Australian Rare Earths produces first pilot rare earth batch

• Australian Rare Earths produced its first batch of mixed rare earth hydroxide from its Koppamurra pilot plant.
• The pilot testing phase marks a direct move into downstream material recovery beyond initial heap leaching.
• The company aims to validate its processing system by December to support its upcoming definitive feasibility study.

Australian Rare Earths (ASX:AR3) completed its first mixed rare earth hydroxide batch at its Koppamurra pilot facility.

The milestone follows the initial heap leaching stage, which processed about 8 tonnes of ore to extract rare earths.

"This phase of the programme is particularly important because it continues to generate the engineering and operating data necessary for DFS design and will produce material for further refining into representative MREO samples for customer engagement and qualification," said Australian Rare Earths Managing Director and CEO Travis Beinke.

The ongoing testing campaign will generate engineering data through December 2026 to support definitive feasibility study designs.

Following the announcement, the Australian Rare Earths share price was unchanged at $0.12.

The project processes materials at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation facility in Sydney.

Australian Rare Earths focuses on developing critical mineral assets to supply intermediate materials for prospective offstake partners.