Critica Targets 2029 Investment Decision with Jupiter Scoping Study Underway
Critica Limited has launched a pivotal Scoping Study for its Jupiter Rare Earth Project in Western Australia, appointing Sedgman to define a capital-efficient development pathway. This marks a strategic shift from technical validation to structured economic assessment.
- Sedgman appointed to lead Jupiter Scoping Study with Snowden Optiro and SRK support
- Study aims to integrate beneficiation-first flowsheet with mining and infrastructure plans
- Scoping Study to establish baseline economics and capital/operating cost assumptions
- Parallel metallurgical and pilot-scale beneficiation testwork underway
- Indicative development timeline targets final investment decision by 2029
A Strategic Milestone for Jupiter
Critica Limited (ASX, CRI) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its flagship Jupiter Rare Earth Project in Western Australia by initiating a Scoping Study led by the engineering group Sedgman. This move signals a transition from the project's technical validation phase into a more structured and economically focused development stage. The study aims to translate Jupiter’s considerable scale and demonstrated beneficiation performance into a clear, capital-efficient pathway towards production.
Integrated Approach to Development
The Scoping Study will integrate a beneficiation-first flowsheet; a process that prioritises early-stage ore upgrading; with mining, processing, and infrastructure concepts. This integrated approach is designed to define a base-case development scenario that balances technical feasibility with cost efficiency. Supporting Sedgman in this effort are Snowden Optiro, providing specialist mining expertise, and SRK Consulting, overseeing resource updates and optimisation.
Technical Workstreams Running in Parallel
Alongside the Scoping Study, Critica is advancing several technical programs to de-risk and refine the project. Metallurgical testwork is underway at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to optimise the Mixed Rare Earth Product pathway and downstream processing options. Additionally, pilot-scale beneficiation trials with the Centre of Science and Technology of Minerals and Environment (GAVAQ) aim to validate the closed-circuit operation of the beneficiation-first flowsheet. A targeted drilling campaign is also planned to support resource optimisation and mine planning assumptions.
Experienced Partners and Clear Timelines
Critica’s CEO Jacob Deysel emphasised the importance of Sedgman’s appointment, highlighting the company’s rare earth experience and the combined expertise of Snowden Optiro and SRK. Sedgman’s Managing Director Grant Fraser echoed this confidence, noting the project’s compelling scale and favourable metallurgy. The company has outlined an indicative development timeline, with the Scoping Study expected to conclude in the first half of 2026, followed by pre-feasibility and definitive feasibility studies through 2027, and a potential final investment decision targeted for 2029.
Positioning Jupiter in a Growing Market
Jupiter represents Australia’s largest clay-hosted rare earth deposit, a critical resource amid rising global demand driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence, and defence applications. Critica’s mine-to-magnet strategy aims to capture value across the supply chain, leveraging the project’s jurisdictional advantages and technical strengths to position Jupiter as a competitive player in the rare earths sector.
Bottom Line?
As Critica moves Jupiter from concept to concrete development, market watchers will be keenly observing how the Scoping Study shapes the project’s economic and strategic prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the inferred status of the Jupiter resource impact the confidence and outcomes of the Scoping Study?
- What are the key risks in integrating the beneficiation-first flowsheet with mining and infrastructure plans?
- How might global rare earth market dynamics influence Critica’s timeline and financing options?
