MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) is on track for the start up of its US-based critical minerals extraction technology plant by the fourth quarter of this year.
The junior developer, which has a market capitalisation of $107.7 million, is building a 1-ton-per-day flash joule heating demonstration plant as part of its plan to commercialise its advanced critical metals extraction technology.
The flash joule heating process involves passing a direct current through a material, where the resistance of the material itself converts electrical energy into heat energy.
The result is a rapid increase in temperature, often exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius in milliseconds – a phenomenon known as ‘flashing’.
This instantaneous heating triggers various physical and chemical transformations within the material that are particularly advantageous for recovering metal from ore, especially those more resistant to leaching like refractory ores, as well as waste materials.
MTM expects the process and mechanical design criteria to be completed by the end of February.
Remaining detailed design elements will be finalised over the following weeks in the optimisation phase, with procurement activities set to begin in March for long-lead items and run in parallel.
MTM is on the hunt for a suitable location for the plant but is provisionally planning to locate it in Houston, Texas.
The company likes Texas because of its pro-business environment, streamlined permitting, available skilled workforce, infrastructure advantages, and strong legacy in chemical processing.
Managing Director Michael Walshe says the demonstration plant is a key enabler for several strategic partnerships that MTM is actively pursuing, and for advancing its ambition to re-shore metals like gallium, back to America.
“It will greatly enhance our ability to demonstrate the commercial scalability of our technology, reinforcing our position as a preferred partner for feedstock supply and offtake agreements,” he says.
“The US ‘onshoring of manufacturing’ movement continues to gain traction, with anticipated strong support from the Trump Administration for critical and strategic technology metals, including gallium, germanium, indium, and rare earth elements.
“MTM is well-positioned to capitalise on this policy direction, providing a secure and sustainable supply chain solution for these vital materials using homegrown American technology.”
Walshe says MTM is actively engaging with technology parks and development authorities across several Gulf Coast states to explore opportunities for leveraging pre-existing facilities and securing incentive funding support.
The company is actively evaluating US Government funding opportunities, including programs from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Defense.
The DOE recently launched a US$725 million ($1.16 billion) initiative to enhance domestic processing and manufacturing of battery-critical materials.
Walshe is currently in Texas with US President Steve Ragiel and MTM’s partner KnightHawk Engineering for plant design review, strategic planning and site adjudication sessions.
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au
Images: MTM Critical Minerals
