Australian Rare Earths Limited - Koppamurra Rare Earths Project metallurgical testwork progressing well

About this update from Australian Rare Earths Limited

Australian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: AR3) continues to progress its metallurgical testwork program at the Koppamurra Rare Earths Project in South Australia . Following the 3-tonne bulk heap leach campaign delivering 63% recovery of magnet rare earths in a PLS, 1,800 litres of the PLS has been processed. Producing approximately 34kg of a Mixed Rare Earth Oxide intermediary product, this reinforces the project's potential for scalable, costeffective production. In testwork undertaken at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), AR3 achieved a 99% recovery of MRE through the precipitation of a MREO by applying a batch continuous operation, using a cost-effective reagent, magnesium oxide (MgO). During this process the slurry settled effectively, yielding clear barren liquor and a filter cake with 68% moisture content, demonstrating significant mass reduction and rapid liquor recovery for the efficient recycling of water in the process flowsheet. The intermediate MREO precipitate captured 100% of terbium (Tb) and dysprosium (Dy), and 99% of neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), with partial rejection of impurities like magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). This intermediate processing step has demonstrated the potential for a concentration of rare earths into a MREO, significantly reducing solution volumes and equipment sizes for downstream IR and MREC production. This volume reduction (in the order of 98%) provides AR3 with greater flexibility in downstream processing options. The testwork confirms the suitability of Koppamurra's ionic clay-hosted ore for cost efficient processing, with rapid settling and filtration enabling high rare earth recoveries. The Company is now progressing re-dissolution and impurity removal testwork to refine the MREO into a high-quality MREC, designed to meet the product specifications sought by AR3's technical partner, Neo Performance Materials (Neo), which has a non-binding MoU with the Company for 50% of the offtake from Phase 1 of the Koppamurra project. AR3 Managing Director and CEO, Travis Beinke , commented: 'Our latest testwork marks another important step forward for Koppamurra. The successful production of ~34kg of MREO from the bulk leach PLS provides us with greater flexibility in downstream processing options. Importantly, the substantial reduction in material volumes entering the impurity removal and MREC production stages provides a strong basis for cost-efficient processing. We're working closely with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and our technical partner Neo Performance Materials to optimise impurity removal and deliver a saleable MREC product, further de-risking the project as we advance towards the PFS.' Contact: Jessica Fertig Tel: 1 300 646 100 Email: [email protected] Web: https://investorhub.ar3.com.au About Australian Rare Earths Limited Australian Rare Earths (AR3) is an emerging diversified critical minerals company, strategically positioned to meet the growing global demand for rare earth elements and uranium AR3's Koppamurra Rare Earths Project in South Australia and Victoria has secured important government support through a $5 million grant to accelerate development. With support from global advanced industrial materials manufacturer, Neo Performance Materials , AR3 is progressing toward a Pre-Feasibility Study and a demonstration facility, solidifying its role in diversifying global rare earth supply chains for the clean energy transition. With strategic projects and strong government support, AR3 is poised for significant growth in the critical minerals market. Simultaneously, the Company's vast 7,700 km-2 Overland Uranium Project in South Australia shows strong uranium discovery potential, with initial drilling identifying opportunities for substantial near-surface and deeper deposits. (C) 2025 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire

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