Geomega Resources reports progress on its demonstration plant

Geomega Resources Inc., Montreal, says it has received process flow diagrams, equipment list, utilities, stream tables and a heat and mass balance from Hatch Ltd. for the process that was developed by Pouya Hajiani, Geomega chief technology officer. The information is for the company’s demonstration plant at St. Bruno, Quebec. Several modifications and improvements were made on the process, which will be undergoing several demonstration test runs using Geomega’s pilot unit at its facilities in Boucherville, Quebec, according to the company. The test runs of the updated process also will be used to collect data on emissions for permitting purposes.

Geomega says the modifications and improvements include a simplification of several units of operation, validation of various parameters for equipment selection and byproduct recovery. The pilot test runs are all expected to take place during August while other in-house engineering activities are continuing.

“We are very pleased with the results received and the improved process for rare earths recycling from permanent magnets,” says Kiril Mugerman, president and CEO of Geomega. “The pilot test runs will provide demonstration to Geomega of the modifications that were done over the last seven months and will support the corporation in performing the next phase of engineering work, which will then allow us to proceed  with vendor selection and equipment ordering.”

He says that while the company has experienced delays in engineering and more generally because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is advancing. “We are continuing discussions with potential suppliers and construction partners and will provide additional information when available.”