Octava Minerals Advances Byro Project with Strong CSIRO Bioleaching Results

Breakthrough Bioleaching Results

Octava Minerals Ltd (ASX, OCT) has announced compelling results from bioleaching testwork conducted by CSIRO on samples from its Byro Critical Minerals Project in Western Australia. The national science agency’s research demonstrated extraction yields reaching up to 68% for neodymium (Nd), 67% for praseodymium (Pr), and 65% for dysprosium (Dy), all vital rare earth elements used in magnet production. Lithium and vanadium, key battery metals, also showed strong recoveries of up to 62% and 43% respectively.

This bioleaching process, which employs microbial cultures to extract metals, represents a significant step forward in sustainable mineral recovery. It potentially reduces chemical use and energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional extraction methods, aligning with growing industry emphasis on environmentally responsible mining.

Strategic Acquisition and Project Potential

Buoyed by these encouraging results, Octava has confirmed its intention to exercise its option to acquire 100% ownership of the Byro project, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The project, located on the Byro Plains in the Gascoyne region, covers two granted exploration licences spanning 555 square kilometres and hosts polymetallic mineralisation including rare earths, lithium, and vanadium.

Historical drilling has intersected continuous mineralisation over a 25-kilometre strike length, with thick intervals in all five drillholes to date. This suggests a potentially large volume of in-situ metals, providing a strong foundation for further exploration and development.

Next Steps, Drilling and Scale-Up Testing

Octava is now preparing a maiden drilling program aimed at targeting higher-grade zones within the Byro deposit. The company is also advancing plans to scale up bioleaching testwork, exploring bioheap leaching techniques to improve recovery rates and operational efficiency. These initiatives will be critical in validating the commercial viability of bioleaching at scale and refining the project’s development pathway.

Managing Director Bevan Wakelam highlighted the significance of the CSIRO collaboration, noting that independent testwork by European bio-mining consultants BiotaTec had previously yielded similarly promising results. The convergence of these findings strengthens confidence in the project’s potential and the sustainability benefits of bio-mining.

Sustainability and Market Context

Bioleaching is gaining traction globally as a cleaner alternative to traditional mineral extraction, with successful applications in copper and gold mining. Octava’s focus on this technology aligns with broader market trends prioritising lower environmental impact and cost-effective production methods. The Byro project’s proximity to infrastructure such as the Geraldton port and access to power from the NW gas pipeline further enhances its logistical appeal.

As the company moves toward full ownership and advances its exploration and metallurgical programs, investors will be watching closely for updates on drilling results and the outcomes of scaled bioleaching trials.