Eurobattery Minerals AB received the first results from the research partnership with Uppsala University in collaboration with AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland. The results outline new methods for large-scale extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) in its Fetsjon project in Sweden. REEs are critical raw materials for the battery industry & new energy solutions.

With almost 100% imports from outside the EU, the region has set a target to increase its self-sufficiency. Key points: The new ground-breaking method developed and tested allows close to 100% recovery of REEs from Fetsjon and ordering Ronnberget apatite minerals. Previous analysis of the complete REE-bearing shale formation that covers Eurobattery Minerals Fetsjon and Ronnberget exploration targets is estimated to be 165,000 to 180,000 tons of REEs.

The magnitude of the exploration target was confirmed in a NI43-101 technical report by a qualified person. Recovery of the REEs can be made through chemical treatment at low temperatures, thus avoiding costly and time-consuming mechanical treatment. Low-temperature treatment allows for the circular use of the chemicals.

Next step: additional tests on detailed characterization of the REE-bearing minerals and possibly large-scale pilot plant shortly. Based on drill core samples from Eurobattery Minerals Fetjon prospect area in northern Sweden, the scientists have performed a detailed mineralogical and geochemical study of shales and identified the minerals carrying REEs, mainly apatite. Due to its composition, the Fetsjon carbonate-apatite shale is particularly well suited for leaching REEs by modern methods according to the scientists.

The Uppsala-Krakow team has developed a new, low-cost, and efficient method for beneficiation of REEs from apatites and similar mineralization to obtain as high as 100% of the REEs from the Fetsjon deposits containing apatites, carbonate minerals, and other REE carriers. Further to this, the process identified is very efficient both from a cost and time perspective as it enables the extraction of REEs using only chemical treatment at low temperatures, thus avoiding the step of mechanical pretreatment and heating. Furthermore, the low-temperature treatment means that the chemical can be recycled and reused again.

EU classifies REEs as critical raw materials; the region is almost 100% dependent on imports. EU is therefore pushing for more European recovery of REEs. The project will now continue with additional tests on detailed characterization.

Further, the parties are investigating the opportunity for a large-scale pilot plant in the near future.