Latest Downstreaming News

Metals Australia’s new PEA for its Quebec Battery Anode Material Refinery reveals robust economics with a $2.05 billion USD pre-tax NPV and a 25.6% IRR, underpinning plans for a final feasibility study.

Firebird Metals has locked in exclusive global rights to key LMFP patents through 2045 and commissioned lithium-manganese-rich cathode equipment, progressing its Australian Demonstration Plant with a $2 million ARENA grant.

Lindian Resources has locked in a stable, low-cost sulphuric acid supply for its Kazakhstan processing plant, insulating its downstream rare earths strategy from China's looming export ban and volatile global markets.

Castile Resources has kicked off pilot plant bench scale testing for its Rover 1 project, integrating a 41% resource upgrade and higher metal prices into its Bankable Feasibility Study. The company also secured $8.4 million in funding and is preparing for exploration drilling amid regional consolidation.

Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX: BRE) has reported substantial expansion of its Monte Alto rare earth project with ultra high-grade drilling results and validated low-temperature processing delivering 97% recovery. The company also secured a Trial Mining Licence enabling early production and bulk shipments.

IperionX has transitioned its Virginia titanium operations to continuous 24/7 production, ramping proprietary HAMR™ titanium powder output to 4.2 metric tons in March and targeting 200 tons per annum by the end of 2026. Alongside manufacturing capacity expansions and strong U.S. Department of War backing, the company advances its critical minerals project in Tennessee.

Venari Minerals has delivered a maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for its Red Mountain Lithium Project in Nevada, revealing 3.03 million tonnes of contained Lithium Carbonate Equivalent. The company also reported improved beneficiation results and completed a share buyback to streamline its register.

American Rare Earths is fast-tracking its Wyoming Halleck Creek rare earths project, defining a pilot plant pathway, advancing oxide to metal studies, and targeting a NASDAQ listing by year-end 2026.

Australian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: AR3) reported robust progress at its Koppamurra Rare Earths Project, delivering a high-purity Mixed Rare Earth Oxide pathway with near-complete rare earth recovery and improved heap leach performance. Concurrently, the company defined new uranium targets at Overland with drilling imminent, supported by a strengthened balance sheet following a $6 million placement and government grants.

Lithium Universe Limited (ASX: LU7) is pushing ahead with its second lithium refinery in Texas and a silver recycling plant amid a strong lithium price rebound. The company secured a decade-long spodumene supply deal to underpin its flagship Canadian refinery and appointed Iggy Tan as full-time CEO to steer growth.

iTech Minerals is gearing up for a major drilling campaign at its Northern Territory gold-antimony project, while its South Australian graphite asset shows promising metallurgical progress towards battery-grade products.

Macro Metals’ subsidiary Macro Mining Services has landed an exclusive 36-month mining services contract with Metal Logic, supporting the rollout of innovative modular smelting technology in the East Pilbara. The first work package at Poondano Mine is set to start mid-2026, promising regional economic and Indigenous engagement benefits.