Search Minerals Magnetic Separation of Bulk Samples Commences at SGS Canada
February 16 2022 - 12:33PM
Search Minerals Inc. (TSXV: SMY | OTCQB:
SHCMF) (“
Search” or the
“
Company”), is pleased to announce that two bulk
samples of mineralization from Deep Fox and Foxtrot have been
received and are being processed in our
PHASE 1
magnetic separation program at SGS Canada (Lakefield)
(“
SGS”). The Deep Fox sample comprises 52.9 metric
tonnes recovered from the exposed surface of the deposit.
Similarly, the Foxtrot sample comprises 19.8 tonnes of surface
material.
The SGS program involves
crushing and grinding the bulk samples and feeding a series of
magnetic separation devices to produce:
(1) a magnetic
concentrate by Low Intensity Magnetic Separation (LIMS) containing
predominantly magnetite (an iron oxide mineral),
(2) a magnetic
concentrate by Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS)
containing the majority of the rare earth element values in the
original sample and
(3) a final
non-magnetic material fraction containing non-magnetic material,
including the zircon mineral containing zirconium and hafnium.
The testing will be carried out at a scale of
over 500 kg per hour of material treatment for the next few weeks.
The results of the testing will be used as part of our “scale up”
to a full commercial magnetic separation plant. The LIMS
concentrate will be evaluated for sale as a potential iron ore
concentrate. The WHIMS concentrate will comprise 18-20 tonnes of
material from the two bulk samples. This concentrate will be used
as material for our PHASE 2 program to further
study and scale up the Direct Extraction Process for rare earth
recovery. Finally, the non-magnetic concentrate will be studied for
zirconium and hafnium recovery by flotation.
Dr. David Dreisinger, Director/Vice-President of
Metallurgy states; “The benefit of producing a concentrate, using
the grinding and magnetic circuit, prior to our proprietary Direct
Extraction Process, is the reduction in size of equipment and
reduced chemical and energy use to obtain similar overall
recoveries of saleable rare earth elements.”
Greg Andrews, President/CEO states; “We continue
with our “Sprint to Production” and this is a very important step
to scale up and produce more material for further separation into
individual oxides of the permanent magnet material, Neodymium (Nd),
Praseodymium (Pr), Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb). These are the
key elements which create the value in the rare earth element
supply chain. Upon producing the oxides, Search will demonstrate
the transformation of the permanent magnet oxides into metal.”
Qualified Person:
Dr. David Dreisinger, Ph.D., P.Eng, is the
Company’s Vice President, Metallurgy, and Qualified Person (as
defined by National Instrument 43-101) who has supervised the
preparation of and approved the technical information reported
herein. The company will endeavour to meet high standards of
integrity, transparency, and consistency in reporting technical
content, including geological and assay (e.g., REE) data.
About Search Minerals Inc.
Led by a proven management team and board of
directors, Search is focused on finding and developing Critical
Rare Earths Elements (CREE), Zirconium (Zr) and Hafnium (Hf)
resources within the emerging Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE
District of South East Labrador. The Company controls a belt 63 km
long and 2 km wide and is road accessible, on tidewater, and
located within 3 local communities. Search has completed a
preliminary economic assessment report for
FOXTROT, and a resource estimate for DEEP
FOX. Search is also working on three exploration prospects
along the belt which include: FOX MEADOW, SILVER
FOX and AWESOME FOX.
Search has continued to optimize our patented
Direct Extraction Process technology with the support from the
Department of Industry, Energy ad Technology, Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador, and from the Atlantic Canada Opportunity
Agency. We have completed two pilot plant operations and produced
highly purified mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and mixed
REO concentrate for separation and refining. We also recognize the
continued support by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
for its Junior Exploration Program.
For further information, please
contact:
Greg AndrewsPresident and CEOTel:
604-998-3432E-mail: info@searchminerals.ca
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Search Minerals (TSXV:SMY)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2024 to Dec 2024
Search Minerals (TSXV:SMY)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2023 to Dec 2024