Alvo Minerals Limited (ASX: ALV) has received results from initial metallurgical test work undertaken on auger drill samples from the Bluebush Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project.
The results show that excellent REE desorption was achieved across samples taken from the Boa Vista and Sao Bento prospects using industry standard conditions, and crucially confirms that the Bluebush Project is an ionic (adsorption) clay REE project.
Bluebush is located on the northern half of the Serra Dourada granite, the same host rock of the Serra Verde Ionic Clay REE deposit, believed to be the only ionic clay project currently being commissioned outside of China.
Highlights of the extractions include:
• Neodymium (Nd): up to 89%, averaging 60%
• Praseodymium (Pr): up to 86%, averaging 57%
• Dysprosium (Dy): up to 53%, averaging 37%
• Terbium (Tb): up to 69%, averaging 48%
• Total MRE: up to 83%, averaging 56%
Managing director, Rob Smakman, commented, “This is a significant step forward for Bluebush with the confirmation of Ionic clay adsorption hosted mineralization at both Boa Vista and Sao Bento. The results are outstanding for initial metallurgical test work with individual samples of MRE’s recovering up to 83%.”
“We have said from when we acquired this exciting project, there were three things we wanted to clearly demonstrate during the due diligence period: Scale, Grade, and Ionic Clay (Adsorption) Mineralisation. Our results released to date have demonstrated high grades of TREO and MREO near surface and over broad areas at both Boa Vista and Sao Bento prospects, covering the potential size and grade questions. The final, and possibly the most important factor, was establishing the presence of ionic clay adsorption hosted mineralization. The test work released today shows this.” Said Mr. Smakman.
Moving forward, Alvo will undertake further diamond drilling, regional exploration through handheld auger drilling, and the initiation of the Loupe geophysical surveys. The company expects plenty of news flow leading towards the end of 2023.
To find out more, please visit www.alvo.com.au
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