Defense Metals Advances Wicheeda Project with Pilot Flotation Program
Event summary
- Defense Metals commenced a pilot flotation test program at SGS Lakefield for its Wicheeda Rare Earth Project on May 12, 2026.
- The program will utilize 30 tonnes of drill core material to generate a rare earth flotation concentrate grading approximately 50% TREO.
- The pilot plant operations are expected to continue for approximately five weeks.
- Defense Metals appointed Michelle Tanguay as Vice President of Environment and Social Performance.
The big picture
Defense Metals' pilot flotation program is a critical step in advancing the Wicheeda Rare Earth Project, one of the most advanced undeveloped REE deposits in North America. The program aims to de-risk the project and refine the process flowsheet, positioning Defense Metals as a potential North American source of critical rare earth materials essential for defense, high-technology, and clean energy supply chains. The project's progress is supported by a 2025 Pre Feasibility Study, highlighting its economic potential and supporting future development.
What we're watching
- Technical Validation
- How the pilot flotation program results will validate and refine the 2021 pilot plant findings and support future engineering studies.
- Operational Scaling
- Whether the continuous pilot-scale operation can confirm metallurgical performance under production conditions.
- Project Timelines
- The pace at which Defense Metals can advance the Wicheeda Project through the Feasibility Study stage and permitting.
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