IMC Rare Earths Ltd filed an 8-K press release on November 10, 2026, disclosing that it has engaged Hatch and ANSTO to conduct engineering and metallurgical programs at its Itarantim ionic adsorption clay rare earth project in Brazil.

Key Highlights

  • Hatch scoping study: Hatch Ltd has been appointed to evaluate potential mining and recovery methods at Itarantim, with the study targeted for completion in Q1 2027.
  • ANSTO testing: The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation is conducting laboratory-scale testing of clay samples from Blocks A, C, and H, comparing vat leaching, heap leaching, and in-situ recovery methods.
  • MREC production target: ANSTO has been commissioned to produce approximately one kilogram of dry mixed rare earth carbonate from Block H trench material adjacent to drillhole AD-00555.
  • Block H drilling grades: Previously reported auger hole AD-00555 intersected 7 meters from 2 meters depth grading 5,695 ppm TREO, including 38 ppm Tb4O7, 258 ppm Dy2O3, and 2,052 ppm Y2O3.
  • Schedule: Process development is planned for December 2026 and January 2027, with batch MREC production expected to begin in March 2027, subject to sample receipt.
  • Fully funded: According to the filing, IMC is fully funded to undertake its extensive planned work program, including these engineering and metallurgical initiatives.

Itarantim Engineering and Metallurgical Programs: What IMC Rare Earths Disclosed

According to the filing, IMC Rare Earths Ltd (NYSE American:IMC) is advancing the Itarantim project in Brazil through two parallel technical programs. Hatch Ltd, described by the company as "a globally recognized engineering and project delivery consultancy," has been appointed to conduct a scoping study comparing conventional shallow open-pit mining with vat or heap leaching against in-situ recovery, which the filing describes as enabling "rare earth extraction without excavating the clay." The study will assess technical feasibility, potential production scale, development schedules, and preliminary capital and operating cost estimates, and is targeted for completion in Q1 2027.

Separately, the filing discloses that ANSTO, described as having "more than 50 years of experience in critical minerals processing," is conducting laboratory-scale testing of clay samples from Blocks A, C, and H. The three recovery methods being evaluated are vat (tank) leaching, heap leaching, and ISR. ANSTO has also been commissioned to produce approximately one kilogram of dry mixed rare earth carbonate from approximately 250 kilograms of dry clay sourced from Block H trench material adjacent to drillhole AD-00555. The filing states this material is intended "for demonstration, marketing and potential customer evaluation."

The filing notes that the Block H grades referenced, including the previously reported intersection of 3 meters from 4 meters depth at 7,841 ppm TREO, 52 ppm Tb4O7, 357 ppm Dy2O3, and 2,836 ppm Y2O3, "are previously reported exploration results and are not assays of the planned MREC product." The filing also states that "laboratory and batch results do not establish commercial recovery, product acceptance or economic viability." Chief Executive Officer and Chair Frank Scolaro is quoted in the filing as saying the company is "well positioned to advance these initiatives and deliver important technical milestones in the months ahead." The filing contains forward-looking statements that the company identifies as subject to risks and uncertainties, as described in its cautionary language.

What Was Disclosed

IMC Rare Earths disclosed the appointment of Hatch and ANSTO to conduct engineering and metallurgical programs at Itarantim, targeting a Q1 2027 scoping study completion and batch rare earth carbonate production beginning March 2027, with the company reporting it is fully funded for the work.