Ark Mines is set to begin a full-scale processing trial of its Sandy Mitchell rare earths and heavy minerals this month, moving the north Queensland project closer to commercial reality.
The trial will take place at Currumbin Minerals’ licensed treatment plant in south-east Queensland, using bulk samples from Ark’s recently completed resource drilling at Sandy Mitchell.
The company will produce commercial-grade materials, including monazite rare earths, titanium, zircon and garnet, with the monazite concentrate progressing to downstream cracking and splitting testwork.
“We look forward to commencing this full-scale processing plant trial next month, representing a key step in advancing development of our Sandy Mitchell Project in north Queensland,” Ark Mines managing director Ben Emery said.
“The results of the trial are expected to provide important information on the processing characteristics of the project’s unique rare earth mineralisation.”
The processing trial will run alongside the Sandy Mitchell pre-feasibility study, being progressed by IHCRobins and on track for completion in early 2026. Ark and Currumbin Minerals established a strategic framework for this collaboration in January 2024 through a memorandum of understanding, outlining the supply and delivery of heavy mineral sands from Sandy Mitchell to Currumbin’s facility.
“Together, these programs are intended to provide the technical data required to support the project’s ongoing evaluation as a potential supplier of rare earths and heavy minerals,” Emery said.
With global demand for rare earths continuing to rise, Ark Mines’ full-scale trial could position Sandy Mitchell as a key contributor to Australia’s strategic minerals sector, bridging the gap between exploration and commercial production.
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