Longonjo study lifts HREE production fivefold

Pensana is pleased to announce that following a detailed evaluation of the Longonjo flow sheet the Company has identified the scope to increase the content of heavy rare earths within its high-value Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) product by more than five times.

This detailed technical review was initiated in response to growing demand from offtake partners seeking secure supplies of light rare earth elements from 2027 and also an increasing demand for heavy rare earths - essential for high-performance automotive and other advanced applications.

The review has shown that by installing a selective Heavy Rare Earth Oxide (HREO) recovery circuit prior to the product precipitation process stream the recovery of Dysprosium (DyO) and Terbium (TbO), two of the most valuable heavy rare earth elements, into the MREC product can be significantly increased.

The findings suggest that the current 30 tonnes per annum of HREO contained within the MREC can be increased to up to 160 tonnes per annum of HREO comprising 130 tonnes of DyO and 30 tonnes of TbO in the MREC product.

Early discussions with potential offtake partners have indicated that this increased content of HREO in the MREC product would strengthen the demand and valuation for this clean, high value product.

The study is currently finalising the capital and operating cost of the HREO recovery circuit, however the projected increase in revenue of the high value HREO, which trades at $208,000 per tonne for Dysprosium oxide and $918,950 per tonne for Terbium oxide, is expected to demonstrate that the HREO will make a strong positive economic contribution to the project.

Tim George CEO commented: "This evaluation has set Longonjo out as one of the few suppliers coming online in the near term capable of supporting the full mine-to-magnet supply chain with both light and heavy rare earths. Our offtake partners have been clear about their requirements and in response this circuit upgrade will further enhance Longonjo's importance within the rare earth landscape. "