Critica Limited Delivers Breakthrough Metallurgical Results at Jupiter Project

Key Highlights

• Rare earth element (REE) upgrade factor of 830% achieved through initial metallurgical testwork.
• Composite sample upgraded from 1,430 ppm to 13,310 ppm TREO via simple flotation at ambient temperature.
• 94.5% reduction in mass achieved with over 50% rare earth recovery.
• Comprehensive metallurgical testwork and maiden Mineral Resource Estimate underway.

Jupiter Project: A Transformative Development in Rare Earth Exploration

Critica Limited (ASX: CRI) has announced exceptional initial metallurgical test results from its flagship Jupiter Project, part of the Brothers Clay-Hosted Rare Earth Project in Western Australia. The preliminary beneficiation program has delivered an unprecedented upgrade factor of 9.3x (830%), further cementing Jupiter's potential as a globally significant rare earth resource.

Managing Director Philippa Leggat expressed optimism about the results, "These early outcomes demonstrate Jupiter's significant development potential. The near-tenfold upgrade through a simple, low-energy process highlights the project's economic and technical viability as a strategic rare earth opportunity."

Metallurgical Breakthroughs

Using a composite sample representing typical Jupiter mineralization, Critica (ASX: CRI) employed a simple flotation process at ambient temperature, producing a beneficiated product grading 13,310 ppm TREO. This represents a substantial upgrade from the initial 1,430 ppm TREO grade, with impressive early-stage recoveries exceeding 50%.

Key features of the testwork include:

• Efficient Process: Flotation conducted at room temperature using mildly alkaline solutions.
• High Reduction in Mass: A 94.5% reduction in non-mineralized material resulted in a concentrate comprising only 5.5% of the original sample mass.
• Low Impurity Levels: The mineralization is notably low in thorium and uranium, reducing environmental and technical complexities.

These results, while unoptimized, provide a solid foundation for further refining and scaling the beneficiation process.

Strategic Advantages of Jupiter

The Jupiter Project is strategically located within the Mt Magnet and Yalgoo mining precincts of Western Australia. This area benefits from significant infrastructure, including:

• Proximity to the Mt Weld Project and upcoming rare earth processing facilities by Lynas and Iluka.
• Easy access to major ports, local labor hubs, and the Mid-West Gas Pipeline.
• A favorable mining-friendly jurisdiction that supports year-round operations.

Jupiter’s large-scale, consistent mineralization extends across a 40-square-kilometer area, with broad zones exceeding 2,000 ppm TREO. Magnet rare earths (MREO) constitute 23% of the high-grade material, further enhancing the economic appeal of the project.

Next Steps

Critica’s (ASX: CRI) ongoing work includes:

• Expanded Metallurgical Testwork: To optimize recovery rates and develop a robust processing pathway.
• Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate: Scheduled for release in the coming weeks, led by SRK Consulting.
• Exploration of Satellite Targets: Five additional targets discovered in 2024 highlight the broader potential of the Brothers Project.

The initial success at Jupiter positions Critica (ASX: CRI) to play a pivotal role in the global rare earth supply chain. As demand for rare earth elements grows, particularly for clean energy and advanced technologies, projects like Jupiter will become increasingly vital.

With a strong cash position, access to world-class infrastructure, and a dedicated focus on sustainability, Critica (ASX: CRI) is well-prepared to capitalize on its strategic resource base.