Curtin University and Victory Metals have partnered to accelerate the development of Australia’s most significant clay-hosted heavy rare earth resource, helping supply Australia with materials needed for clean energy technologies.
The partnership focuses on Victory’s North Stanmore Heavy Rare Earth Element (HREE) project, located near Cue in Western Australia.
Under the agreement, Victory Metals will collaborate with the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, an Australian government-backed initiative led by Curtin.
The collaboration aims to transition the North Stanmore site from a world-class discovery into a commercial reality. Curtin University will provide a technical momentum boost, deploying specialist staff with expertise in metallurgy, water management, and resource recovery to work alongside Victory’s existing technical team.
A key highlight of the partnership is the joint development of a pilot plant, which will refine the processing techniques required for clay-hosted rare earths, materials vital for the manufacturing of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced medical electronics.
John Curtin Distinguished Professor Mark Buntine, head of the WA School of Mines, said the university was proud to lead the technical development of the nationally significant project.
“Curtin is a national leader in minerals processing, hydrometallurgy and sustainable resource technologies, with advanced facilities and a strong track record of translating research into industry outcomes,” Professor Buntine said.
“We are proud to lead the technical development of this nationally significant project, bringing together our world-class expertise with Victory Metals’ exceptional North Stanmore rare earth resource.”
Victory Metals CEO Brendan Clark described the union of industry and academia as an “unbeatable powerhouse”.
“This partnership delivers massive technical momentum, positions us to lead Australia’s heavy rare earth supply chain and puts sustainable production firmly within reach,” Clark said.
The move has been welcomed by the state government, with WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael highlighting the importance of such local collaborations.
“This is the type of partnership that will help the state and Australia position itself as a leader in the production and processing of rare earth elements,” Michael said.
