Critical Metals Corp Confirms Metallurgical Test Work Results at Tanbreez Support Refinery JV in Romania

Core Insights - Critical Metals Corp has successfully replicated historical metallurgical test work from 2016, confirming the recovery of eudialyte and mixed concentrates in its 2025 test program [1][2][4] - The company is advancing its plans for a Proof-of-Concept Pilot Plant, which is expected to process 300-500 kg/hr of ore and commence operations in the second quarter of 2026 [5][6] - A joint venture with Nuclearelectrica Romania aims to develop a rare earth refinery, leveraging early concentrate production from the pilot plant [1][9] Metallurgical Test Work - The 2025 test work program confirmed the original process flow sheet and demonstrated the ability to separate eudialyte, arfvedsonite, and feldspar into high-grade concentrates using dry magnetic separation [2][4] - A new high-intensity magnetic separation technology was applied, achieving an ultra-clean eudialyte concentrate and producing a secondary mixed concentrate with significant Total Rare Earth Elements (TREEs) [2][4] Pilot Plant Development - The Proof-of-Concept Pilot Plant is designed to provide design data for the final production plant and will produce weekly batches of 10 tons of eudialyte concentrate for offtake partners [5][7] - The plant will incorporate advanced technologies, including high-gauss polishing roller technology, to enhance the processing efficiency [4][6] Economic and Strategic Positioning - The updated results and design enhancements will be integrated into the project's economic modeling and feasibility study, positioning the Tanbreez project as a leading source of high-grade rare earth concentrate [9][10] - The concentrate is expected to enable the joint venture refinery to produce high-purity rare earth salts and metals, targeting purities of 99.99% to 99.9995% [9][10] Market Potential - The Tanbreez ore is projected to yield valuable critical minerals, with prices for certain rare earth elements ranging from approximately US$300/kg to over US$26,000/kg depending on purity and market conditions [10]