Highlights:
- Critica Ltd (ASX:CRI) has achieved an 830% upgrade in rare earth element (REE) mineralisation at the Jupiter project through metallurgical test work.
- A simple flotation process resulted in a beneficiated product grading 13,310 parts per million (1.331% total rare earth oxides).
- The Jupiter project is considered a top priority due to its high in-situ grades, large scale, and strategic location.
Critica Ltd (ASX:CRI) has reported a substantial 830% upgrade in rare earth element (REE) mineralisation at the flagship Jupiter project following early-stage metallurgical test work. Jupiter is part of the larger Brothers clay-hosted project, located approximately 250 kilometres east of Geraldton, Western Australia. The mineralisation upgrade was achieved through a straightforward flotation process, producing a beneficiated product with a grade of 13,310 parts per million (1.331% total rare earth oxides), derived from composite ore samples collected from the Jupiter site.
These test results contribute to a broader strategy focused on implementing beneficiation processes at Jupiter. The positive outcomes have reinforced confidence in the potential to produce a high-grade concentrate from the orebody. Critica Ltd has identified the Jupiter project as a priority due to its promising economic and development prospects, bolstered by high in-situ grades, substantial scale, and its strategic positioning within a prominent Western Australian mining region.
According to the company's management, the Jupiter project is being treated with the utmost importance, ensuring that technical and operational frameworks are established with precision. This approach involves rigorous geological and metallurgical assessments aimed at de-risking the project and positioning it as a long-term development opportunity. The emphasis remains on building a solid foundation based on comprehensive data analysis and technical validation.
Located within a key mining jurisdiction, the Jupiter project stands out due to its advantageous logistical access and proximity to essential infrastructure. The project's large resource base offers the potential to support a significant downstream processing opportunity, contributing to the broader critical minerals supply chain in Australia.
Market observers have noted the significance of this upgrade, as it aligns with the growing demand for critical minerals required in various high-tech applications, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. The global rare earths market continues to evolve, with strategic projects such as Jupiter playing a crucial role in meeting supply requirements.
Critica Ltd remains committed to advancing the Jupiter project through a phased development approach, ensuring that key milestones are met while maintaining adherence to industry best practices. The company's technical team continues to focus on optimising metallurgical processes, enhancing resource estimates, and engaging with stakeholders to facilitate project advancement.
Further updates on the Jupiter project, including ongoing test work results and development timelines, are anticipated to provide additional clarity on the project's trajectory. Critica Ltd's strategy involves leveraging the project's inherent strengths to position it as a key player within the Australian critical minerals landscape.
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