The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) has received the first composite concentrate from Critica’s flagship Jupiter project for independent leach testing  (ASX:CRI,OTC Pink:VTMLF).
While specialized consultancy Minutech will carry out hydrometallurgical studies to measure processing approaches, ANSTO will process the concentrate to make mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC).
Jupiter, which is situated near Yalgoo, Western Australia, is thought to contain 1.8 billion tonnes of total rare earth oxides (TREO) at 1,700 parts per million (ppm), of which 520 million tonnes are at 2,200 ppm.
Critica verified on August 13 that, in terms of both total tonnage and contained MREO, the project is Australia’s largest and best-grade clay-hosted MREO inferred resource.
The business claims that two beneficiation processes can readily enhance the mineralization at Jupiter by more than 800 percent, which “points to a considerably smaller wet plant and lower capital and operating intensity.”
Jupiter also has low quantities of uranium and thorium, which may make international offtake and permitting easier.
In a statement released on August 26, Deysel stated, “ANSTO’s independent leach test program, along with Minutech’s, will identify the most effective chemistry to create Jupiter MREC and directly inform our pilot work and staged activities.”
To help with the worldwide energy shift, Critica focuses on four important magnet rare earths: terbium, dysprosium, praseodymium, and neodymium. Additionally, the business wants to meet long-term demand from industries including wind turbines, electric vehicles, the medical field, and the defense industry.
“Jupiter is forming as a cornerstone of Australia’s rare earth supply chain with infrastructure advantages and numerous further targets throughout our term,” Deysel continued.
