The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) is providing funding for research into extracting rare earths in the state.
MRIWA has awarded $175,000 to study lead RSC, to work with Curtin University Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, Narryer Metals (ASX:NYM) Dreadnought Resources (ASX:DRE), Terrain Minerals (ASX:TMX), and privately held Pluto Resources.
The Western Australian Government says this collaborative research effort seeks to establish a new rare earth province in the state, with the aim to unlock high-value critical mineral resources for emerging industries and advanced processing opportunities.
MRIWA’s newly announced study will build on findings from previous research, which has uncovered and characterised valuable rare earths and other strategic metals including gallium and niobium within Western Australia. The new study will focus primarily on deposits within the Yilgarn region.
Future stages planned for the project may establish test facilities, as well as explore the potential for processing and purification of rare earth from deposits in Western Australia.
The state government says this will help to activate a robust and sustainable local rare earth industry, further cementing Western Australia’s position in the global critical minerals sector.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum David Michael says this gives Western Australia a unique opportunity to play a key role in decarbonising the critical minerals supply chain.
“This research collaboration between the WA Government, industry and universities demonstrates the commitment of the Cook Government to a responsible and sustainable minerals industry,” Michael says.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Peak Rare Earths
