Critica Advances Bulk Testwork on Jupiter Rare Earths Amid China Export Controls
Critica Limited has initiated bulk metallurgical testwork on a 400 kg sample from its Jupiter Deposit, aiming to refine rare earth element beneficiation and explore by-product opportunities. The project holds over 280,000 tonnes of heavy rare earth elements and faces new geopolitical dynamics following China’s export restrictions.
- Bulk sample dispatched for beneficiation and leach testwork
- Jupiter Deposit contains 280,000+ tonnes of heavy rare earth elements
- Initial beneficiation achieved a 9x rare earth element upgrade
- 64% iron by-product recovery highlights additional value potential
- Ongoing support from Curtin University and expanded exploration at Brothers Project
Bulk Metallurgical Testwork Underway
Critica Limited has taken a significant step forward in advancing its flagship Jupiter Rare Earth Element (REE) Deposit by commencing bulk metallurgical testwork on a 400-kilogram sample. This work, conducted at the Centre of Science and Technology of Minerals and Environment (CSTME) in Vietnam, aims to refine beneficiation processes that concentrate rare earth elements and prepare material for subsequent leach testing. The initiative follows promising initial beneficiation results that demonstrated a more than ninefold upgrade in REE concentration.
Strategic Resource and By-Product Potential
The Jupiter Deposit, located near Yalgoo in Western Australia, is already recognised as Australia’s largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth resource, boasting over 280,000 tonnes of contained heavy rare earth elements (HREE). Critica is focusing on key HREE zones within the deposit, which are critical for high-value applications in technology and clean energy sectors. Notably, early testwork has also revealed a substantial iron by-product, with a 64% recovery rate via magnetic separation, suggesting additional revenue streams beyond rare earths.
Collaborations and Regional Exploration
Critica continues to benefit from strong academic partnerships, particularly with Curtin University’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program. A second bulk sample is planned for submission to Curtin’s WA School of Mines to further enhance beneficiation and leach testing capabilities. Meanwhile, exploration efforts are ongoing within the broader Brothers REE Project, where multiple satellite targets promise potential resource growth, reinforcing the project’s province-scale significance.
Geopolitical Context and Market Implications
The announcement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with China recently imposing new export controls on seven rare earth elements, including heavy rare earths found in Jupiter. These restrictions, a response to ongoing trade disputes, underscore the strategic importance of developing domestic and allied rare earth supply chains. Critica’s progress positions it well to capitalize on shifting market dynamics, although the full impact of these controls on project economics remains to be seen.
Next Steps and Outlook
As metallurgical testwork advances, Critica is expected to provide further updates on beneficiation efficiencies, leach test results, and by-product opportunities. The company’s integrated approach, combining resource expansion, process refinement, and strategic partnerships, signals a methodical path toward unlocking the full value of the Jupiter Deposit in a complex global rare earth landscape.
Bottom Line?
Critica’s ongoing testwork and exploration will be pivotal in defining Jupiter’s role amid evolving rare earth supply challenges.
Questions in the middle?
- How will China’s export controls affect the commercial viability of the Jupiter Deposit?
- What scale of by-product iron recovery can be sustained in large-scale operations?
- When can investors expect definitive leach test results and economic assessments?
