Latest Pilot Plant Operations News

Zinc of Ireland (ASX: ZMI) has fast-tracked its ARGO technology development to recover germanium, gallium, and indium, targeting early 2027 for pilot plant operations. The move aligns with EU regulatory demands for critical minerals and aims to reduce waste and emissions in zinc smelting.

Victory Metals (ASX: VTM) has delivered a robust Pre-Feasibility Study for its North Stanmore rare earth project, confirming a 47 Mt Probable Ore Reserve and strong economics underpinned by low capital intensity and a high-grade mineral resource.

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.

Impact Minerals pushes its Lake Hope High Purity Alumina project into pilot production while its JV partner Kuniko hits mineralisation in every hole at Commonwealth, discovering new high-grade extensions.

Meteoric Resources has completed a Definitive Feasibility Study for its Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Brazil, revealing a large, high-grade ionic clay deposit with a 20-plus year mine life and strong financial metrics.

Argosy Minerals is progressing its 12,000tpa Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina with robust feasibility testwork validating its process flowsheet and securing a 40MW power supply, underpinning its upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study.

ABx Group’s ALCORE subsidiary has begun civil construction at its Bell Bay pilot plant, advancing a novel process to produce hydrogen fluoride from aluminium smelter by-products, addressing Australia’s dependence on imports.

Critica Limited’s recent drilling at its Jupiter Rare Earth Project has validated broad, near-surface high-grade zones, underpinning an imminent resource upgrade and advancing its scoping study.

Meteoric Resources has surged its Measured Resources by 246% to 128 million tonnes at its Caldeira Rare Earth Element Project in Brazil, significantly de-risking the upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study and underpinning future development plans.

Victory Metals advances its North Stanmore project by sending heavy rare earth concentrate to potential offtake partners and expanding its ore reserve through updated geological classification.

Iron Bear Resources (ASX:IBR) has detailed progress on its Canadian Iron Bear Project, highlighting a robust scoping study, a major joint venture with Vale, and strategic advantages in a growing direct reduction pellet market.

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.