IMC Rare Earths Achieves 95.2% Terbium Recovery at Itarantim

IMC Rare Earths has achieved laboratory-scale recovery rates of up to 95.2% for terbium from its Itarantim ionic adsorption clay project in Brazil. The NYSE-listed company confirmed the production of a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) on site, marking a significant metallurgical milestone for the development of the deposit.

The company has engaged ANSTO Minerals to conduct further quantitative analysis on the Itarantim material. This additional work aims to refine the recovery performance metrics and characterize the MREC properties, providing a clearer picture of the commercial viability of the extraction process.

High-Grade Terbium Resource Identified

The Itarantim project hosts an inferred mineral resource of approximately 1.1 billion tonnes containing the four principal magnet rare earth elements: neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. Within a specific 105.8-million-tonne inferred domain, the average terbium grade was measured at eight parts per million.

IMC attributes the strong leachability and high grade to the favorable geological conditions of the ionic adsorption clay. These characteristics position Itarantim among the highest-grade terbium-bearing projects currently under evaluation, enhancing its potential as a secure supply source for critical elements.

Strategic Importance for Magnet Supply

Dysprosium and terbium are essential for high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, and defense technologies. Their scarcity drives strategic interest in securing diverse and reliable supply chains to support these advanced industrial applications.

Company Focus on Resource Confirmation

Frank Scolaro, CEO and chairperson of IMC, stated that the results mark an important step forward for the project. The company’s immediate objective is to further confirm the richness of the deposits, aligning with global efforts to diversify rare earths sourcing beyond traditional regions.