American Rare Earths Limited CEO Donald Swartz has revealed exciting developments at the Halleck Creek project, as the company explores the promising zircon co-product potential alongside Rare Earth Elements (REEs) processing. In collaboration with the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming, this research aims to capitalize on the increasing global demand for zircon, a crucial mineral used in industries such as ceramics, electronics, and nuclear energy.
Zirconium, the primary mineral in zircon, has shown high potential for efficient separation and upgrading due to its high density. Historic assay results at Halleck Creek have indicated a significant in-situ grade of 2,077 parts per million (ppm), far surpassing the average crustal abundance of 300 ppm. This highlights the substantial concentration of zirconium at the site, paving the way for economic value when produced as a co-product alongside REEs.
Through ongoing research and development efforts, American Rare Earths Limited aims to maximize the economic potential of zircon at Halleck Creek. By implementing innovative beneficiation techniques such as gravity separation and magnetic removal of paramagnetic minerals, the company seeks to enhance the overall economics of the project and generate additional revenue through the extraction of zirconium.
CEO Donald Swartz emphasized the transformative impact of integrating zirconium extraction into the REEs processing flow, positioning the company strategically to meet the growing demand for these critical materials. With a focus on diversifying product output and improving project viability, American Rare Earths Limited is on track to unlock the full potential of the Halleck Creek project and drive profitability in the rare earths market.
