Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:IXR, OTC:IXRRF) has made notable progress in the construction of the technical facility and demonstration plant at the Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda, which the company says is one of the most advanced rare earth projects globally
Managed by local entity Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited, the Makuutu Demonstration Plant is on track with foundational construction and erection of the technical facility's steel columns and structure.
This plant seeks to validate test work and provide a strong basis for grade control, mine design, material handling, metallurgical reconciliation and construction while maximising stage one DFS results.
The technical facility structure is anticipated to be completed by late November, complete with electrical and water installations which will mark the end of a nine-month process from initial land acquisition to final construction.
Makuutu’s basket contains 71% magnet and heavy rare earths content and is available as a source for new supply chains emerging across Europe, the US and Asia.
Demonstration Plant - key milestone
IonicRE managing director Tim Harrison said: “The progress at Makuutu over the past six weeks has been pleasing as land access agreements are now rapidly being progressed across all three districts that host the Makuutu Stage 1 Mining Licence Application (MLA) area at Retention Licence (RL) 1693, under TN03834 pending award.
“The progress allows IonicRE and RRM to harness our processing innovations to accelerate and validate mine development with a clear process plan to production and profitability.
“This demonstration plant at Makuutu is a key milestone for the supply chain engagement with product to be produced here likely to go off to potential partners in early 2024.
“It is a globally strategic resource for near-term development and long-term security of magnet and heavy rare earth oxide (HREO) supply”.
“Our focus on the delivery of the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project in Uganda positions us to provide a secure, sustainable and traceable supply of magnet rare earth oxides.
“Along with our Ionic Technologies Belfast recycling facility, Makuutu is key to us harnessing our technology to accelerate mining, refining, and recycling of magnets and heavy rare earths that are critical for the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and defence.”
Casting of the Technical Facility ground beam
Work progress
At the Makuutu Demonstration Plant technical facility, civils have been completed along with the installation of the technical facility steel frame structure, with concrete slabs also poured for the agglomerator and heap desorption crib areas.
Boundary fence installation and the upgraded site access road have also progressed towards completion.
Land access agreements for the wider Makuutu Project area progressing rapidly post Ugandan Government approval on land access process received in mid-September.
The Makuutu Demonstration Plant technical facility will aim to further optimise metallurgical test work and provide further technical validation basis for grade control, mine design, material handling, metallurgical reconciliation, and construction activity whilst also supporting Project financing and strategic partner activity.
Frame structure erected
Mining license application
Ionic remains in regular dialogue with representatives of the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) for an update on the MLA and the Ugandan Government’s progress with regard to processing the MLA.
The requirement to gazette the notice of application for a large-scale mining licence under the new regulations was signed by the Hon Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Ugandan government minister for Energy and Mineral Development on 15th September 2023 and gazetted on the 2nd of October.
The Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project has the Government’s full support and is set to become Uganda’s flagship mine.
Senior members of IonicRE’s executive will be travelling to Uganda in the next fortnight to meet with key stakeholders and attend the Ugandan Mineral Wealth Conference in Kampala on the 30th and 31st of October 2023.
$IXR Ionic Rare Earths welcomes new Ugandan mining laws; path cleared to obtain Makuutu licence https://t.co/z8yUOlYLuV @ionic_re $IXRRF #IXR #IXRRF #ASX #ASXNews— Proactive Australia (@proactive_au) September 5, 2023
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