Australian Rare Earths Advances Pilot Processing at ANSTO for Koppamurra Project

Pilot Plant Commissioned and Processing Commences

Australian Rare Earths Limited (ASX:AR3) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Koppamurra Rare Earths Project by successfully commissioning a pilot-scale processing plant at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO) critical minerals facility in Sydney. The pilot plant, purpose-built for clay-hosted rare earth deposits, has processed approximately one tonne of Koppamurra ore during commissioning, confirming key operating parameters and validating the plant’s design and continuous operation.

Following commissioning, AR3 has ramped up operations to process around 30 tonnes of ore through a continuous pilot circuit. This involves completing four cycles across eight 4-metre columns designed to recover rare earths, with the aim of replicating full-scale flowsheet performance and generating essential engineering and metallurgical data.

First Product Samples to Drive Commercialisation

The pilot program is already delivering tangible outputs, with the first bulk Mixed Rare Earth Oxide (MREO) samples expected by late September 2026. These samples will be shared with prospective customers and offtake partners, marking a crucial milestone in moving Koppamurra toward commercial production. The oxide is produced via an oxalate precipitation route, a method previously demonstrated in AR3’s metallurgical testwork to achieve high-purity rare earth products.

Managing Director Travis Beinke emphasised the importance of this phase, noting that transitioning from laboratory-scale testwork to continuous pilot processing is a key step in finalising process design and advancing toward an investment-ready feasibility study.

Technical Validation and Project De-Risking

The commissioning phase confirmed critical process parameters such as agglomerate preparation, irrigation flow rates, and lixiviant makeup, with rare earth recovery aligning with expectations. The pilot plant’s continuous operation will generate detailed technical data and process optimisation insights, supporting the bankable feasibility study that will underpin Koppamurra’s development timeline.

This pilot-scale work aligns with the company’s Pre-Feasibility Study and maiden Ore Reserve, which underpin a low-capital, high-return development strategy. It also supports AR3’s broader ambition to reduce capital and execution risks while accelerating engagement with strategic partners seeking secure, Australian-sourced rare earth supplies rich in magnet and heavy rare earth elements.

Timeline and Next Steps

Heap leach operations are expected to complete by December 2026, with ongoing production of product samples to follow. These milestones will provide further clarity on process performance and product quality, critical factors for future investment decisions.

AR3’s pilot processing progress builds on its recent Koppamurra PFS Reveals A$858m NPV, which highlighted the project’s strong economics and rapid payback. The pilot plant data will be a key input for the upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study, helping to refine process design and capital requirements.