Ark Mines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an existing processing technology provider to undertake a monazite cracking trial at its Sandy Mitchell rare earths project.
The trial, scheduled to commence in February 2026, is designed to recover thorium alongside key rare earth elements including neodymium and praseodymium.
The MoU establishes a framework to assess a proven, low-cost processing pathway, covering the full workflow from initial monazite cracking through to the production of rare earth oxides and refined Thorium. While the commercial terms remain confidential, the scope of the agreement signals a clear focus on de-risking downstream development options.
“The Sandy Mitchell project is a unique asset in the Australian rare earths sectorand this MoU will enable Ark to assess a processing pathwayfor recovering REEs and Thorium,” Ark Mines managing director Ben Emery said.
“This trial has the potential to further de-risk Sandy Mitchell by establishing processing options that we can apply to development of the project.”
Sandy Mitchell is already defined by an announced resource and is positioned to potentially supply long-life Thorium and rare earths to global markets. Ark will provide feed material from the project for the trial program.
“This MoU has been executed at a pivotal time for the rare earths and critical minerals sector, with western governments and the mining industry focused on securing new, credible supply chains,” Emery said.
“Subject to the successful outcomes of this trial and other activities we are running in parralel, the Sandy Mitchell Project is well positioned to contribute to the future supply of these strategic metals.”
Under the MoU, the Phase 1 program will comprise a small-scale integrated campaign targeting thorium, neodymium and praseodymium. The work will include chemical analysis, separation chemistry proving, radionuclide profiling and reagent optimisation, with up to three process variations tested for each target material.
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