Latest Downstream Processing News

PMET Resources has partnered with Mitsui and Microwave Chemical to test microwave calcination technology for on-site lithium refining at Shaakichiuwaanaan, aiming to leverage Quebec’s renewable hydro power to boost value capture and reduce logistics.

Critica Limited is progressing its Jupiter and Mt Lindsay projects with key resource updates, metallurgical breakthroughs, and strategic partnerships, targeting Scoping Study completion in Q3 2026.

Alice Queen’s Project Definition Study for Horn Island reveals robust economics, including a pre-tax NPV of A$706 million and an IRR of 109%, underpinning plans to advance to feasibility stages.

Chilwa Minerals’ latest assays from drill hole MPYDD007 at Nakombe South in Malawi confirm a multi-commodity critical minerals system with significant niobium, tantalum, rare earth elements, and gallium mineralisation. The company has defined a maiden conceptual Exploration Target and is advancing drilling towards a maiden Mineral Resource.

Ark Mines has produced high-grade monazite and titanium dioxide products from its Sandy Mitchell heavy mineral concentrate, marking a key step toward commercialising its North Queensland rare earths project.

Heavy Rare Earths Limited has appointed Jason Barnett as Managing Director and CEO, aiming to leverage his extensive mining experience as the company advances its critical minerals projects and prepares for a maiden drilling campaign.

Core Energy Minerals’ latest infill auger drilling results at its Tunas Project in Brazil reveal strong, continuous rare earth element mineralisation near surface, with assays up to 12.3m at 2,014.9ppm TREO. Mineralisation remains open at depth, underpinning the project’s potential for expansion.

Evion Group has appointed former Australian Ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos, as Strategic Advisor to accelerate its US critical minerals strategy following its acquisition of the CARP Fluorspar Project in Nevada.

Syrah Resources has settled an alleged default under its offtake deal with Tesla for natural graphite anode material, with Tesla withdrawing termination threats but retaining rights pending final product qualification.

Critica Limited’s Jupiter Rare Earth Project pilot plant has delivered a significant beneficiation breakthrough, upgrading feed to a ~3% TREO intermediate concentrate with strong magnet rare earth recoveries and substantial mass rejection.

VRX Silica’s updated 2026 Bankable Feasibility Study for Arrowsmith North confirms robust economics with an ungeared NPV8 of A$179.2 million and binding offtake contracts securing nearly 1 million tonnes annually.

Sovereign Metals has verified that its Kasiya project hosts monazite concentrates rich in critical heavy rare earths Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium, with oxide ratios far exceeding global benchmarks. This discovery could add a valuable by-product stream at near-zero incremental cost, enhancing the project’s economics amid growing Western supply chain security concerns.