How Critica’s Jupiter Project Achieved 95% Mass Rejection and 10x Rare Earth Grade Boost
Critica Limited reports strong preliminary beneficiation results from its Jupiter rare earths project, achieving consistent ~95% mass rejection and a 6–10x uplift in rare earth grades. A closed-circuit pilot plant is now under construction to optimise recovery and advance product development.
- Consistent ~95% mass rejection across all ore types in open-circuit flotation trials
- Rare earth oxide grades uplifted 6–10 times, reaching up to 2% TREO in concentrate
- Pilot plant construction underway at GAVAQ to optimise recoveries and produce MREP-ready feed
- Integrated beneficiation and hydrometallurgical programs progressing in parallel
- Results validate beneficiation-first flowsheet, supporting future product qualification and offtake
Strong Upgrade Potential Confirmed
Critica Limited (ASX – CRI) has unveiled promising preliminary results from its bulk metallurgical testwork on the Jupiter Project, Australia’s largest clay-hosted rare earth resource. Conducted at the Centre for Science and Technology of Mineral and Environment (GAVAQ) in Vietnam, the open-circuit flotation trials demonstrated a consistent ~95% mass rejection across multiple ore types, while boosting total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades by six to ten times. This significant upgrade lifts head grades from 1,310–2,240 ppm TREO to concentrates containing 1.2–2.0% TREO, underscoring the potential for a streamlined beneficiation process.
From Laboratory to Pilot Scale
The results follow a clear progression in Critica’s metallurgical development, beginning with laboratory-scale flotation trials earlier this year, advancing to a 400 kg bulk sample dispatched in May, and now moving into the construction of a 3,000 kg closed-circuit pilot plant at GAVAQ. Unlike open-circuit tests, which pass material through once, the closed-circuit pilot will recycle intermediate streams to optimise recoveries and stabilise the process, aiming to maximise the yield of valuable rare earths while maintaining concentrate quality.
Integrated Pathway to Mixed Rare Earth Products
Critica’s CEO Jacob Deysel highlighted the strategic advantage of Jupiter’s clay mineralogy, which allows upfront beneficiation; a contrast to ionic clays that require direct leaching. The pilot plant will generate concentrate feedstocks for downstream hydrometallurgical programs running in parallel at GAVAQ, ANSTO, and Minutech. These efforts are focused on defining the chemistry and specifications for Mixed Rare Earth Products (MREP), including both carbonate and oxide forms, which are critical for future product qualification and offtake discussions.
Implications for Project Development
The strong mass rejection and grade uplift results validate Critica’s beneficiation-first flowsheet, which promises a simpler, more capital-efficient processing route. With the pilot plant commissioning imminent, the company is poised to refine recovery rates and produce saleable concentrates. This integrated approach supports the upcoming Scoping Study and subsequent feasibility stages, marking a pivotal step in transitioning Jupiter from exploration to development.
Looking Ahead
While these open-circuit results are encouraging, the ultimate recovery efficiencies and process economics will depend on the closed-circuit pilot outcomes and hydrometallurgical optimisations. Critica’s ongoing collaboration with technical partners and focus on product qualification will be key to unlocking Jupiter’s value in the competitive rare earths market, especially given the project’s magnet-rare earth dominance and low uranium/thorium content.
Bottom Line?
Critica’s beneficiation breakthrough at Jupiter sets the stage for pilot plant optimisation and critical product qualification milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- How will closed-circuit pilot plant recoveries compare to these preliminary open-circuit results?
- What are the timelines and challenges for finalising Mixed Rare Earth Product specifications?
- How might these beneficiation advances influence Critica’s offtake negotiations and project financing?
