Zak Mir talks to Rupert Verco, CEO of Cobra Resources, as the mineral exploration and development company advancing a potentially world-class ionic Rare Earth Elements discovery at its Boland Project in South Australia announced the results from ongoing metallurgical studies. This included exceptionally high recoveries of up to 82% of high-value rare earths.
Key Points:
- High Recovery Rates: Cobra Resources has achieved exceptionally high recoveries of rare earth elements, particularly magnet and heavy rare earths, with up to 82% recovery from samples containing 0.5% total rare earth oxides. These results are promising due to the low levels of impurities, leading to reduced processing costs.
- Market Understanding and Challenges: Despite strong results, the market may not fully understand the significance of the REEs or may be impacted by broader market conditions. The company has faced challenges in raising capital, but maintains strong support from major shareholders, minimizing dilution.
- Scalability and Environmental Impact: The project utilizes a unique geological setting favorable for "in-situ recovery" (ISR), a process involving injecting and extracting a solution to mobilize rare earths without moving ore, resulting in low environmental impact and cost. This method is well-established in uranium mining and considered scalable for REEs.
- Market and Strategic Positioning: Demand for heavy rare earths remains high, with current reliance on supply from China and some emerging sources like Brazil. Cobra aims to produce rare earths responsibly and cost-competitively, contributing to the West's efforts to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals necessary for energy efficiency and decarbonization.
- Future Plans and Commercial Options: Cobra is exploring options including joint ventures or sales while focusing on proving up their resource to ensure it is marketable and economically viable.
The discussion highlights Cobra Resources' strategic approach to rare earth production, leveraging unique geological advantages, scalable processes, and positioning in a market with growing demand for critical minerals.
https://www.share-talk.com/zak-mir-talks-to-rupert-verco-ceo-of-cobra-resources-achieved-exceptionally-high-recoveries-of-rare-earth-elements/
