Arafura Resources completes key technology

THE BOURSE WHISPERER: Australian rare earths company Arafura Resources has successfully completed its Hydrochloric acid regeneration program.

The program is an integral part of the company’s wider, previously reported Technology program.

The process involves taking calcium chloride residues from the Phosphate circuit and re-acting them with Sulphuric acid to produce re-useable Hydrochloric acid, a key raw material in Arafura’s pre-leach circuit, and calcium sulphate (gypsum), a potential saleable product into various end applications.

The importance of the achievement is that it reduces Arafura’s dependence on external Hydrochloric acid sources.

The program has been a truly international affair with AMMTEC having successfully operated the demonstration plant on a continuous basis at its facility in Perth, Western Australia, with involvement from experts from the University of Montreal, Canada, and Arafura’s Technology team.

The demonstration facility has successfully achieved:

    – Production of 32% Hydrochloric acid from a simulated recycle stream similar to the Phosphate circuit waste liquors, with a recycle efficiency of at least 97.5%; 
    – Production of crystalline gypsum with filtration characteristics suitable for processing via commercially available filters; 
    – Production of Dihydrate gypsum. Feedback from one major gypsum user indicates that this material has potential for future commercial use; 
    – Provision of detailed design and operating data for the Bankable Feasibility Study.

“The successful completion of this demonstration program highlights Arafura’s commitment to the Nolans Project and its efforts to de-risk key technological aspects,” Arafura Resources managing director and CEO Dr Steve Ward said,

“This is important for potential financiers and provides valuable technical and operating experience for Arafura. The successful completion of this work is another major step forward for us.

“The logistical and economic benefits of Hydrochloric acid regeneration and gypsum production will now be incorporated into the Bankable Feasibility Study.

“Engineering design is now underway for the overall flowsheet, and customers are being further engaged for evaluation of the gypsum product for potential offtake.”