Lynas Rare Earths targets first production of new metals
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The news: Lynas Rare Earths has said a new process at its Malaysian operations will produce separated Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb), both essential to high performance rare earth permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and high-tech applications such as micro-capacitors.
The numbers: Dy, Tb and other heavy rare earth (HRE) oxides from the Mount Weld mine in Western Australia are currently sold by Lynas as a mixed HRE compound known as SEGH. The reconfiguration of one of Lynas Malaysia's solvent extraction circuits will facilitate the production of up to 1,500 tonnes of SEGH per year.
Commissioning and ramp-up of the project is expected in mid-CY25, with an anticipated capital expenditure cost of around $25 million.
As a result of the separation of Dy and Tb from the SEGH compound, Lynas HRE product range will increase to five products: Dy; Tb; unseparated Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, and Holmium concentrate; and unseparated SEGH.
The context: Lynas is also progressing pre-construction activities for its planned US rare earths processing facility. Both Lynas Malaysia and the US project are designed to accept third-party feedstocks as they come online, the company said.
What they said: Lynas CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze said: "Dy and Tb are important inputs to high performance magnets and electronic devices and we are pleased to enhance our product range to meet current and prospective customers' needs".
"The initial separation of heavy rare earths at our Malaysian Facility is an exciting development for our company and the first step towards offering an expanded suite of Heavy Rare Earth products."
The source: ASX announcement
