Nio Strategic Metals has achieved a niobium pentoxide concentrate grade of 52.75% with 81.14% recovery following metallurgical testwork on the Oka deposit in Quebec. These results were produced using a simplified flowsheet and composite samples derived from historical drill core, representing a significant improvement over 2011 benchmarks.

“these results demonstrate once again how the rock of the Oka deposit is rich in niobium and rare earths and, moreover, is amenable to various metallurgical treatment processes.”

— Michel Bourassa, founder of Soutex

The study, conducted by IGS Impact Global Solutions for the Centre technologique des résidus industriels, confirms the presence of rare earth elements (REE), tantalum, and zirconium within the targeted mining zones. Testing demonstrated that total rare earth oxide content ranges from 0.507% in a base composite to 0.935% in high-grade material.

Beyond improved metal recovery, the testwork indicates an environmental benefit. The proposed processing approach effectively reduces thorium and uranium concentrations in the residues, lowering them from 2,000 and 1,000 parts per million to 824 and 120 parts per million, respectively.

“The study points to a potential increase in the project's value by enabling a better niobium recovery; recovery of phosphate as a by-product (historically sent to tailings); and the extraction of REE that would otherwise be disregarded and lost in the slag.”

— Bruno Dumais, President and Chief Operator Officer

Nio plans to provide further updates following the results of a separate study on water management for the project.

Read the full announcement: IGS Study Proposes Innovative and Sustainable Development of Oka Deposit