ISR), which allows for the extraction of rare earths without disturbing the surrounding clay. This comparative analysis will not only consider the technical feasibility of each method but also look at production scale, development timelines, and preliminary cost estimates. Environmental and social factors will also play a critical role in determining the best pathway forward for the Itarantim project.

Advanced Recovery Techniques

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is also involved in the project, conducting extensive laboratory testing on clay samples from various blocks of the Itarantim site. ANSTO's metallurgical program is exploring three potential recovery methods: vat leaching using magnesium sulfate, heap leaching where recovery solutions percolate through the clay, and ISR.

By examining these recovery techniques, ANSTO aims to recommend the most suitable method for extracting rare earth elements from the Itarantim deposit. Their findings are expected to inform not only recovery processes but also provide insights into impurity removal and the eventual production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC).

To push forward with practical applications, ANSTO is tasked with producing approximately one kilogram of dry MREC from trench material adjacent to an identified drillhole. This batch production will serve as a demonstration sample, allowing potential customers to evaluate the material's composition and suitability for commercial usage.

Commitment to Innovation

CEO Frank Scolaro stated, “Our goal is to exploit Itarantim's wealth of rare earth elements effectively while ensuring the highest standards of environmental and technical compliance.” With operational funding secured and an ambitious work program in place, IMC is well-positioned to meet their objectives in the field.

Scolaro also acknowledges the dedication of their Brazilian team, emphasizing that their commitment is pivotal in translating technical milestones into actionable progress.

This collaboration between IMC, Hatch, and ANSTO represents an important step in the rare earths sector, addressing the growing global demand for these critical materials. The results from the study and testing programs will ultimately guide IMC’s strategy as they strive to establish an efficient and environmentally responsible framework for rare earth extraction and processing at Itarantim.

As the project unfolds, stakeholders and potential customers are closely watching the developments, anticipating insights that could redefine the landscape of rare earth production in Brazil and beyond.