Meteoric Resources Receives Key Environmental Approval for Caldeira Rare Earth Project

Meteoric Resources (ASX: MEI) has received another critical consent milestone from Brazilian authorities for its Caldeira ionic clay rare earth project.

As part of its progression towards commencement of operations at Caldeira, Meteoric has obtained environmental licensing approval to undertake operations within a three-kilometre designated buffer zone.

Meteoric now has all the necessary municipal consents to progress through the final stages for receipt of a preliminary licence from the Minas Gerais Environmental Protection Agency.

Research and Consultation

Meteoric has undertaken comprehensive research and consultation since mid-2023 to secure authorisation for mining operations within the Buffer Zone.

The process included an Environmental Impact Statement covering flora, fauna, and ethnographic studies, as well as ongoing engagement with key stakeholders such as the Caldas House of Councillors and neighbouring Indigenous Communities.

The development timeline for the project remains on schedule, and Meteoric continues to advance other critical approvals and workstreams supporting the project’s definitive feasibility study.

“As one of the worlds highest-grade ionic absorption clay rare earth deposits, the Caldeira project will play a critical role in development of alternative supply chains for rare earth elements,” managing director Stuart Gale said.

“We are very pleased with the continued strong support across all levels of Brazilian government, and look forward to delivering our project in the Municipality of Caldas.”

Pilot Plant Approval

Meteoric received official government approval early last month to construct and operate a A$2 million rare earth pilot processing facility that will enable the daily production of approximately two kilograms of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from Caldeira.

This will allow Meteoric to demonstrate to various parties and prospective clients its ability to produce a high-quality MREC product.

The company also recently reported “exceptional” rare earth recoveries from test work by Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) that also covered materials handling and water management of the Caldeira project ionic clays.

Highlights included consistent magnet rare earth recoveries of 70% and the the production of MREC with total recoveries of 60% total rare earth oxide and less than 2% impurities.