OD6 Metals Limited (ASX:OD6) Enhances Splinter Rock Processing with Ion Exchange Technology
Technical Enhancements
OD6 Metals Limited has implemented Ion Exchange (IX) resin technology to enhance impurity removal at the Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project. This advancement improves the removal of iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al), resulting in higher product purity and reduced downstream processing risks.
Process Improvements
The IX process has achieved excellent recoveries of neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) at approximately 75%. Additionally, the successful removal of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) expands potential global offtake markets by improving product payability. The process ensures minimal Rare Earth Element (REE) loss of less than 1% and optimises both capital and operating costs.
Future Plans
OD6 Metals is conducting an Optioneering Study with CPC Engineering to evaluate and select the preferred development pathway. Plans also include scaling up heap leach and impurity removal testwork using quintuple (PQ) drill holes to produce Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) samples for further testing and offtake discussions.
Executive Comments
Managing Director Brett Hazelden commented, “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.
Integrating Ion Exchange into our flowsheet allows us to de-risk and improve the impurity removal process, specifically targeting aluminium, iron, uranium and thorium—key drivers of product payability.
The combined heap leaching and impurity removal process flowsheets that we have tested in conjunction with ANSTO, are currently being assessed by CPC Engineering to determine the optimal development pathway.
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, nano filtration and ion exchange strongly position the Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project for potential government support moving forward.”
Motley Fool contributor Lianne Eastty has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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