ABx Group has secured partnerships in two major Australian Government R&D initiatives aimed at advancing rare earths refining and exploration technologies, accelerating development of its ionic clay rare earth project in Tasmania.
- Partner in $240 million Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Centre
- Involved in $2.4 million grant for quantum-enabled in-field geometallurgy sensor
- Focus on refining and recovery technologies for ionic clay rare earths
- Collaborations include 62 partners across industry and research
- Supports rapid development of northern Tasmania rare earth project
ABx Secures Strategic Government Partnerships
ABx Group Limited (ASX:ABX), an emerging player in the rare earths sector, has announced its involvement in two significant Australian Government-funded research and development programs. These initiatives, collectively valued at over $240 million, aim to enhance critical minerals processing and exploration technologies, with a particular focus on rare earth elements.
The first program, the Critical Metals for Critical Industries (CMCI) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), has been awarded $53 million in federal funding and includes 62 partners spanning businesses, research organisations, and industry bodies. ABx will play a leading role within this consortium, focusing on pioneering next-generation refining and recovery technologies tailored to its ionic adsorption clay rare earth project in northern Tasmania.
Quantum Leap in Rare Earth Exploration
In parallel, ABx is a partner in a $2.4 million Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP) grant awarded to TeraGlo and collaborators. This project aims to develop a world-first quantum-enabled, in-field geometallurgy sensor designed specifically to detect clay-hosted rare earths. By enabling real-time, on-site mineral analysis, this technology promises to revolutionise exploration efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional lab assays.
Dr Mark Cooksey, ABx’s Managing Director and CEO, emphasised the company’s technical expertise in geology, metallurgy, and chemical engineering as a critical advantage in advancing rare earth projects. He noted that rare earth metallurgy remains less developed compared to traditional minerals, underscoring the importance of these R&D partnerships in accelerating ABx’s project development and value creation.
Strategic Implications for ABx and the Australian Rare Earths Sector
These government-backed programs align with Australia’s broader strategy to build sovereign capability in critical minerals processing and technology innovation. For ABx, participation not only provides access to cutting-edge research and collaborative networks but also positions the company at the forefront of sustainable refining methods and advanced mineral detection technologies.
ABx’s ionic clay rare earth project in northern Tasmania stands to benefit directly from these initiatives, potentially accelerating timelines and enhancing the economic viability of extracting both light and heavy rare earth elements. This is particularly significant given the global demand for rare earths in clean energy technologies and advanced electronics.
Beyond rare earths, ABx continues to advance its other projects, including clean fluorine chemical production and near-term bauxite mining, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable resource development and environmental stewardship.
Bottom Line?
ABx’s integration into major government R&D programs signals a promising step towards transforming Australia’s rare earths landscape and boosting the company’s growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific milestones and timelines will ABx target within these R&D programs?
- How will the quantum-enabled sensor technology impact ABx’s exploration costs and accuracy?
- What are the potential commercialisation pathways and revenue impacts from these partnerships?