American Rare Earths (ARR) has flagged potential cost savings following metallurgical testwork on ore from its Halleck Creek project in Wyoming, US.

The tests indicated a simpler process to maximise the recovery of neodymium and praseodymium. Dry Drum Magnetic Separator

Initial tests using wet high-intensity magnetic separation (WHIMS) yielded 90.5 per cent total rare earth oxides (TREO) recovery using a coarse grind of 500 microns.

The tests also showed a “highly positive” 71.7 per cent rejection of feed mass.

“These latest metallurgical test results are extremely encouraging and continue to advance the Halleck Creek Project a step closer towards commercial reality,” ARR CEO and Managing Director Chris Gibbs said.

“This simple process flow sheet translates to lower operating costs and reduced capital investment and environmental impact.

“Having low thorium and uranium penalty elements is a huge advantage for this project to produce a low-cost rare earth concentrate.”

The recent tests build off “outstanding” mineralogy test work results previously announced to the market in December 2022.

Perm Roll Magnetic Separator ARR shares were down 3.7 per cent and trading at 26 cents at 3:01 pm AEDT.