MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) has achieved enhanced efficiencies in rare earth element processing beyond previously reported results in its Flash Joule Heating technology.
The company achieved a 93% average conversion of rare earth elements (REEs) to chlorides, which is considered a major improvement to prior results.
MTM, which has a market capitalisation of $109.99 million, also achieved a high-impurity removal with a 95% reduction in key impurities from REE concentrate in a singly-step Flash Joule Heating (FJH) process.
All 17 REEs were chlorinated, which MTM says underscores the robustness of the process.
The company says this achievement marks a milestone for MTM, as it further reinforces the potential to revolutionise and improve the economics and sustainability of traditional REE processing methods.
As such, MTM says it is poised for an exciting year ahead, with a strong pipeline of updates expected throughout 2025.
Key milestones include the completion of the FJH demonstration plant design by February, followed by procurement, construction, and commissioning phases. In parallel, ongoing testing programs across multiple critical metal feedstocks, such as rare earths, lithium, and e-waste, will deliver further validation of the technology.
Strategic partnerships, non-dilutive funding updates, and progress toward binding offtake agreements will also feature prominently as MTM advances its commercialisation strategy and builds momentum toward revenue generation.
CEO Michael Walshe says this breakthrough in REE processing simplifies rare earth extraction by producing REE-chlorides, which is a more “valuable, easier-to-handle, and refined intermediate compared to traditional REE-sulphates.”
“It highlights the transformative potential of FJH technology to deliver higher efficiencies and a more sustainable alternative to incumbent methods,” Walshe says.
“The optimisation achieved highlights our ability to not only match traditional processing methods in recovery but also remove major impurities in a single step, significantly reducing water consumption, chemical reagent usage, and the complexity of downstream refinement.
“The resulting economic and environmental benefits are expected to be substantial. Amid current geopolitical dynamics and the urgent need to reduce reliance on Chinese REE supply chains, MTM is well-positioned to provide a critical alternative.”
With the latest advancements, MTM is continuing to focus on accelerating the pathway to industrial-scale deployment.
The FJH process provides an economic and environmental alternative to traditional cracking and leaching methods for rare earth processing, which relies on energy-intensive high-temperature sulphuric acid baking and large volumes of water. As a result, this method generates significant gypsum waste and associated environmental and cost challenges.
MTM Critical Metals is a dual-listed company focused on rare earths in Western Australia and the US.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: MTM Critical Metals
