Aldoro Resources has achieved an exceptional ~99% strontium extraction from its Kameelburg Project ore using simple ambient-temperature acid leaching, positioning the asset as a rare, low-complexity source amid soaring global strontium prices and supply disruptions.
- 98.96% strontium extraction via ambient-temperature HCl leach
- High-grade 2.67% Sr (4.49% SrCO3) ancylite-hosted mineralisation
- Strontium carbonate prices surged ~150% due to global supply shocks
- Potential dual-commodity opportunity with rare earth elements
- Accelerated Mineral Resource Estimate update underway
Near-Complete Strontium Extraction Achieved with Simple Processing
Aldoro Resources Ltd (ASX:ARN) has delivered a standout metallurgical breakthrough at its Kameelburg Project in Namibia, achieving a strontium extraction rate of 98.96% through a straightforward hydrochloric acid leach conducted at ambient temperature. This result ranks among the highest global recoveries reported for strontium-bearing ores under comparable conditions, and crucially, it requires no elevated temperature, pressure, or complex reagents.
Unlike the dominant celestite ores processed globally, which rely on energy-intensive pyrometallurgical methods, the Kameelburg ore’s ancylite mineralogy allows for direct acid leaching. Aldoro Chairperson Quinn Li highlighted the rarity of combining world-class scale with such low-complexity processing, noting the project’s potential to address critical supply gaps in a geopolitically constrained market.
High-Grade Ore and Dual Commodity Potential
The metallurgical test used a composite sample from drill hole DD004D, which carries a head grade of 2.67% strontium (equivalent to 4.49% SrCO3) and 12.7% calcium. The ore’s carbonate-hosted ancylite phase also contains rare earth elements (REE) such as cerium and lanthanum, presenting a rare opportunity for co-recovery of strontium and REEs from a single leach step. This dual-commodity potential could significantly enhance project economics.
This development complements Aldoro’s recent drilling successes, including a continuous 354-meter intercept of rare earths and strontium mineralisation at Kameelburg, which confirms the deposit’s expanding scale and grade continuity 354m continuous rare earth and strontium mineralisation. The company is accelerating an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) to incorporate strontium carbonate and iron content, aiming to reflect the enhanced value of the project.
Strontium Market Dynamics and Strategic Importance
Strontium carbonate prices have surged approximately 150% over the past year, doubling from around US$1,200 to US$3,150 per tonne (CFR Europe). This spike stems from severe supply disruptions, including geopolitical tensions and export infrastructure damage in Iran, the world’s primary celestite exporter. The market, valued between USD 480-640 million in 2025, is projected to grow to over USD 1 billion by 2035, driven by demand from defence, electronics, and electric vehicles.
Global strontium supply is heavily concentrated in China, Mexico, and Iran, with significant geopolitical risks. The United States remains fully import-dependent. Against this backdrop, Kameelburg’s location in politically stable Namibia offers a strategically secure alternative source for critical strontium supply to Western markets.
Processing Challenges and Next Steps
The testwork also revealed some operational considerations, such as slow vacuum filtration and precipitate formation linked to high iron content in solution. These issues are deemed manageable through standard process design adjustments. Further downstream processing testwork will focus on strontium carbonate precipitation and refining acid consumption and iron selectivity.
Aldoro’s approach contrasts sharply with conventional celestite operations, which typically achieve 85-95% recovery via more complex, energy-intensive routes. The ambient temperature leach at Kameelburg not only reduces processing costs but also aligns with growing environmental and supply chain considerations.
Bottom Line?
Aldoro’s near-complete strontium extraction from a high-grade, easily leachable ore positions Kameelburg as a rare, strategically vital asset amid tightening global supply and soaring prices.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Aldoro optimise downstream processing to commercialise strontium carbonate production?
- What impact will the accelerated Mineral Resource Estimate update have on project valuation and investment interest?
- Can Kameelburg’s dual strontium and rare earth element recovery unlock new market opportunities or partnerships?