Latest Downstreaming News

Delta Lithium has outlined Q4 reconnaissance drilling across six Yinnetharra targets, including two gold anomalies supported by high-grade rock-chip and historic drill results. At Mt Ida, new lithium, tantalum and rubidium intersections are feeding a resource update while a 1-tonne metallurgical program moves ahead.

Cadoux says resampling of 21 historical Danube drill holes has extended rare earth-zircon mineralisation up to 1.4 kilometres north of its June Exploration Target and opened a southern target area. The results move the project towards planned infill drilling, a maiden Mineral Resource and a Scoping Study, but key mineralogy and access hurdles remain.

Firebird Metals is moving from manganese exploration towards downstream battery materials, with its Perth demonstration plant backed by a A$2 million ARENA grant. But the ASX-listed company remains loss-making, has A$3.61 million in cash and faces a material uncertainty over its ability to continue without further funding.

St George Mining’s Araxá project now boasts a 111.2Mt rare earths resource after a major post-year-end upgrade, alongside 630,000 tonnes of contained niobium. The 2026 annual report shows a company moving rapidly towards development, but still without an ore reserve, mine design or production decision.

New Frontier Minerals advanced its copper and rare earths portfolio during FY2026, but the annual report highlights a material uncertainty over its ability to continue as a going concern. The company ended the year with $1.23 million in cash after a $2.25 million placement and ongoing exploration spending.

Santana Minerals has moved Bendigo-Ophir from study toward construction, securing a 30-year mining permit, strategic land control and A$188.3 million in cash. The decisive hurdle remains the Fast-track consent due on 20 January 2027, followed by financing and a final investment decision.

Temas Resources and SAGA Metals have begun an eight-week optimisation program aimed at turning strong laboratory recoveries into a defined processing flowsheet and first high-purity titanium, vanadium and iron products. A successful stage could lead to a C$650,000-C$750,000 mini-pilot, although that funding remains subject to technical results and SAGA approval.

IperionX has moved its Virginia titanium operation into 24/7 production, lifting nameplate powder capacity to about 200 tonnes a year while commissioning equipment aimed at higher-value components. The progress came alongside a US$66.8 million annual loss, US$63.5 million of operating and investing cash outflows, and continued reliance on government support, customer qualification and future capital.

Element 25 has moved its Butcherbird manganese expansion from feasibility into project delivery, targeting mechanical completion and commissioning in the first quarter of calendar 2027. The company also strengthened funding and commercial support, although construction, financing conditions and the absence of FY2026 revenue leave execution as the central test.

Australian Vanadium reported progress across its mine, electrolyte and battery businesses, but auditors highlighted material uncertainty over the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The group held $17.9 million in cash at 30 June, yet expects to need additional funding within 12 months.

Nico Resources is advancing drilling, metallurgical studies and a potential downstream battery-materials partnership at Wingellina, despite a subdued nickel market and a larger annual loss. The company ended FY2026 with $4.73 million across cash and short-term investments after raising $3.73 million in equity.

Prairie Lithium has moved its Saskatchewan project closer to commissioning, with Pad #1 construction advancing and Hydro Lithium agreeing to buy all Phase 1 output. The progress came alongside a A$3.46 million FY2026 loss, further equity issuance and a year-end cash balance of A$5.85 million.