Leading Edge Materials Provides Update on Process Development for the Norra Karr REE Project, Sweden
NEWS RELEASE September 14 2017
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS CORP.
1305 – 1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7
T +1 604 685 9316 | leadingedgematerials.com
TSX.V : LEM OTCQB : LEMIF
emerging materials, expanding markets
Leading Edge Materials Provides Update on Process Development
for the Norra Karr REE Project, Sweden
Vancouver, Canada – Leading Edge Materials Corp . (“Leading Edge Materials”) or (“the Company”)
(TSXV:LEM) (OTCQB: LEMIF) is pleased to provide an update on the Company’s 100% owned Norra Kärr
heavy rare earth element (“REE”) project in Sweden. Norra Kärr is a globally significant heavy REE
deposit, with a particular enrichment of the magnetic metals dysprosium (Dy) and neodymium (Nd).
Process development research on Norra Kärr completed under the European Commission funded EURARE
project has achieved significant technical milestones . Research culminated with the production of
approximately 25 kg of mixed REE carbonate produced from a eudialyte concentrate, using a new and
optimized hydrometallurgical flowsheet.
EURARE is a 5-year research project co-funded by the European Commission under the Seventh
Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and
Demonstration Activities (Grant Agreement NMP2-LA-2012-309373). The project has completed research
on Norra Kärr and other European REE deposits and will conclude with a final technical meeting in
November 2017.
Key Points
Norra Kärr, with a proven mineral reserve of 23.6 million tonnes at 0.59% total rare earth oxide (“TREO”)
(see Tasman Metals Ltd press release 21st January 2015 and Tables 1 and 2 for TREO distribution) was
the subject of a pre-feasibility study in 2015 which estimated an after tax NPV (10%) of US$313 million
and defined opportunities for project optimizati on (see Tasman Metals Ltd press release 21 st January
2015);
Hydrometallurgical research completed under EURARE targeted optimized REE extraction from eudialyte,
and successfully developed a new proc ess delivering high REE recovery with a substantial reduction in
process water consumed. In addition, this new pr ocess provided the opport unity for the efficient
recovery of the additional high value metals hafnium and zirconium;
Independent analyst and media reports have described a significant recent rise in REE prices, with the
magnetic metals increasing by more than 50% in the year to August 2017. REE supply is heavily
dependent on Chinese production and processing, contributing to an extended period of supply
uncertainty for Western customers;
Norra Kärr is a zirconium (Zr) and heavy REE enriched nepheline syenite intrusion which covers 450m x
1,500m in area. The deepest extent of the mineralized intrusion has not been delineated, but exceeds
350m. Mineralogical studies show almost all REE is ho sted within the zirconosilicate mineral eudialyte.
Norra Kärr is one of only two advanced stage REE projects on the European mainland, with a capacity to
supply Europe’s needs for decades.
Norra Kärr was the subject of a pre-feasibility stud y in 2015 (see Tasman Metals Ltd press release 21 st
January 2015 for further information) which estima ted an after tax NPV (10%) of US$313 million and
defined a range of opportunities for project optimization. The PFS was based on a proven mineral reserve
of 23.6 million tonnes at 0.59% TREO with a mine life of 20 years (Tables 1 and 2 for TREO distribution).
Part of the optimization of the Norra Kärr flowshee t has been undertaken within the EURARE project.
Magnetic separation was chosen as the preferred be neficiation pathway, in line with the processing
research previously completed by Leading Edge Materials that indicated REE recovery of 86%. A total of
approximately 500 kg of eudialyte mineral concentrate was produced from beneficiation of more than 5
tonnes of representative mineralized drill core.
In addition, more than 1 tonne of non-magnetic nepheline/feldspar by-product was produced, which has
been delivered to Leading Edge Materials in Sweden. High purity nepheline and feldspar are highly sought
for use in ceramic, paint, glass, cement and building products, and Leading Edge Materials shall seek to
further optimize material for these markets.
Nepheline/feldspar material was no t assessed as a saleable material within the 2015 PFS as product
development was not adequately progressed at the time of publication. Optimization of a
nepheline/feldspar product for sale would significantl y reduce the material directed to tailings storage,
substantially reduce land use requirements, and is a clear area for on-going research.
Following beneficiation, the eudialyte mineral concentrate was used in an extensive program of
hydrometallurgical research, trading off a range of process options. An innovative dry digestion process
in the presence of concentrated hydrochloric acid was identified as achieving high extraction of REEs
without the formation of silica gel and with the benefit of a very low water requirement. Following bench
top testing, the dry digestion process was operated on a mini-pilot plant scale, which extracted and
precipitated approximately 25 kg of high purity mixed REE carbonate from two eudialyte sources. A
recovery of 91% was calculated for the hydrometallurgical stage.
In addition, this dry digestion technique was successful in the extraction and recovery of zirconium,
hafnium (Hf) and niobium (Nb) to a secondary product. Zirconium, hafnium and niobium are high value
metals that were not considered as saleable products under the 2015 PFS. Optimization of the extraction
and purification of these metals will be the subject of further research.
Blair Way, President and CEO, stated “the research of the EURARE team has delivered a range of
opportunities for optimizati on of the Norra Kärr project at just the right time. The dry digestion
hydrometallurgical process is a pote ntial game changer, with the opportunity for efficient recovery of
additional high value metals, and a process that may substantially reduce the environmental footprint.
While Norra Kärr has long been known as potential source of nepheline, with a large sample now available
for additional test work we are in a strong position to identify market opportunities.”
Preparation of additional supporting documentation regarding the Norra Kärr Mining Lease, which was
granted in 2013, is underway and is anticipated to be ready for submission to the Swedish Mining
Inspectorate during December 2017.
