VBX Reports Up to 34% Increase in Wuudagu Bauxite Recovery in DFS Test Work

Metallurgical Breakthrough at Wuudagu

VBX Limited (ASX, VBX) has announced promising results from its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) metallurgical optimisation test work for the Wuudagu bauxite project in northern Western Australia. The company reports a substantial increase in product mass recovery, ranging from 23% to 34%, compared to the earlier Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) completed in 2025. This improvement is achieved through refined beneficiation techniques involving scrubbing and screening processes.

These gains are particularly notable because they come at high solids ratios (up to 55%) and short residence times (as low as 1.5 minutes), which means the beneficiation plant can operate more efficiently with lower water and power consumption. This optimisation not only enhances output but also promises to reduce both capital and operating costs, a critical factor for project economics.

Unlocking Production Potential

VBX’s Managing Director, Ryan de Franck, highlighted that the improved beneficiation results open the door to increasing Wuudagu’s annual production capacity by 20 to 30% even before considering any expansion of the mining rate. The test work was conducted on a representative composite sample from the Wuudagu C deposit, confirming the robustness of the findings across the deposit’s profile.

The company’s strategy includes adopting a simplified tyre-driven scrubbing solution, which is expected to optimise product quality while minimising resource consumption. This approach aligns with VBX’s commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Maintaining Competitive Product Quality

Alongside increased recovery rates, the DFS test work confirms that the high-quality, low-silica bauxite product grades remain consistent with previous projections. The beneficiated product grades range from 44.2% to 46.6% alumina (Al2O3) and maintain low silica (SiO2) levels between 2.6% and 4.4%, depending on screen size. This low silica content is a significant competitive advantage in the Australian bauxite market, where many producers contend with higher silica impurities.

VBX’s ability to offer a premium product enhances its appeal to potential buyers and marketing partners, a fact underscored by the company’s ongoing strong commercial interest and active funding discussions to secure offtake and development rights.

Looking Ahead

The DFS metallurgical optimisation program is continuing, with further scrubbing, screening, and filtration test work underway on additional samples from the Wuudagu B and C deposits. These efforts aim to fine-tune the beneficiation process and further improve operational parameters.

VBX’s progress at Wuudagu comes at a time of rising global aluminium demand, driven by decarbonisation and technological innovation. With China’s bauxite imports growing steadily and supply risks increasing worldwide, Wuudagu’s development in a low-sovereign risk jurisdiction positions VBX well to meet future market needs.