Latest Downstream Manufacturing News

Western Australia's State Government has backed VRX Silica's land swap proposal at Muchea, unlocking access to a significantly larger high-grade silica sand resource with lower environmental impact and paving the way for downstream glass manufacturing.

Firebird Metals has placed all critical equipment orders for its Perth-based Australian Demonstration Plant, triggering the first ARENA grant payment and setting the stage for a pivotal 90-day fabrication phase. The project remains on track for early Q4 2026 equipment delivery, with imminent lithium manganese rich cathode results expected from its China pilot plant.

IperionX’s Titan Definitive Feasibility Study outlines a shovel-ready Tennessee project targeting heavy rare earths, titanium, zirconium, and hafnium with robust economics and strategic US supply chain implications.

Renascor Resources reports steady progress on its Purified Spherical Graphite demonstration plant in Adelaide, backed by a $5 million government grant, aiming to challenge China’s dominance in battery materials.

Iron Road Ltd progresses its Central Eyre Iron Project and Mulgathing heavy mineral sands exploration despite subdued iron ore investment and volatile energy costs. Strategic land options secured at Cape Hardy signal potential green hydrogen collaboration.

IperionX has boosted its titanium powder capacity by 60% with no extra capital, cutting unit costs to $55/kg, and is now accelerating a US Department of Defense-backed expansion to 1,400 tpa aiming for the lowest-cost titanium production in America.

Kingsland Minerals has achieved a major milestone with 99.97% purified spherical graphite from its Leliyn project, positioning itself as a key supplier for EV battery materials. The company is advancing processing optimisation and preparing for a September scoping study.

Renascor Resources advances its Battery Anode Material project with the Early Contractor Involvement phase nearing completion, alongside securing major project status and progressing its Purified Spherical Graphite demonstration plant.