Medallion Resources unveils revamped rare-earth element extraction flowsheet

Medallion Resources Ltd (CVE:MDL) (OTCMKTS:MLLOF) has finished the development of a proprietary flowsheet to extract rare-earth element (REE) concentrate from monazite sand.

The extraction process, known as “caustic crack,” received an energy-efficient overhaul, according to a statement released Thursday. The new flowsheet includes the option to use a zero liquid discharge, which purifies and recycles all wastewater and allows for planning and permitting flexibility. 

For the workers, the process automates tasks that require low manpower and keeps workers isolated from harsh chemical, thermal and radiological environments.

READ: Medallion Resources raises C$564,120 in first tranche of placing to advance its rare earth ambitions

The process makes use exclusively of off-the-shelf equipment along with tweaks from the company. 

“We believe this new flowsheet represents an important improvement in the processing of monazite—holding promise of a highly automated and cost-efficient process,” Medallion’s metallurgist Kurt Forrester said. “These are important advantages that can help meet the increasing market demands for non-Chinese rare-earth products.”

Forrester oversaw the design of the enhanced process, and developmental test work was performed at the Saskatchewan Research Council’s Mineral and Metallurgy Division.

Contact Andrew Kessel at [email protected] 

Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel

Story by ProactiveInvestors