Marquee Resources Licenses DOE-Backed NEAREST REE Tech to Boost Redlings Project

Marquee Secures Advanced REE Processing Technology

Marquee Resources Limited (ASX:MQR) has taken a significant step toward commercialising its Redlings rare earth elements (REE) project by executing a non-exclusive research and development patent licence with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a flagship U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national lab. The licence grants Marquee access to the NEAREST (Nonaqueous Extraction and Recovery of Elements by Aqueous-free Separation Technology) patent portfolio, a breakthrough REE separation method designed specifically for clay-rich lateritic deposits like Redlings.

This collaboration not only opens the door to cutting-edge processing technology but also aligns Marquee with U.S. strategic efforts to diversify critical minerals supply chains. The DOE’s backing and ORNL’s scientific expertise provide Marquee with a rare and valuable partnership, placing it among an elite group of organisations holding formal licences to DOE-developed technologies.

NEAREST Technology’s Edge Over Conventional Methods

Unlike traditional aqueous solvent extraction, which struggles with the fine-grained, clay-rich material typical of Redlings, NEAREST employs a non-aqueous solvent extraction process. This approach achieves separation factors up to 6.7 times greater than conventional methods, significantly reduces reagent consumption, and lowers the volume and complexity of liquid waste streams.

Such advantages are critical given the environmental and cost challenges associated with processing REEs. NEAREST's suitability to Redlings' mineralogy could translate into more sustainable operations and improved recovery of high-value magnetic rare earth oxides (MREO), essential for electric vehicle motors and wind turbine magnets.

Redlings Project: Scale and Strategic Potential

Located about 40km west of Leonora in Western Australia, the Redlings REE Project boasts an inferred mineral resource estimate of 11 million tonnes at 1,130 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), containing approximately 12,430 tonnes of REO. Marquee has outlined a substantial exploration target of 204–306 million tonnes at 950–1,130 ppm TREO, suggesting a potential resource growth of up to 13 times through an aggressive infill drilling program planned for 2026.

The deposit's flat-lying, near-surface lateritic profile is amenable to low-cost open-pit mining, and its high magnetic REE content positions it well to meet growing demand driven by electrification and renewable energy trends. The project's proximity to established mining infrastructure in a tier-1 jurisdiction further enhances its attractiveness.

Advancing Toward Commercialisation

Marquee’s agreement with ORNL includes an option to negotiate a non-exclusive commercial licence, providing a clear pathway to scale NEAREST technology from R&D to production. The company plans to commence collaborative research with ORNL scientists immediately, alongside a substantial infill drilling campaign involving 693 holes to refine the resource and support an updated mineral resource estimate targeted for late 2026.

Subsequent phases include comprehensive metallurgical testwork aimed at defining Nd-Pr concentrate specifications and engaging strategic partners for offtake agreements. These steps will feed into a scoping or pre-feasibility study in 2027, alongside negotiations for commercial licence terms.

This strategic move builds on Marquee’s recent patent licence announcement and fits within broader efforts to secure trusted, non-Chinese REE supply chains, leveraging Australia’s position as a preferred partner under frameworks like AUKUS and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. The integration of NEAREST technology could be a game-changer for Marquee’s Redlings project, potentially overcoming processing bottlenecks that have hindered many clay-rich REE deposits globally.

Notably, Marquee’s approach echoes its recent rare earth separation IP license milestone, reinforcing its commitment to downstream processing innovation and strategic alignment with government-backed initiatives.

Environmental and Strategic Implications

NEAREST’s lower chemical reagent use and reduced waste generation address growing environmental concerns associated with REE extraction. This aligns with increasing investor and regulatory scrutiny over sustainable mining practices, particularly in critical minerals sectors linked to clean energy technologies.

Moreover, the DOE’s retention of march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act and the requirement for substantial U.S. manufacturing of licensed products underscore the strategic importance and regulatory oversight embedded in this partnership. While this adds complexity, it also signals strong institutional support for projects that can contribute to allied nations’ supply chain resilience.