Australian Rare Earths Limited has commenced pilot-scale processing of approximately 30 tonnes of ore from its Koppamurra rare earth project at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's critical minerals facility in Sydney.

The program follows the successful completion of pilot plant commissioning on July 31, 2026, which used approximately one tonne of ore to produce 940 kilograms of on-specification agglomerates. The ongoing pilot circuit is designed to complete four cycles across eight columns to validate the full processing flowsheet for the ionic clay-hosted mineralization.

The flagship Koppamurra deposit is supported by a pre-feasibility study and maiden ore reserve. The pilot operations provide Australian Rare Earths with a low-cost pathway to generate technical data required to advance toward a bankable feasibility study.

“Commissioning is complete and Koppamurra ore is now being processed through a continuously operating pilot circuit - a genuine step up from laboratory-scale testwork. We are now generating engineering data and product samples for direct evaluation by potential customers and offtake partners. With our first bulk Mixed Rare Earth Oxide sample expected in late September 2026, this program is delivering exactly what we need to finalise Koppamurra's process design and drive toward a bankable, investment-ready outcome.”

— Travis Beinke, Managing Director and CEO

The company expects to produce its first bulk mixed rare earth oxide sample in late September 2026, with heap leach operations scheduled for completion by December 2026. Australian Rare Earths is also advancing toward the formal submission of a mining lease application in 2026, alongside regional sector activity that includes nearby developer Cadoux Limited reporting a rare earth transaction presentation for its Wimmera project in June 2026.

Read the full announcement: Koppamurra Pilot Processing Underway