Jupiter Project Boasts 1.8 Billion Tonnes at 1,700 ppm TREO with 830% Metallurgical Upgrade
Critica Minerals Limited has announced a significant milestone with its Jupiter Project, revealing Australia’s largest and highest-grade clay hosted rare earth resource alongside successful metallurgical test results that promise substantial mass reduction and grade upgrade.
- Jupiter Project hosts 1.8 billion tonnes at 1,700 ppm TREO, including 520 million tonnes at 2,200 ppm TREO
- Metallurgical testwork achieves an 830% rare earth element upgrade with 95% mass reduction
- Resource continuity validated by dense drilling with high-grade zones exceeding 3,000 ppm TREO
- Strategic location with established infrastructure in Western Australia
- Strong financial position supports ongoing exploration and resource upgrades
A Landmark Rare Earth Resource in Western Australia
Critica Minerals Limited (ASX: CRI) has solidified its position as a key player in the rare earths sector with the announcement of a maiden mineral resource estimate for its Jupiter Project, located in Western Australia. The project boasts a global resource of 1.8 billion tonnes at 1,700 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), including a high-grade subset of 520 million tonnes at 2,200 ppm TREO. This positions Jupiter as Australia’s largest and highest-grade clay hosted rare earth resource, a significant achievement in a market hungry for critical minerals.
The resource estimate, prepared by tier-one consultants SRK Consulting, highlights the project's scale and quality, with magnet rare earth oxides (MREO) comprising 23% of the TREO and notably low in situ levels of thorium and uranium. These characteristics enhance the project's appeal by potentially lowering environmental and processing risks.
Metallurgical Breakthroughs Boost Project Viability
Complementing the resource announcement, Critica reported successful initial metallurgical testwork that delivered an 830% upgrade in rare earth element concentration alongside a 95% reduction in mass. This breakthrough, achieved through simple flotation at room temperature, promises to significantly improve the economics of extracting rare earths from the clay-hosted deposits.
The metallurgical success is critical given the challenges typically associated with processing clay hosted rare earth deposits. The ability to upgrade the concentrate efficiently and reduce mass substantially could translate into lower operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
Robust Exploration and Resource Continuity
Critica’s exploration program has demonstrated remarkable continuity of high-grade mineralisation. Dense drilling, including 50m by 50m spacing on priority targets, has validated broad zones exceeding 3,000 ppm TREO, with some intersections surpassing 5,000 ppm TREO. These results underscore the potential for scalable mining operations with consistent ore quality.
In addition, the project benefits from a strategic location approximately 250 km east of Geraldton Port on the established Mt Magnet highway, with existing power and transport infrastructure nearby. The tenure covers 1,627 km² of granted licences on flat, accessible terrain with minimal vegetation, reducing logistical and environmental hurdles.
Financial Strength and Experienced Leadership
Critica is well-funded with a market capitalisation of approximately $48.4 million and cash reserves of $5.8 million, enabling the company to advance comprehensive metallurgical testwork, drill satellite targets, and pursue resource upgrades. The board and management team bring deep expertise in mining, finance, and exploration, with notable figures such as Non-Executive Chair Tim Lindley and Managing Director Philippa Leggat steering the company’s strategic direction.
With a clear pathway to further resource expansion and development, Critica is poised to leverage its technical and financial strengths to unlock the full potential of the Jupiter and Brothers Projects.
Looking Ahead
As Critica continues to drill test satellite targets and refine its metallurgical processes, the market will be watching closely for updates on resource upgrades and feasibility studies. The company’s progress could have meaningful implications for Australia’s rare earth supply chain and the broader critical minerals sector.
Bottom Line?
Critica’s Jupiter Project sets a new benchmark in Australian rare earth resources, but upcoming drilling and metallurgical results will be pivotal to translating potential into production.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further metallurgical testwork impact the project's processing costs and scalability?
- What are the timelines and milestones for resource upgrades and feasibility studies?
- How might Critica position itself amid rising global demand for magnet rare earth elements?
