Brazilian Critical Minerals (BCM) has appointed Altris Engineering as the lead design engineer for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase of its Ema Rare Earth Project in Brazil.
The appointment marks the next stage in the development of the Ema Project following the bankable feasibility study (BFS), which was also overseen by Altris.
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The FEED phase is expected to last around 24 weeks, during which Altris will be responsible for developing the process plant’s engineering and design, as well as related infrastructure.
This stage is intended to position the project for transition into detailed engineering and procurement, a final investment decision and eventual construction.
According to BCM, retaining Altris Engineering for the FEED stage is expected to maintain the project’s engineering knowledge and mitigate risks and delays that could arise from changing consultants at this stage.
The scope covers the Ema processing facilities, from the receipt of a pregnant leach solution generated by the in-situ recovery wellfield through to impurity removal, mixed rare earth carbonate precipitation, dewatering and product load-out.
Altris will also oversee the integration of ongoing testwork, field investigations and optimisation studies.
A key component of the FEED phase will be the development of equipment packages aimed at enabling technically conforming vendor quotations and supporting procurement readiness.
Altris will handle equipment specification, supplier documentation and technical evaluation of vendor proposals.
Altris managing director Michael Ehlers said: “Altris is delighted to continue its partnership with BCM as the Ema Rare Earth Project moves into the next stage of engineering.
“Our involvement through the BFS has given us a detailed understanding of the project and, importantly, allows the FEED phase to commence with continuity of design knowledge and a clear focus on execution.”
Once the FEED phase concludes, a Brazilian contractor will assume responsibility for detailed design and construction documentation in accordance with local regulatory frameworks.
Altris will support the transition by providing technical handover and ensuring alignment with the engineering work completed during the feasibility and FEED stages.
