The Wicheeda 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% LREO[1].
With respect to the results of the Wicheeda pilot plant, SGS stated: 'The recent Wicheeda flotation pilot plant at SGS Lakefield resoundingly achieved its primary goals to validate the laboratory flowsheet at pilot plant scale, to provide data for engineering design, and to generate high grade REO concentrate. Significant opportunities for improvement remain; including further investigation of the effects of reduced pulp temperature and reagent additions, which may provide opportunities for potential future process-cost savings...'
The goals of the flotation pilot plant program were to validate the flowsheet developed during previous test-work on this deposit in 2019 at pilot plant scale, to provide data for engineering design, and to generate high grade REO (Rare Earth Oxide) concentrate. The major findings of the flotation laboratory test work are summarized as follows:
Average REO recovery was 77.3%, in concentrate grading 51.6% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxide) with a mass pull of 7.0% from pilot runs PP14 to PP16C.The major changes made in the pilot plant flowsheet compared with the benchmarking test work flowsheet were: removal of the 1st cleaner scavenger, removal of the 3rd cleaner, reduction of F220 dosage by ~46%, and reduction of sodium fluorosilicate dosage by ~40% with no significant impact on the flotation performance. Higher pulp density (high percent solids, ~30%) was beneficial for improving the flotation recovery and maintaining a good froth stability.The completion of pilot plant test work led to several important areas for further study that have the potential to improve metallurgical performance and reduce energy and reagent inputs leading to potential future process-cost savings; including:Confirm the performance of the flotation circuit at lower pulp temperature (e.g. 60-degreeC).Further evaluate the effect of high-density conditioning, which can potentially provide significant cost savings on pulp heating.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
The 1,708 hectare Wicheeda REE Property, located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of
Geologically, the property is situated in the Foreland Belt and within the Rocky Mountain Trench, a major continental geologic feature. The Foreland Belt contains part of a large alkaline igneous province, stretching from the Canadian Cordillera to the southwestern
Methodology and QA/QC
The Wicheeda flotation test charges were prepared by SGS from the 30 tonne Wicheeda sample which was crushed to nominal 12.7 mm (1/2') using a combination of jaw and cone crushers. The crushed material was homogenized using a front-end loader over a period of several hours.
Head grade, and concentrate products for cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and praseodymium oxides were determined via lithium-borate fusion of a 0.5 gram sample analyzed via wavelength dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF).
The SGS analysis included a quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program including the insertion of rare earth element standard and blank samples.
About
About SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 94,000 employees, we operate a network of more than 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
Contact:
Tel: (778) 994 8072
Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca
Forward Looking Information
This news release includes certain statements that constitute 'forward-looking information or statements' within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation,
Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate', 'plans', 'estimates' or 'intends', or stating that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) risks related to rare earth elements, and other commodity price fluctuations; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results; (iii) risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; (iv) that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; (v) that
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, adverse weather conditions, increase in costs, equipment failures, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of rare earth elements, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and
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