Mount Ridley Mines Strengthens Metallurgical Expertise to Accelerate Processing Pathway

Veteran Process Engineer Joins Mount Ridley Mines

Mount Ridley Mines Ltd (ASX:MRD) has brought on board Chris Larder as Technical Advisor – Metallurgy and Processing, a move aimed squarely at accelerating metallurgical testwork and flowsheet development at its Mount Ridley Project in Western Australia. With over three decades of experience in mineral processing, including significant exposure to rare earth elements (REE) and gallium hydrometallurgical systems, Larder’s appointment signals a strategic push to fast-track downstream processing initiatives.

His expertise includes the design and optimisation of complex hydrometallurgical flowsheets and pilot plant programs, particularly within Western Australia’s critical minerals sector. This aligns closely with Mount Ridley’s ambition to unlock greater project value through an integrated processing pathway that can reduce development timelines and enhance scalability.

Advancing Metallurgical Testwork and Downstream Strategy

Larder will oversee metallurgical testwork programs, contribute to flowsheet optimisation, and evaluate technology licensing opportunities. His role extends to coordinating with international partners, a critical element as Mount Ridley leverages collaborations like its Material Transfer Agreement with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which is currently generating metallurgical data for the project.

The appointment complements the company’s ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade its mineral resources, notably through a large-scale re-assay program involving approximately 3,300 historical drill samples aimed at resource growth without new drilling. These initiatives are part of a broader technical review to prioritise high-value targets within the Grass Patch Complex, the core of the Mount Ridley Project’s heavy rare earth enrichment zones.

Strengthening Internal Capabilities Amid Resource Growth

Mount Ridley’s Managing Director Allister Caird highlighted the significance of securing an advisor with Larder’s calibre, stating that the appointment reinforces the company’s focus on downstream processing to unlock value. This comes on the back of recent announcements confirming strong heavy rare earth recoveries from historical testwork, which showed leach recoveries up to 86.5%, underpinning the project’s metallurgical potential.

With a substantial inferred resource base rich in premium heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium, as well as scandium and gallium, Mount Ridley is positioning itself as a key player in critical minerals supply. Larder’s appointment is a timely boost to internal technical expertise as the company advances towards defining a scalable and integrated processing flowsheet that can support future development stages.

Next Steps in Metallurgical Development and Resource Expansion

Looking ahead, Mount Ridley plans to integrate the forthcoming metallurgical results from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with its historical data to avoid duplication and optimise testwork design. Additionally, the company is evaluating downstream processing technologies and licensing pathways, while continuing to engage with international partners to support metallurgical programs.

Technical input will also support the interpretation of the recent re-assay results from the extensive sample batch, which is expected to inform resource expansion and upgrading efforts. These activities are critical for advancing Mount Ridley’s rare earth and critical minerals strategy and underpin the company’s broader ambition to develop an integrated recovery pathway.