Brazilian Critical Minerals (ASX:BCM) confirms ISR breakthrough at Ema Project, unlocking pathway to low cost rare earths production

Brazilian Critical Minerals (ASX:BCM) has taken a major step forward in unlocking the potential of its Ema Rare Earths Project in Brazil, successfully demonstrating the extraction of rare earth elements using in situ recovery under field conditions.

The pilot trial not only validates the technical viability of ISR at Ema, but also highlights the project’s strong environmental credentials and compelling economics.

To provide further insight, Managing Director Andrew Reid answers five key investor questions on the significance of this breakthrough, the composition of recovered rare earths, and what comes next for the company.

What is the significance of successfully extracting rare earths via ISR at the Ema Project?

This result is a huge milestone for the company and the broader rare earths industry. BCM is the only company to have successfully extracted rare earths via ISR outside of Southeast Asia.

We have taken what was previously a laboratory proven concept and shown that in situ recovery can work at the Ema project, under real world conditions, at scale.

That is not a small feat.

Using a low concentration magnesium sulfate solution, we were able to leach, extract and precipitate rare earths directly from the Ema deposit.

The chemistry worked exactly as planned, and what we are seeing in the early results has actually exceeded our expectations.

“Our field trials have now conclusively demonstrated that rare earth elements can be successfully leached, recovered and precipitated from solution via in situ recovery at Ema. We have taken the ISR process from the lab and proven it works in real world field conditions.”

From a project development point of view, it confirms that our ISR methodology is commercially viable.

That significantly de risks the project and puts us in a strong position as one of the few companies globally able to progress a rare earth project at current pricing levels.

And because we are using an environmentally friendly reagent, the ESG credentials of the project are outstanding.

It sets a strong foundation as we move into feasibility and look to position Ema as a globally significant, low impact supplier of magnet rare earths.

How do these field trial results support the broader development strategy for Ema?

These results provide the technical proof point we needed to validate our ISR approach and move forward with confidence.

They support our overall strategy to build a rare earths project that is scalable, low cost and environmentally responsible.

The performance of the system how the reagent interacts with the clays, how the rare earths mobilise, how the pregnant leach solution behaves as it flows through the clays all of that has been very encouraging, we have ticked every box to date.

The field trials were not just about leaching for the sake of it.

They were designed to give us critical permeability and hydrological data so we can optimise the system design for future operations.

At the same time, we are collecting enough enriched solution to produce a representative mixed rare earth carbonate product that will be used in downstream test work and offtake discussions.

So it is feeding directly into multiple parallel workstreams technical, commercial and regulatory which is exactly where we want to be at this stage of development.

Can you elaborate on the composition and commercial potential of the rare earths recovered to date?

Yes, this is where it gets particularly exciting.

Not all rare earth deposits are created equal, and what sets Ema apart is the extremely high proportion of magnet rare earth elements in the mix.

“Across our trial wells, we are seeing that neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium, the four key magnet metals, make up between 33 and 41 percent of the total rare earth content. That is a very high ratio by industry standards.”

Why does that matter?

Because these elements are the ones driving demand growth globally.

They are essential in electric vehicles, offshore wind turbines, defence technologies you name it.

Having such a strong magnet element profile means the revenue potential per kilogram of REO is much higher, and it opens up more strategic interest from end users who want to secure high value rare earths.

It gives us a real commercial edge, especially as we progress discussions with offtake partners.

How do the economics of the Ema Project stack up compared to conventional rare earth mining?

The economics are one of the strongest parts of our story.

“We released a scoping study in February this year that set out capital expenditure at just US$55 million, with operating costs at around US$6.15 per kilogram of TREO. Those numbers are very competitive, especially when you consider the simplicity and sustainability of the ISR method.”

Traditional rare earth mining often involves large open pits, extensive processing infrastructure and significant tailings management.

Our approach avoids all of that.

We are using a simple ionic exchange process that leaves the surface largely undisturbed, with no need for blasting, crushing or tailings dams.

That translates into lower costs, faster development timelines and a much smaller environmental footprint. In a world that is increasingly focused on ESG metrics, this model is a real advantage.

What are the immediate next steps following this milestone?

We have got a clear roadmap from here, the field trials will continue as we extract more rare earth enriched solution to support downstream processing work.

One of the next key steps is the water washing phase, which helps us bring magnesium and sulfate concentrations back to their natural background levels another way we ensure minimal environmental disruption.

“We will then move into producing a mixed rare earth carbonate sample, which will be sent to ANSTO for impurity removal and product specification. That is a critical deliverable for our offtake discussions, which are already underway.”

At the same time, we are preparing to launch our bankable feasibility study within the next few weeks and we are working closely with regulators on the environmental and mining permits.

So from a development perspective, we are hitting all the key milestones and moving steadily toward commercialisation.

Ema is well on its way to becoming one of the most advanced and ESG aligned rare earths projects in the Americas.

Advancing Toward a New Generation of Rare Earth Supply

BCM’s success in leaching and extracting rare earths from its ionic clay deposit using a low impact ISR method positions the Ema Project as a potential game changer in the global rare earth supply chain.

With magnet metals comprising a substantial portion of the recovered rare earths, a low capital intensity model and a clear development path underway, BCM is steadily progressing toward delivering a scalable and sustainable rare earths operation outside of Southeast Asia.

As the company moves through feasibility, offtake and permitting milestones, Ema remains one of the most strategically positioned rare earth projects globally.

Please note the following valuable information before using this website. 

Independent Research 

Market Open Australia is intended to be used only for educational and informative purposes, and any information on this website should not be taken as investment advice or guidance. It is important to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions, which should be based on your own investment needs and personal circumstances. Any investment decisions based on information contained on this website should be taken in line with independent financial advice from a qualified professional or should be independently researched and verified.