Critica (ASX:CRI) has dispatched a 400kg bulk sample from the Jupiter deposit to the Centre of Science and Technology of Minerals and Environment (CSTME), Vietnam.
The dispatch follows initial beneficiation work that achieved a better than 9x rare earth element (REE) upgrade.
CSTME will use the bulk sample to refine the beneficiation processes and produce material for initial leach test work.
Critica also continues to receive support from Curtin University’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program.
Under this scheme, the company will be submitting a second bulk sample to the WA School of Mines (Curtin University) to produce additional beneficiated material for future leach testwork.
Critica highlights that the Jupiter deposit includes more than 280,000 tonnes of contained heavy REEs and continues focusing on these key zones.
The realisation of a 64 % iron byproduct via wet low intensity magnetic separation (as part of the REE beneficiation process in CSTME’s initial testwork) also demonstrates the potential for byproduct opportunities from Jupiter, the company says.
Critica continues to assess and refine these opportunities as part of the REE bulk sample test programs.
The rare earth export controls were announced in early April 2025 by China as a response to the US tariff trade war, with new controls targeting seven REEs including the heavy rare earths, which Jupiter contains.
Updates regarding metallurgical testwork advances on its flagship 1.8 billion tonne Jupiter deposit are on the horizon.
“Jupiter is already Australia’s largest and highest grade clay hosted rare earth deposit and is expected to see further resource growth as reconnaissance drilling tests numerous satellite targets within the province-scale Brothers REE Project,” the company reports.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Critica
