Jindalee Lithium has successfully produced high-grade magnesium oxide from ore at the McDermitt Lithium Project, establishing an initial proof of concept for converting a processing stream previously treated as waste into a potential higher-value product.

Testwork undertaken by Kemetco Research Inc. investigated producing magnesium oxide from magnesium sulphate brine samples using two separate approaches: adding carbonates to precipitate magnesium carbonate followed by calcination, and crystallising hydrated magnesium sulphate followed by thermal and reductive calcination. Both methods produced magnesium oxide grades exceeding 93%, reaching up to 93.4% equivalent magnesium oxide content, with calciner conversion values reaching up to 99.95%.

The results provide a technical basis to assess whether magnesium, which was removed as waste without any revenue credit in the company’s November 2024 Pre-Feasibility Study, can instead be recovered. Magnesium metal is designated a high-risk critical mineral by the United States Government due to import dependence, with primary applications spanning aluminium alloys, aerospace components, and automotive lightweighting.

“These results are a significant technical step in assessing the magnesium opportunity at McDermitt. We have demonstrated a potential pathway to convert magnesium from a stream treated as waste in the PFS into a high-purity MgO product.” — Ian Rodger, Managing Director and CEO

“Magnesium is strategically important to US industrial and defence supply chains, yet the country remains exposed to a concentrated and import-dependent supply base.” — Ian Rodger, Managing Director and CEO

“Subject to those studies, we are encouraged by the potential to evaluate reagent recycling and the introduction of a material magnesium by-product credit at McDermitt.” — Ian Rodger, Managing Director and CEO

Jindalee expects further updates from market and engineering studies, additional testwork, and an updated Mineral Resource estimate including magnesium in Q4 2026.

Read the full announcement: Highly Encouraging Magnesium Testwork Results from McDermitt