Cadoux Nears Completion of Minhub Feasibility Study, Boosts HPA Development
Cadoux Limited reports significant progress in its high purity alumina and Minhub rare earths projects, alongside robust environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
- Engineering milestones achieved in HPA Stage 1/Phase 2 and Minhub feasibility studies
- Positive customer assessments for HPA samples targeting heavy-duty EV applications
- Kwinana HPA production facility advances environmental and planning approvals
- Minhub mineral sands processing facility feasibility study nearing completion
- Ongoing ESG activities with high industry ratings and community engagement
Project Development Progress
Emerging critical minerals producer Cadoux Limited (ASX: CCM) has delivered a comprehensive quarterly report for the period ending 31 December 2024, highlighting key advancements in its dual critical minerals projects. The company is progressing engineering and feasibility studies for its high purity alumina (HPA) project in Western Australia and the Minhub mineral sands processing (MSP) facility in the Northern Territory.
Cadoux’s HPA project is moving through Stage 1/Phase 2 engineering workstreams, led by GR Engineering Services, focusing on refining an innovative flowsheet and preparing for commercialisation. The company has completed significant engineering design elements, including process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and environmental management plans. Concurrently, the Kwinana HPA production facility is advancing through critical environmental and planning approvals, with studies on bushfire management, noise, air quality, and waste management progressing.
Market Engagement and Product Development
On the marketing front, Cadoux continues to receive positive feedback from prospective customers assessing its premium-grade HPA samples, particularly for heavy-duty electric vehicle applications. The company is also collaborating with universities, including Curtin University, to explore downstream product development opportunities, aiming to tailor HPA for high-tech applications such as aerospace, medical devices, and advanced polishing compounds used in semiconductor manufacturing.
HPA’s unique properties, such as ultra-high purity (>99.99% Al2O3), thermal stability, and electrical insulation, position Cadoux well to meet growing demand in sectors prioritising green technologies and energy efficiency. The company’s innovative process design promises cost-effective production at scale, with plans for a 1,000 tonnes per annum small-scale production facility followed by a 10,000 tonnes per annum commercial plant.
Minhub Project Nears Feasibility Completion
Meanwhile, the Minhub mineral separation plant feasibility study is nearing completion, with all engineering and metallurgical testwork finalized. The facility is designed to process 500,000 tonnes per annum of heavy mineral concentrate, producing significant quantities of rare earth oxides such as dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium, critical components for permanent magnets in electric vehicles and other high-tech applications.
Minhub’s strategy addresses supply chain concerns by offering an independent, sustainable source of rare earths, with competitive capital and operating costs. Market engagement has gained momentum, attracting interest from government bodies and industry stakeholders seeking secure and traceable rare earth supplies.
Financial and ESG Commitments
Cadoux ended the quarter with approximately $2.43 million in cash, having invested $0.603 million in exploration and evaluation activities and advanced $0.135 million to Minhub Operations Pty Ltd for ongoing feasibility and R&D work. The company reported no substantive mining production during the period.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives remain a cornerstone of Cadoux’s strategy. The company continues to integrate ESG risk management aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures. Activities include participation in industry ESG working groups, community support programs, and leadership in sustainability discussions at international forums such as the World Economic Forum.
Cadoux’s ESG progress is reflected in its high industry ratings and ongoing training for employees and directors on responsible mining practices and regulatory frameworks. This commitment enhances the company’s license to operate and aligns with customer expectations for sustainable supply chains.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Cadoux plans to continue engineering work on the HPA feasibility study, complete the Minhub feasibility study by February 2025, and advance downstream HPA product development with European engagements. The company will also finalise critical equipment selections and maintain its ESG momentum.
Bottom Line?
Cadoux’s steady technical and ESG progress positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals in a decarbonizing world.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Cadoux secure binding offtake agreements following positive HPA sample assessments?
- How will the final Minhub feasibility study impact project financing and timelines?
- What are the potential regulatory hurdles remaining for the Kwinana HPA facility’s full commercial approval?
