Rare Earth Grade Soars to 13,310ppm TREO at Critica’s Jupiter Project
Critica Limited reports a remarkable 830% upgrade in rare earth element concentration from initial metallurgical testwork at its Jupiter Project, signaling strong economic potential for this Western Australian rare earth deposit.
- Initial flotation testwork upgrades rare earth grade from 1,430ppm to 13,310ppm TREO
- Achieved a 9.3x (830%) rare earth element concentration increase with over 50% recovery
- Mass reduction of 94.5% to produce high-grade concentrate
- Jupiter Project located near key infrastructure and other rare earth operations in Western Australia
- Ongoing metallurgical programs and imminent maiden Mineral Resource Estimate
Exceptional Metallurgical Breakthrough
Critica Limited has unveiled highly encouraging results from its first metallurgical testwork program on the Jupiter Project, part of the broader Brothers Clay-Hosted Rare Earth Project in Western Australia. The company achieved an extraordinary upgrade factor of approximately 830% in total rare earth oxides (TREO) concentration through a straightforward flotation process conducted at ambient temperature.
The beneficiation process elevated the composite sample grade from a modest 1,430ppm TREO to a robust 13,310ppm TREO, representing a near tenfold increase. This was accompanied by a significant mass reduction of 94.5%, concentrating the rare earth elements into just 5.5% of the original sample mass, while maintaining rare earth recoveries exceeding 50%. Such results far surpass initial expectations and underscore the project's promising economic and development potential.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages
Jupiter's location within the Mt Magnet and Yalgoo mining precinct offers multiple logistical benefits. The project is less than 10 kilometers from a major bitumen highway connecting Mount Magnet and Geraldton, providing access to local labor, the Port of Geraldton, and the mid-west gas pipeline. Proximity to Lynas' Mt Weld rare earth project and Iluka's planned rare earth refinery at Eneabba further enhances the strategic value of Jupiter, positioning Critica to leverage existing regional infrastructure and expertise.
Robust Geological Foundation and Ongoing Work
Jupiter boasts consistent, high-grade rare earth mineralisation across a 40 square kilometer area, with broad zones grading over 2,000ppm TREO and magnet rare earth oxides (MREO) comprising approximately 23% of the total. The deposit is notable for its low thorium and uranium content, which reduces environmental and processing complexities.
Critica has completed over 38,000 meters of drilling in under 18 months, rapidly advancing geological understanding. The maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, prepared by SRK Consulting, is nearing completion and expected imminently. Meanwhile, metallurgical testwork continues with multiple laboratories engaged to optimize beneficiation and recovery processes, including physical rejection of gangue minerals and flotation refinements.
Implications for Rare Earth Supply and Market Position
Rare earth elements are critical to emerging technologies and clean energy applications, making new, high-grade sources strategically important. Critica’s early success in upgrading Jupiter’s rare earth content through simple, low-energy flotation methods could translate into a cost-effective processing pathway. This positions the company favorably amid growing demand and supply chain diversification efforts in the rare earth sector.
Managing Director Philippa Leggat emphasised the company’s commitment to rigorous technical work to de-risk and unlock the project’s value, highlighting the significance of these initial metallurgical outcomes as a foundation for future development.
Bottom Line?
Critica’s metallurgical success at Jupiter sets a strong foundation, but the next resource estimate and ongoing testwork will be critical to confirming its commercial viability.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further metallurgical optimization impact rare earth recoveries and concentrate grades?
- What will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate reveal about the scale and grade continuity of Jupiter?
- How might Critica leverage its proximity to established rare earth processing facilities to accelerate development?