Leading Edge signs MoU to test innovative rare earth processing at Norra Kärr

Описание: Leading Edge Materials CEO Kurt Budge joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news that the company’s wholly owned Swedish subsidiary, Greenna Mineral AB (GMAB), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ascension Earth Resources. The agreement marks an important step in evaluating innovative processing approaches for the Norra Kärr rare earth element (REE) project in Sweden.

Budge told Proactive that, under the terms of the MoU, GMAB will supply eudialyte mineral samples from the Norra Kärr deposit to Ascension. Ascension will carry out comprehensive laboratory analysis and metallurgical testwork using its proprietary processing technology. The collaboration is designed to assess both the technical and commercial feasibility of extracting and recovering rare earth elements—particularly heavy rare earth elements (HREEs)—from the HREE-bearing eudialyte mineralisation at Norra Kärr.

The Evaluation Project will focus on several key workstreams, including detailed mineralogical and chemical analysis of the eudialyte samples to determine their composition, purity, and recovery potential. Testwork will also examine leaching behaviour and assess the suitability of the mineralisation for commercial-scale processing. In parallel, Ascension will work on developing preliminary processing concepts specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the Norra Kärr deposit, alongside an evaluation of the overall commercial viability of rare earth extraction.

Budge also shared with Proactive a significant near-term catalyst is the pending decision from Sweden’s mining inspectorate on a 25-year mining lease for Norra Kärr, following endorsements from two regional governments in December 2025. Budge described this lease as a potential "game changer" in terms of de-risking the project.

Additionally, Leading Edge is making progress on its Romanian Bihor Sud project, where a Competent Person’s Report has been completed, potentially paving the way for new investment.


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