Meteoric’s A$2M Pilot Plant to Produce 2kg Daily of Rare Earth Carbonate

A Regulatory Green Light for Rare Earth Innovation

Meteoric Resources NL has achieved a significant milestone with the receipt of formal approval from the Minas Gerais State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMAD) to construct and operate a Rare Earth Pilot Processing Facility in Poços de Caldas, Brazil. This licence clears the way for Meteoric to advance its Caldeira Rare Earth Project, a venture that could position the company as a notable player in the rare earths sector.

Pilot Plant, Small Scale, Big Implications

The pilot plant is designed to process up to 25 kilograms of feed ore per hour, producing approximately 2 kilograms of Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) daily. While modest in scale, this facility is critical for Meteoric to validate and optimize the processing flowsheet of the Caldeira Project. By running continuous production, the company aims to refine operational parameters, reduce costs, and provide tangible samples to potential offtake customers; key steps toward securing binding agreements for full-scale production.

Construction and Operational Plans

With all major equipment already purchased and mostly on site, Meteoric plans to commence construction immediately. The company anticipates full pilot plant operations by late October 2025. The estimated capital cost for this facility is around A$2 million, a relatively modest investment that underscores the pilot plant’s role as a proving ground rather than a commercial-scale operation.

Strategic and Environmental Considerations

Managing Director Stuart Gale highlighted the broader significance of the pilot plant, emphasizing its role in demonstrating Meteoric’s technical capabilities to stakeholders including the community, investors, and regulatory bodies. The facility will also focus on managing environmental impacts, particularly the handling of spent clays, aligning with sustainable development goals. Additionally, the pilot plant will serve as a platform to develop downstream separation technologies, potentially enhancing the project's technological edge in the future.

Looking Ahead

This development marks a critical phase in Meteoric’s journey to commercialize its rare earth resources. The pilot plant’s success will be instrumental in de-risking the project and attracting further investment. However, the path ahead remains contingent on operational outcomes, market conditions, and the company’s ability to secure binding offtake agreements.