Critical Metals Achieves 40% Boost in Rare Earth Concentrate Yields at Tanbreez
Event summary
- Critical Metals replicated 2016 metallurgical test results with a 40% increase in TREO and HREO refined concentrate yields at Tanbreez.
- New technology and optimized flowsheet achieved over 85% recovery rates for rare earth elements.
- Pilot plant operations set to begin in May 2026, with a 150-tonne bulk sample planned for June 2026.
- Offtake partners in the EU, Saudi Arabia, and the USA will receive 10t of high-grade pre-production concentrate.
- Tanbreez project transitions from lab-scale testing to pilot plant operations, with a revised DFS expected in 2026.
The big picture
Critical Metals' breakthrough in rare earth concentrate yields positions it as a key player in the critical minerals supply chain, particularly for heavy rare earth elements essential for defense and clean energy technologies. The successful replication of historical test results with improved technology underscores the project's scalability and commercial potential, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and reliable sources of critical minerals in the Western world.
What we're watching
- Technological Validation
- Whether the 40% yield improvement can be sustained at full-scale production.
- Project Timing
- The pace at which the revised DFS and pilot plant operations will advance the Tanbreez project.
- Market Demand
- How the improved concentrate yields will impact offtake agreements and market positioning.
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