Critica (ASX:CRI) has shipped a 400kg bulk sample from its Jupiter deposit to Vietnam’s Centre of Science and Technology of Minerals and Environment (CSTME). This follows initial beneficiation work that achieved a significant rare earth element (REE) upgrade. CSTME will refine beneficiation processes and produce material for initial leach testing. Critica also maintains its support from Curtin University’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program, sending a second bulk sample to the WA School of Mines for additional beneficiated material.
The Jupiter deposit holds over 280,000 tonnes of contained heavy REEs. Initial testwork at CSTME yielded a 64% iron byproduct through wet low-intensity magnetic separation, highlighting potential byproduct opportunities. Critica is evaluating these opportunities within its REE bulk sample test programs. This development occurs amid China’s rare earth export controls targeting heavy rare earths, including those found at Jupiter. Further updates on metallurgical testwork advances are expected soon for the 1.8 billion tonne Jupiter deposit, which the company claims is Australia’s largest and highest grade clay hosted rare earth deposit.
