Jupiter’s Massive Rare Earth Resource Raises Stakes for Australian Critical Minerals Supply

A Major Milestone for Critica and Australian Rare Earths

Critica Limited has delivered a significant breakthrough with the release of the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its flagship Jupiter Project, part of the broader Brothers Clay-Hosted Rare Earth Project in Western Australia. Prepared independently by SRK Consulting, the estimate reveals a resource of 1.8 billion tonnes grading 1,700 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), positioning Jupiter as Australia's largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth deposit.

The resource includes a substantial high-grade core of 500 million tonnes at 2,200 ppm TREO, underscoring the deposit’s exceptional quality. This scale and grade combination is rare globally and places Jupiter among the premier clay-hosted rare earth resources worldwide.

Geological and Operational Highlights

The deposit extends over a broad 42 square kilometre area with remarkably consistent mineralisation. Drilling has been shallow, averaging just 58 metres, with over half of the holes ending in mineralisation, indicating strong vertical continuity. The mineralisation starts as close as six metres below surface in the high-grade zone, facilitating potential low-cost open-pit mining scenarios.

Importantly, the resource is characterised by very low in-situ uranium and thorium levels, a critical factor for environmental and processing considerations. Initial metallurgical testwork has demonstrated an impressive beneficiation upgrade of 830%, coupled with a 95% reduction in mass, highlighting the deposit’s amenability to efficient processing.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantage

Jupiter benefits from its enviable location within the Mt Magnet-Yalgoo mining district, a well-established region with robust infrastructure. The project is less than 10 kilometres from the Mount Magnet-Geraldton bitumen highway, providing direct access to local labour pools and the Port of Geraldton. Proximity to the Midwest gas pipeline and power transmission lines further enhances development prospects.

This infrastructure advantage reduces capital intensity and accelerates potential project timelines, a notable edge in the competitive rare earth sector.

Context Within the Global Rare Earth Landscape

Comparative analysis places Jupiter’s high-grade resource alongside leading global clay-hosted rare earth deposits, with TREO grades and tonnages that are globally significant. The deposit’s magnet rare earth oxides (MREO) content averages approximately 23% of total REEs, a valuable metric given the premium pricing of these elements in permanent magnets and clean energy technologies.

Critica’s Managing Director, Philippa Leggat, emphasised the rapid advancement from discovery in late 2023 to this maiden resource estimate, highlighting the deposit’s potential to play a strategic role in Australia’s critical minerals supply chain.

Next Steps and Market Implications

Critica is well-funded to continue comprehensive metallurgical testwork and to drill test satellite targets within the Brothers Project, aiming to unlock further value. The company’s focus on refining processing pathways and advancing economic studies will be key to translating this resource into a viable mining operation.

Given the strategic importance of rare earth elements in global technology and clean energy sectors, Jupiter’s development could enhance Australia’s position as a critical supplier, reducing reliance on international sources.