Independent reporting has identified a significant rece nt rise in REE prices, with the magnetic metals
increasing by more than 50% in the year to August 2017. REE supply remains highly concentrated, with
China the dominant source, contributing to an extended period of supply uncertainty for Western
customers.
The accelerating demand for electric vehicles and the progressive shift to renewable energy is forecast
to place increasing demands on REE supply.
On behalf of the Board, For further information, contact: 1.604.685.9316
“Blair Way”
Blair Way
President & CEO
The qualified person for the Company’s exploration projects, Mark Saxon, Director of Leading Edge
Materials and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified
the contents of this release.
About Leading Edge Materials:
Leading Edge Materials is a Canadian public company with prin cipal assets in Scandinavia, a region well recognised
for its promotion and investment in innovation. LEM’s flagship asset is the Woxna Graphite production facility located
in central Sweden targeting the supply of specialty materials for lithium ion battery production. LEM’s core investments
are matched to high growth markets, linked to the global shift to low-carbon energy generation and energy storage.
Table 1: Probable Mineral Reserves for Norra Karr Project, Effective Date 13th January 2015.
Tonnes
(M)
TREO
(%)
HREO
%
% HREO in
TREO
Dy2O3
(%)
Y2O3
(%)
Eu2O3
(%)
La2O3
(%)
Nd2O3
(%)
Ce2O3
(%)
Gd2O3
(%)
Tb2O3
(%)
Pr2O3
(%)
Sm2O3
(%)
Lu2O3
(%)
23.6 0.592 0.314 53.1 0.0269 0.215 0.0022 0.0551 0.0648 0.124 0.0196 0.004 0.0161 0.0178 0.0023
Notes:
1) Mineral Reserves are reported based on material contained within the Final Mine Design.
2) Mineral Reserves are constrained to a designed 20yr mine life.
3) Mineral Reserves are reported for combined Mi gmatitic Grennaite and Pegmatitic Grennaite only,
4) Mineral Reserves reported have been adjusted fo r mining factors, at 3.5 % dilution and 5.0 % loss.
5) Mineral Reserves are reported to 3 significant figures.
6) Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) includes: La2O3, Ce2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3,
Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3.
7) Heavy Rare Earth Oxides (HREO) includes: Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3.
8) Metal prices used for 20yr pit constraint comprise:
Cerium Oxide US$/g 0.005 Neodymium Oxide US$/g 0.105
Dysprosium Oxide US$/ g 0.47 0 Praseod ymium Oxide US$/ g 0.075
Erbium Oxide US$/g 0.00 0 Samarium Oxid e US$/g 0.00 7
Europium Oxide US$/g 0.700 Terbium Oxide US$/g 0.725
Gadolinium Oxide US$/ g 0.02 0 Thulium Oxide US$/ g 0.00 0
Holmium Oxide US$/g 0.000 Yttrium Oxide US$/g 0.015
Lanthanum Oxide US$/g 0.007 Ytterbium Oxide US$/g 0.000
Lutetium Oxide US$/ g 1.30 0
9) Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
10) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
1) The potential development of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by legal, political, environmental or other risks.
Table 2: Composition of TREO in 20-Year Mineral Reserve, Norra Karr
RARE EARTH OXIDE GRADE (%) RELATIVE
DISTRIBUTION
Lanthanum (La) 0.0551 9.3%
LIGHT REE
Cerium (Ce) 0.1240 20.9%
Praseodymium (Pr) 0.0161 2.7%
Neodymium (Nd) 0.0648 10.9%
Samarium (Sm) 0.0178 3.0%
Total Light REO 0.2778 46.9%
Europium (Eu) 0.0022 0.37%
HEAVY REE
Gadolinium (Gd) 0.0196 3.3%
Terbium (Tb) 0.0040 0.7%
Dysprosium (Dy) 0.0269 4.5%
Holmium (Ho) 0.0059 1.0%
Erbium (Er) 0.0184 3.1%
Thulium (Tm) 0.0028 0.5%
Ytterbium (Yb) 0.0172 2.9%
Lutetium (Lu) 0.0023 0.4%
Yttrium (Y) 0.2150 36.3%
Total Heavy REO 0.3143 53.1%
TREO 0.5920 100%
Other Metals
ZrO2 1.84
Hf 0.0286
U 0.0013
Th 0.0006
The TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange), accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Forward-Looking Information. Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements or
forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, “Forward-Looking Statements”).
All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company
believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are Forward-Looking Statements. Forward-Looking
Statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,”
“estimate,” “expect,” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may,” “will,” “can,” “should,” “could,” or “might”
occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-Looking Statements are based upon the opinions and
expectations of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-Looking Statements are
subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially
from those discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements including, among other things, timing of the ground magnetic
survey and shallow soil sampling program, the Company’s expectations regarding the Norra Karr project, the Company has
yet to generate a profit from its activities; there can be no guarantee that the estimates of quantities or qualities of minerals
disclosed in the Company’s public record will be economically recoverable; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs
of financing needed in the future; competition with other companies within the mining industry; the success of the Company
is largely dependent upon the performance of its directors and officers and the Company’s ability to attract and train key
personnel; changes in world metal markets and equity market s beyond the Company’s control; mineral resources are, in
the large part, estimates and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that
the indicated level of recovery will be realized; production rates and capital and other costs may vary significantly from
estimates; changes in corporate goals and strategies, unexpected geological conditions; and delays in obtaining or failure
to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities. Although the Company believes that the
expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Statements, and the assumptions on which such Forward-Looking Statements
are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or
expectations upon which the Forward-Looking Statements are based will occur. Forward-Looking Statements herein are
made as at the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by law, the Company does not intend, or assume any obligation,
to update these Forward-Looking Statements.