Latest Pilot Plant Development News

Zinc of Ireland (ASX: ZMI) has finalised its acquisition of Meclex, securing two hydrometallurgical technologies aimed at disrupting zinc and lead processing with low-emission methods. Backed by a fresh A$5.5 million placement, ZMI is accelerating pilot plant development and exploration at its Kildare project.

Cadoux Ltd has cleared a critical technical and commercial hurdle by qualifying its premiumHPA® high purity alumina for use in the EU-backed SAFELOOP electric vehicle battery project, opening doors to potential offtake deals and boosting its standing in the critical minerals market.

Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has acquired exclusive global rights to a University of Edinburgh hydrometallurgical process that extracts gold and copper from electronic waste using recyclable organic compounds, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable precious metals recovery.

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.

Zinc Mines Ireland (ASX: ZMI) has acquired Dutch metals tech firm Meclex, integrating its proprietary low-temperature hydrometallurgical processes into ZMI’s Kildare zinc project. The move aims to unlock critical mineral value and reduce environmental impact in European zinc and battery recycling markets.

ABx Group’s ALCORE subsidiary has reached a key environmental milestone for its hydrogen fluoride pilot plant in Tasmania, progressing construction and expanding its engineering team ahead of commissioning in late 2026.

Locksley Resources has initiated diamond drilling at its Desert Antimony Mine in California, aiming to expand known high-grade mineralisation and support US critical minerals supply chains.

Everest Metals Corporation has released further assay results confirming thick, high-grade rubidium mineralisation at its Mt Edon project in Western Australia, underpinning an upcoming resource upgrade. The company’s collaboration with CSIRO is refining processing strategies to enhance recovery rates.

ABx Group Limited has reported significant progress across its rare earths, fluorine chemical, and bauxite mining projects, underpinned by a $6 million capital raise and promising metallurgical results.

Everest Metals has begun mining at its Mt Dimer Taipan Gold Project and reported strong drilling results at its Mt Edon Critical Minerals Project, advancing its position in gold and strategic minerals.

Lithium Universe has launched the engineering phase for a modular photovoltaic panel recycling plant that integrates cutting-edge technologies to recover high-purity silver, responding to soaring silver prices and rising demand from electric vehicles.

Everest Metals Corporation has reported impressive rubidium assay results up to 0.79% Rb₂O from its Phase 2 drilling at the Mt Edon Critical Mineral Project, reinforcing the potential for resource expansion ahead of a planned upgrade in early 2026.