Defense Metals Corp. Initiates Pre-Pilot Hydrometallurgical Optimization for its Rare Earth Elements Project
source：PRNewswire
VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Defense Metals Corp. ('Defense Metals' or the 'Company') (TSX-V: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce that it has commissioned SGS Canada Inc. ('SGS') to complete additional pre-pilot hydrometallurgical test work utilizing high-grade rare earth element (REE) mineral concentrate produced during the Company's highly successful 26 tonne flotation pilot-plant that yielded a mineral concentrate averaging 7.4% NdPr oxide (neodymium-praseodymium) (see Defense Metals news release dated September 23, 2020).
Craig Taylor, CEO comments:
'The previously closed $0.25 per share private placement financing will be used to conduct additional fill-in hydrometallurgical test-work with the objective of capitalizing on opportunities that have been identified to optimize and improve on our already exceptional hydromet recoveries. As previously disclosed, we intend to complete the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) by the end of the Q1 2021.'
Bench-scale hydrometallurgical test work finalized earlier this year and designed to inform operation of a large-scale hydrometallurgical pilot-plant, yielded ~ 90% TREE (Total REE) recovery from concentrate into a chloride-based leach solution, and production of a high-grade 67.5% TREE mixed hydroxide precipitate (see Defense Metals news release dated February 20, 2020).
The recently commissioned fill-in test work will have the following objectives:
Increase overall REE extraction into high purity final REE precipitate.
Examine impact of recycling certain process streams on metallurgical performance.
Prepare for the operation of a hydrometallurgical pilot plant.
Wicheeda REE Project
The Wicheeda REE project has indicated mineral resources of 4,890,000 tonnes averaging 3.02% LREO (Light Rare Earth Elements) and inferred mineral resources of 12,100,000 tonnes averaging 2.90% LREO1.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Property has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a director of Defense Metals and a 'Qualified Person' as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, military, national security and the production of 'GREEN' energy technologies, such as, high strength alloys and rare earth magnets. Defense Metals has an option to acquire 100% of the 1,708 hectare Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol 'DEFN' on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under 'DFMTF' on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under '35D'.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.