Victory Metals has achieved breakthrough metallurgical results from its North Stanmore project in Western Australia, with 80 per cent of rare earths leached within 30 minutes compared to the previous four-hour assumption.
Victory said the results confirm that rapid leaching kinetics provide a critical window for high rare earth elements extraction, while minimising reagent consumption.
The company expects the up to eight times shorter leach time to reduce North Stanmore’s capital expenditure and operational costs through a smaller leach circuit. Victory is testing a 15-minute leach time.
In addition, Victory found significant grade increases delivered in terbium, dysprosium and scandium during the December quarter, significantly boosting the project’s capability for producing these key critical minerals.
North Stanmore is strategically positioned to become a potential producer of heavy rare earth elements and critical minerals, which are subject to export restrictions from China.
The company said the project will also benefit from federal and state government support as Australia seeks to develop a domestic supply of these critical minerals.
Victory completed baseline environmental and biological studies at the project, which reinforces North Stanmore’s strong development credentials. A pre-feasibility study is scheduled for release in 2026.
Victory also detailed additional key activities that have taken place during the December quarter. The company signed a partnership with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation to advance offtake and cooperate on the North Stanmore project.
Victory is set to supply up to 30 per cent annual production, or 1,000 tonnes per year of North Stanmore’s mixed rare earth product, including up to 50 tonnes dysprosium and terbium product for an initial five-year term.
Sales to Sumitomo from pilot plant operations are expected to commence in 2027 ahead of commercial production.
