Latest Pilot Plant Development News

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.

Power Minerals and Navigate Energy have taken a major step forward by finalising the incorporation of their Rincon Lithium Project Joint Venture entity in Argentina, paving the way for a US$4 million investment to accelerate project development.

Volt Resources has raised $2.23 million through a share placement to fund the feasibility study and development of its high purity graphite refinery in Alabama, alongside advancing a pilot plant for ultra-high purity graphite.

St George Mining showcased its Araxá rare earths and niobium project at EXPOSIBRAM 2025 in Brazil, highlighting strategic alliances with US processors and ongoing development progress. The company is positioning Araxá as a key non-China supply source amid shifting global rare earths dynamics.