Jupiter’s Scale and Grade Could Redefine Australia’s Rare Earths Supply Risks
Critica Limited has confirmed that its Jupiter Project in Western Australia hosts the country’s largest and highest-grade magnet rare earth clay-hosted resource, with 640 million tonnes at 490 ppm MREO. This milestone underscores Jupiter’s strategic potential in supplying critical rare earths essential for clean energy technologies.
- Jupiter resource contains 640 Mt at 490 ppm magnet rare earth oxides (MREO)
- Approximately 310,000 tonnes of in-situ high-value magnet rare earth elements
- Beneficiation test work upgrades feed to 15,000 ppm TREO with ~95% mass rejection
- Located in Western Australia with strong infrastructure and low environmental impact
- Next steps include pilot metallurgical programs and strategic offtake engagement
Jupiter’s Resource Leap
Critica Limited (ASX, CRI) has announced a significant advancement in its Jupiter Rare Earths Project, confirming it as Australia’s largest and highest-grade clay-hosted magnet rare earth oxide (MREO) resource. The updated resource estimate reveals 640 million tonnes grading 490 ppm MREO, containing around 310,000 tonnes of critical magnet rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. These elements are vital for manufacturing high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence technologies.
Quality Meets Scale
What sets Jupiter apart is its unique combination of scale and selectivity. The project’s 1.8 billion tonne global resource includes a substantial high-grade core enriched in magnet rare earths, which industry experts regard as the primary value drivers in rare earth projects. This quality within quantity profile positions Jupiter as a cornerstone asset in Australia’s rare earth landscape, especially given the growing global demand for clean energy minerals.
Innovative Beneficiation and ESG Advantages
Critica’s beneficiation test work has demonstrated the ability to upgrade feed material to 15,000 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO) while rejecting approximately 95% of the mined mass. This early mass reduction could streamline downstream processing, reduce capital intensity, and lower environmental impacts, key considerations for sustainable mining operations. Additionally, the resource exhibits low uranium and thorium mineralisation, which may facilitate smoother permitting and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Situated in Western Australia’s established Mt Magnet–Yalgoo mining district, Jupiter benefits from proximity to key infrastructure including highways, gas pipelines, and power transmission lines. The flat terrain and year-round access further enhance its development potential. This tier-1 jurisdiction offers regulatory stability, which is critical for attracting investment and securing strategic partnerships.
Pathway to Production and Partnerships
Critica is advancing Jupiter through a disciplined development approach focused on the magnet rare earths most valued by downstream users. Upcoming work includes pilot-scale metallurgical testing, bulk sampling, and a scoping study targeting high-value zones with streamlined processing. The company is also engaging potential strategic offtake partners seeking secure, ESG-aligned supply of magnet rare earths, reflecting the project’s growing market relevance.
CEO Perspective
CEO Jacob Deysel emphasises the project’s turning point, “Jupiter’s size has always been compelling, but this updated analysis confirms its quality with significant quantities of neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium. Our innovative beneficiation strategy, which upgrades high-value REEs early while rejecting most of the mass, offers a capital-efficient and sustainable development pathway. Jupiter has the potential to become a cornerstone of Australia’s rare earth supply chain, and we are shaping it for that role from day one.”
Bottom Line?
With its scale, grade, and innovative processing approach, Jupiter is poised to reshape Australia’s rare earths sector; next steps will test its commercial and strategic promise.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pilot metallurgical test results influence the project’s economic viability?
- What timelines are anticipated for securing strategic offtake agreements?
- How might evolving global rare earth prices impact Jupiter’s development strategy?
