Lynas to extend range of heavy rare earths

Lynas Rare Earths will produce two new separated heavy rare earth (HRE) products for the first time in the 2025 calendar year at its Lynas Malaysia metals processing plant.

A new process at Lynas Malaysia will produce separated Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) for the first time and will complement Lynas’ existing light rare earths product range.

Dysprosium is used in alloys for neodymium-based magnets, while Terbium is used in solid state devices and low energy lights.

Lynas is the world’s largest producer of rare earths outside China, mining and part processing in Western Australia, while producing value-added critical minerals in Malaysia.

Currently, Dy, Tb and other HRE oxides from the company’s Mt Weld ore body are sold as a mixed HRE compound known as SEGH.

The reconfiguration of one of Lynas Malaysia’s solvent extraction circuits will facilitate the production of Dy and Tb, separating up to 1,500 tonnes of SEGH per year.

Capex for the project will be $25 million.

Lynas CEO and Managing Director Amanda Lacaze said: “This circuit reconfiguration at Lynas Malaysia provides a pathway to accelerate our commitment to processing all of the elements in the Mt Weld ore body.

“Dy and Tb are important inputs to high performance magnets and electronic devices and we are pleased to enhance our product range to meet current and prospective customers’ needs.

“The initial separation of heavy rare earths at our Malaysian facility is an exciting development for our company and the first step towards offering an expanded suite of HRE products.”

At the same time Lynas is progressing pre-construction activities for its planned U.S. Rare Earths Processing Facility.

Picture: Lynas rare Earths