Name otf the Project
Cummins Range rare earths project.
Location
Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Project Owner/s
RareX.
Project Description
A scoping study has demonstrated the potential viability of the project.
The study envisages a mine and flotation beneficiation facility at site, producing a rare-earth mineral concentrate and a phosphate mineral concentrate, which are trucked along mainly sealed roads to Wyndham Port.
At the port, a hydroelectric powered rare earth refinery facility is envisaged that will produce a mixed rare-earth carbonate (MREC) product for export, with a by-product of merchant-grade phosphoric acid. In addition to these products is the phosphate mineral concentrate, which contains elevated rare earth grades.
About 89 000 t/y of MREC (dry), 128 800 t/y of phosphate concentrate (dry) and 13 500 t/y of phosphoric acid will be produced.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of A$633-million and an internal rate of return of 29%, with a payback of 2.8 years.
Capital Expenditure
A$430-million
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
The RareX board has approved the start of a prefeasibility study on the project.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
RareX, tel +61 8 6383 6593 or email info@rarex.com.au.