Latest Hydrometallurgical Processing News

Hastings Technology Metals has cut its annual loss sharply, but its latest report flags a material uncertainty over whether the pre-production rare earths company can secure the funding needed for Yangibana and its proposed Thai processing plant. The uncertainty comes as Wyloo seeks to sell its 60% Yangibana stake despite a study showing attractive project economics.

Cobalt Blue has secured a US$150,000 contract to deliver key technical work for Glomar Minerals’ planned US polymetallic nodule refinery. The work takes Project Infinity into a formal Preliminary Economic Analysis, although the project remains at an early evaluation stage and its cost estimates carry a wide accuracy range.

Zinc of Ireland’s ARGO hydrometallurgical process achieves near-complete recovery of silver, lead, and copper from zinc leach residues, fast-tracking pilot plant plans for early 2027.

American Tungsten & Antimony has commissioned Metso Finland to conduct a concept-level study for expanding ammonium paratungstate production at its Nevada Del Sol Refinery, aiming to bolster US domestic tungsten supply amid national security concerns.

European Resources' metallurgical collaboration with ANSTO Minerals has boosted magnet rare earth extraction at Korsnäs from 83% to 92% by removing calcite, highlighting a key processing lever for their Finnish rare earths project.

Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX: BRE) has delivered a striking scoping study for its Rocha da Rocha Rare Earths Province in Brazil, anchored by the Monte Alto deposit’s world-class 11.3% TREO grade, projecting robust economics and a low-cost production path.

American Tungsten & Antimony plans to restart and expand the Del Sol Refinery and White Spar Mine in the US, contingent on completing their acquisition. The company is preparing for increased processing capacity and new product lines while engaging with regulators and engineering firms.

Lithium Universe Limited has secured $900,000 through a placement with existing investors to fund working capital and progress key projects including the Brownsville Lithium Refinery PFS and innovative metal recycling technologies.

Critica Limited has achieved a roughly 30% reduction in sulphuric acid consumption in the hydrometallurgical circuit of its Jupiter Rare Earth Project, confirmed by independent labs. This milestone complements earlier gains in concentrate grade and rare earth recovery, underpinning a lower-cost processing route ahead of the Q3 2026 scoping study.

American Rare Earths has ramped up feasibility drilling and pilot plant development at its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project, while bolstering leadership and progressing preparations for a NASDAQ listing.

Mont Royal Resources has released an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment for its Ashram Rare Earths and Fluorspar Project, outlining robust economics and a 30-year mine life. High-grade fluorspar at the nearby Mallard Prospect adds strategic by-product potential as the company advances towards a Pre-Feasibility Study.

Nova Minerals has completed engineering and design for its Estelle antimony pilot plant in Alaska, moving swiftly into procurement and construction with equipment en route to site.