ACDC Metals is progressing hydrometallurgical testwork on its Goschen Central rare earth project and advancing its White Hills gold exploration licence, aligning with Australia's new $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve.
- Hydrometallurgical testwork planned at ANSTO for mixed rare earth carbonate
- Goschen Central Retention Licence application on track for Q1 2026
- Australian government launches $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve
- White Hills Gold exploration licence nearing approval with historic high-grade results
- Company pursuing further value-accretive business development opportunities
Strategic Momentum in Rare Earths
ACDC Metals Limited (ASX – ADC) has provided a comprehensive update on its flagship Goschen Central project and its newly applied-for White Hills gold project in Victoria. The company is preparing to undertake a hydrometallurgical testwork program at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to produce a mixed rare earth carbonate from a bulk sample collected in 2025. This next phase aims to validate metallurgical parameters critical for recovery and product composition, which will underpin marketing efforts and potential investment partnerships.
The Goschen Central project benefits from its location in a stable jurisdiction with supportive permitting frameworks, a simple processing flowsheet producing dual commodity streams, and a strong rare earth element assemblage including both heavy and light rare earths such as dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium. These attributes position the project well amid increasing global demand for secure rare earth supply chains.
Government Backing and Market Context
On 12 January 2026, the Australian Federal Government announced a $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, designed to secure long-term access to essential minerals including rare earth elements. This initiative underscores the strategic importance of projects like Goschen Central, which could benefit from production rights, offtake agreements, and potential stockpiling under the reserve. The timing of this government support aligns with ACDC Metals’ ongoing project development, potentially enhancing its market positioning.
Diversification into Gold Exploration
Complementing its rare earth focus, ACDC Metals is advancing its application for an exploration licence over the White Hills Gold project near the historic Rushworth goldfield in central Victoria. The licence application is progressing well and expected to be granted shortly. Historical drilling data from previous operators, including Gold Mines of Kalgoorlie and Southern Cross Gold, reveal promising high-grade gold intersections such as 6 metres at 4.18 grams per tonne. The company is conducting detailed geological reviews and planning future exploration programs to unlock this project's potential.
Outlook and Strategic Positioning
CEO Tom Davidson highlighted 2025 as a pivotal year, with significant deliverables enabling clearer articulation of Goschen Central’s value. The company’s strategy to diversify commodity exposure while capitalising on geopolitical trends and government initiatives reflects a balanced approach to growth. ACDC Metals continues to seek value-accretive business development opportunities that complement its existing portfolio, signalling an active posture in a dynamic sector.
With hydrometallurgical testwork results pending and regulatory approvals imminent, the coming months will be critical for ACDC Metals to translate its technical progress into tangible market confidence and investment interest.
Bottom Line?
As ACDC Metals advances testwork and regulatory milestones, its positioning within Australia’s critical minerals landscape is set to sharpen, investors will watch closely for the next breakthroughs.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the hydrometallurgical testwork results reveal about recovery rates and product quality?
- How will the Australian Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve impact Goschen Central’s financing and offtake prospects?
- What exploration strategies will ACDC Metals deploy to validate and expand the White Hills gold resource?