# Red Metal Advances Metallurgical Testing at Sybella Rare Earths Project New column leach tests aim to validate low-cost processing for the massive Queensland deposit. - **Source:** [Sydney Morning Herald - Business](https://www.smh.com.au/rss/business.xml) - **Published:** 2026-10-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4aff3dc9-ae72-4a8e-b942-b4ef06b2c35a ## Scaling Up Metallurgical Testing Red Metal has initiated six-metre-tall column leach tests at its Sybella rare earths project in Queensland. These tests simulate commercial-scale heap leaching conditions to provide realistic data on metal recoveries and acid consumption. This phase serves as a critical de-risking milestone ahead of the planned definitive feasibility study for the massive resource. ## Replicating Commercial Heap Leaching The program utilizes -20mm crushed ore loaded into 150mm-diameter columns to replicate commercial heap leach pad conditions. By trickling chemical solutions through the ore, the company aims to dissolve valuable metals. This setup provides essential insights into compaction, percolation, and acid distribution behavior expected within a full-scale industrial mining operation. ## Building on Previous Success This validation follows a successful two-metre column program that achieved significant extraction rates. Previous results demonstrated neodymium recovery of up to 76 per cent and praseodymium recovery of up to 78 per cent from transitional ore. The current six-metre tests aim to confirm these performance metrics under more representative, larger-scale operational conditions. ## Optimizing Processing for Scale The Sybella deposit contains an inferred resource of 4.795 billion tonnes, making bulk-tonnage processing essential for economic viability. The project’s potential for zero-strip mining combined with heap leaching offers a low-cost pathway to unlock value. Management is focused on proving this processing route to transform the geologically unique mineral deposit into reality. ## Coarser Crush Testing Program Concurrent with the six-metre tests, the company is evaluating a coarser -30mm crush size in two-metre columns. Proving that coarser material maintains strong recovery rates could significantly lower crushing costs. This efficiency gain might also allow for higher stacking heights on leach pads, further reducing overall capital expenditure for the project. ## Project Timeline and Milestones Results from both the six-metre and the coarser-crush tests will be reported as they become available. This metallurgical work is a core component of an ongoing pre-feasibility study. The company expects to complete this study early next year, providing a clearer outlook on the project's long-term economic and operational feasibility. ## Expanding Copper Exploration Strategy Beyond rare earths, Red Metal has launched a new exploration strategy targeting iron-oxide-copper-gold deposits in Queensland’s north-west. The company has lodged 17 new tenement applications near its Gulf and Three Ways projects. Two fully-funded drill holes are planned to test these targets, with the Gulf hole supported by a $200,000 government grant. ## Strategic Outlook for Value Cracking the rare earths processing puzzle remains the primary key to unlocking Sybella’s enormous potential. If the current testwork successfully solves the cost equation, the company could establish a low-cost production reality. Balancing this with the new copper exploration efforts positions Red Metal to diversify its resource portfolio in the region. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/red-metal-scales-up-leach-tests-at-qld-rare-earths-monster-20261021-p617jf.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_business — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._