Breakthrough Technology Enhances Product Quality and Recovery at Splinter Rock
OD6 Metals has announced a significant advancement in its rare earth processing capabilities with the successful implementation of Ion Exchange (IX) technology at its Splinter Rock Project. This technological breakthrough has substantially improved impurity removal and product quality, positioning the company as a leading innovator in the rare earth element (REE) sector.
The company's Splinter Rock Project, which boasts an impressive 682 million tonne JORC Mineral Resource at 1,338ppm TREO, has now demonstrated enhanced processing efficiency that could dramatically improve project economics.
"Our flowsheet development has been led by a clear vision—delivering a high-quality product that meets the needs of global customers. We've focused not only on product purity and recovery but also on reducing capital and operating costs to ensure robust project economics," commented Managing Director Brett Hazelden.
Key Processing Innovations Drive Superior Results
The newly implemented Ion Exchange technology has delivered several critical improvements:
- Enhanced removal of impurities including iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al)
- ~75% overall recovery of valuable neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) elements
- Successful development of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) removal circuit
- Minimal REE loss of less than 1% during the IX process
- Optimized Impurity Removal (IR) Precipitation and Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) separation
The integration of IX technology significantly reduces downstream processing risk while improving product purity. This addresses a critical challenge in rare earth processing, as lower impurity levels generally result in higher product value and expanded global market access.
Understanding Ion Exchange Technology
Ion Exchange is a chemical process where ions are exchanged between a solution and a solid material, typically a resin. In rare earth processing, this technology concentrates valuable elements while selectively removing impurities.
The process functions similarly to using carbon in gold leaching, where gold in liquid is absorbed onto carbon and then recovered through electrowinning. For OD6, the primary advantages include:
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Selective impurity removal | High-purity product with <0.001 wt% U and Th |
| Smaller IR circuit | Lower capital expenditure |
| Minimal rare earth losses | <1% loss during IX process |
| Low energy requirements | Reduced operational costs |
| Commercial scalability | Proven technology in industrial applications |
In practical terms, the IX process at Splinter Rock involves passing the heap leach liquor (post-nanofiltration) through a column filled with commercially available resin at a temperature of 23°C. During this period, the resin selectively binds rare earth elements based on size and charge differences. The barren liquor is then treated and recycled to the heap leach pads for further use.
After the REEs are captured onto the resin, they are recovered through an elution process. This involves passing a NaCl solution (acidified to pH 2 using HCl) through the resin at 23°C over 21 hours at a rate of 0.5 bed volume per hour, which displaces the REEs and washes them into solution for downstream processing.
Inside Centre Deposit Demonstrates Outstanding Results
The Inside Centre deposit at Splinter Rock has shown particularly promising results:
- 119 Mt Indicated Resource at 1,632ppm TREO
- Column leach recoveries of ~80% for Nd & Pr and ~60-70% for Dy & Tb
- Acid consumption reduced from 37.2 kg/t to just ~7.5 kg/t using nanofiltration
- Continuing recovery increases even after 80+ days of leaching
The flowsheet optimization combines heap leaching, nanofiltration, ion exchange, and impurity removal processes to create a more efficient and cost-effective operation. This approach eliminates several expensive processing steps such as leach tanks, thickening, clay washing, and solid-liquid separation.
Breakthrough in Nanofiltration Acid Recovery
Nanofiltration technology has delivered remarkable results for OD6, including:
- 84.5% HCl recovered to permeate (recycled)
- 94% of REEs retained in retentate for further processing
- 69% reduction in liquor volume processed downstream
- Significant reductions in both reagent use and plant size
The nanofiltration testing was conducted using both actual and synthetic heap leach solutions at 38 bar pressure with commercially available membranes. This process represents a critical innovation in reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.
Market Implications and Strategic Advantage
A key benefit of OD6's process innovations is the ability to produce a higher-quality Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) product with lower impurity levels, particularly uranium and thorium. This is critically important for market acceptance and product value.
Specifications for U/Th in MREC vary by customer, but OD6's ability to achieve <0.001 wt% levels of both U and Th positions the company to meet even the most stringent market requirements of U < 2 ppm and Th < 5 ppm. This significantly improves product payability and expands potential worldwide offtake opportunities.
The company is strategically aligned with government priorities for rare earths development, with Managing Director Brett Hazelden noting, "It is also pleasing to see the Hon Madeleine King MP discussing Rare Earths at the Diggers and Dealers Mining forum this week. The innovations of heap leach, nanofiltration and ion exchange strongly position the Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project for potential government support moving forward."
Next Steps and Future Development
OD6 Metals has outlined several important next steps:
- Completion of Mixed Rare Earth Product Precipitation tests
- Optioneering Study by CPC Engineering to evaluate multiple technically viable flowsheets
- Testwork scale-up using twin-holed diamond core material
- Production of ~1kg MREC for testing and offtake discussions
The company is now well-positioned to advance toward the optimal development pathway for Splinter Rock, with the Optioneering Study expected to be completed this quarter.
Why Investors Should Follow OD6 Metals
OD6 Metals represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals sector for several key reasons:
- Resource Quality: Splinter Rock hosts Australia's largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth deposit
- Processing Innovation: Breakthrough technologies improving recovery and reducing costs
- Product Purity: Ability to produce high-quality MREC with minimal impurities
- Potential Government Support: Innovations align with government priorities for rare earths
- Market Positioning: Meeting global standards for product purity and expanding offtake potential
The combination of a world-class resource with innovative processing technology positions OD6 Metals to become a significant player in the global rare earths supply chain, particularly for magnet rare earths critical to renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies.
As the company advances toward development decisions, investors should closely monitor progress on the Optioneering Study and upcoming metallurgical test results, which could further strengthen the project economics and development pathway.
Ready to Invest in the Future of Rare Earth Elements?
Discover how OD6 Metals is revolutionising rare earth processing with breakthrough Ion Exchange technology at their Splinter Rock Project. With enhanced product quality, superior recovery rates, and reduced costs, OD6 is positioned to become a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain. Visit OD6 Metals' website to learn more about their innovative approach and significant 682 million tonne resource that could deliver exceptional returns for forward-thinking investors.
