Jack Lifton, globally renowned critical minerals and rare earth element (REE) expert and co-chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), has joined Magnum Mining and Exploration (ASX:MGU) as REE business development manager, as the company focuses on a 10,000m drill campaign at the Piracanjuba North ionic adsorption clay (IAC) rare earths prospect in Brazil.
Lifton began his career in 1962 as a physical chemist, shifting to work in the lunar landing Apollo Program with a focus on the development of photocathodes for solid-state image intensifiers. He then transitioned into technology marketing and manufacturing management, leading two engineered materials companies with a focus on OEM automotive and aerospace products.
Lifton officially retired in 1999, beginning a new career as an author, lecturer, and consultant in mining, refining, and fabrication ventures specialising in the use of rare metals.
He was the first to coin the term ‘technology metals’ in 2007. Lifton has served in an advisory role on a number of technology-metals companies and has served as a consultant in rare earths and electric vehicle materials’ processing.
Lifton is currently the chairman of the CMI and works in an advisory capacity for the US Department of Defense and the US Department of Energy on sourcing, processing, and fabrication of rare earth enabled products.
With Magnum, Lifton will work on the company’s rare earth market strategy, processing and supply chain pathway, strategic partnerships and offtake opportunities, project review and commercialisation support, and investor and market engagement.
Lifton’s industry expertise will support the development and commercialisation of Magnum’s rapidly emerging Brazilian rare earth business, underpinned by its recent IAC REE discovery at Piracanjuba.
Managing Director Antonio Vitor says that Magnum is thrilled to welcome Lifton to support the company’s growth.
“We believe Jack’s extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and technical expertise will be invaluable as Magnum works to develop its rare earths business and position Piracanjuba North within future US supply chains.”
Magnum Mining and Exploration is advancing ‘high-impact’ exploration programs with a focus on supporting Western supply chain security.
American Tungsten & Antimony new CEO to drive downstream strategy
American Tungsten & Antimony (ASX:AT4) has appointed Casper Adson as CEO, effective 13 July 2026, to lead the company’s metallurgical and downstream processing strategy.
Adson brings over 20 years in critical minerals processing and metallurgy to the role, having focused on titanium, rare earths, synthetic rutile, and vanadium in his career spanning pilot plants, Prefeasibility and Definitive Feasibility Studies, commissioning, and operations.
American Tungsten & Antimony is focused on producing defence-grade antimony and tungsten and positioning the company as a vertically-integrated, mine-to-metal Western supplier.
The company notes that downstream processing capability is required as the West seeks to establish domestic critical mineral supply chains. In the US, it is also needed to qualify for government funding, including Defense Production Act Title III initiatives and Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, and Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) programs, which can help fast-track project development.
Executive Chairman Timothy Morrison says that Adson’s appointment provides the company with one of the most credentialed processing and metallurgical operators in the sector.
“Antimony and tungsten are won or lost at the refinery, not the drill rig, and Casper’s track record of taking flowsheets from bench to production is exactly what AT4 needs to convert world-class US assets into qualified, defence-relevant product and to engage US Government programs from a position of technical credibility.”
Alongside Adson’s appointment, the company announced that Andre Booyzen will step down as managing director and be appointed as executive director – government relations and marketing, redirecting his strategic focus in engaging with US federal and state government and defence and funding agencies.
American Tungsten and Antimony is advancing critical mineral development in tier one US jurisdictions with a vision to become a vertically-integrated, conflict-free supplier to Western economies.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Bloomberg, American Tungsten and Antiomny
