Meteoric Resources (ASX:MEI) produced its first batch of mixed rare earth carbonate from its recently constructed pilot plant for the Caldeira rare earth project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.
The pilot plant is now treating clay ore from Capão Do Mel.
All unit processes have been commissioned on low grade ore, and the pilot plant will begin to transition to typical ore grades of around 4,000 parts-per-million of total rare earth elements.
The plant will pilot the separation of rare earths by solvent extraction and other technologies, such as flash joule heating.
The firm's shares rose over 3% in recent trading on Wednesday.