Highlights of the news release:
- GéoMégA’s NRC laboratory facility in Boucherville, Québec, almost fully autonomous
- Energy requirements to produce REE concentrate from Montviel ore under 55 MW
- Bench scale production of REE concentrate from Montviel ore starting in the short term
Montreal, January 14, 2015 – Geomega Resources Inc. (“GéoMégA” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: GMA) announces the reception of a customized reactor (the “reactor”) to enable bench scale production of rare earth elements (“REE”) concentrate from Montviel ore at its NRC laboratory facility in Boucherville, Québec, and provides a status update on metallurgical and separation developments.
Customized reactor received at GéoMégA’s NRC laboratory facility
The reactor has a capacity of 1 kg per batch, increases current throughput by a factor of twenty (20) and reduces the processing time required by a factor of five (5).
The addition of the reactor unlocks a key step at the beneficiation stage (before hydrometallurgy) which enables the bench scale production (grams per day) of REE concentrate from Montviel ore at the Company’s NRC laboratory facility. The production will begin once the insertion and calibration of the reactor to the existing units is completed.
“With the reactor we are now almost fully autonomous to produce REE concentrate from Montviel ore in small quantities at our NRC laboratory facility. The REE concentrate produced will solidify the REE recovery numbers and provide sufficient quantities for separation and quality certification testing.” comments Simon Britt, CEO of GéoMégA.
Energy requirements to produce mixed REE concentrate from Montviel ore under 55 MW
The final step in simplifying the Montviel project was to decrease the energy requirements at the hydrometallurgy stage to process the ore into a REE concentrate using 60 MW of power while maintaining high REE recoveries. This allows for the construction of a small capacity power line (wooden posts) to be connected to the Hydro-Quebec distribution network and translates into material savings in both time and costs.
“The 55 MW threshold to produce a REE concentrate is a major achievement accomplished by Dr. Hajiani and marks the successful conclusion of two (2) years of hydrometallurgical process design and optimization. Focus is currently on niobium beneficiation with the available five (5) MW of power until we complete the reactor installation.” comments Simon Britt, CEO of GéoMégA.
Proprietary physical separation process
The next phase of testing will take place at GéoMégA’s NRC laboratory facility with Montviel REE concentrate produced based on the Montviel flow sheet.
“All non-dilutive potential funding sources require the future separation developments within Canada. Following the commencing of REE concentrate production from Montviel ore, our NRC laboratory facility will be exclusively dedicated to separation of various REE concentrates.” adds Simon Britt, CEO of GéoMégA.
About National Research Council Canada (“NRC”)
The NRC is the Government of Canada’s premier research and technology organization. The NRC Boucherville research facilities promote the growth and competitiveness of Canadian industry through research and development in materials processing technologies.
About GéoMégA (www.geomega.ca)
GéoMégA is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and sustainable development of economic deposits of metals in Québec. GéoMégA is committed to meeting Canadian mining industry standards and distinguishing itself with its innovative engineering, stakeholders engagement and its dedication to local transformation benefits.
GéoMégA currently has 56,989,560 common shares issued and outstanding.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information please contact:
Simon Britt
President and CEO
GéoMégA
(450) 465-0099
Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding our intentions and plans. The forward-looking statements that are contained in this news release are based on various assumptions and estimates by the Company and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from results forecast or suggested in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We caution you that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as discussed in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities agencies. Various factors may prevent or delay our plans, including but not limited to, contractor availability and performance, weather, access, mineral prices, success and failure of the exploration and development carried out at various stages of the program, and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward- looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.