Zinc of Ireland Limited has accelerated and expanded its testwork program for the ARGO hydrometallurgical metal recovery technology, bringing the target date for a pilot plant forward to the beginning of 2027.

The revised workplan follows Zinc of Ireland completing the acquisition of 100% of Meclex, the developer of the ARGO and VOLTA technologies, in June 2026. While the company's June quarterly report scheduled ARGO testwork for the months following that acquisition, the updated program broadens the technical scope to target the recovery of critical minerals, specifically germanium, gallium, and indium.

The testwork program utilizes zinc leach residue, which accounts for approximately 20% of zinc smelter throughput. By processing this material, the ARGO technology aims to provide an alternative to traditional pyrometallurgical routes while eliminating hazardous-waste elements, reducing energy consumption, and lowering emissions.

Zinc of Ireland has engaged Solvomet, the Catholic University of Leuven's Research Centre for Circular Hydrometallurgy in Belgium, to act as the lead laboratory for the program. In addition, the company has appointed Brisbane-based Core Resources to assist with process technology commercialisation, while Nyrstar has agreed to supply leach products for testing.

“One of our key strengths is being able to respond quickly to our key industry partner's requirements. The acceleration of this program is being made possible by bringing together a group of highly credentialed parties that have a track record of moving processing technologies into commercialisation. We have been able to bring together companies from Europe and Australia with a significant background in hydrometallurgical processes in the mining industry.” — Greg Ross, CEO

The expanded program aligns with European regulatory mandates, including the Critical Raw Materials Act, as the company seeks to establish an onshore, non-Chinese source of strategic technology metals for EU markets.

Read the full announcement: ZMI Accelerates ARGO Testwork for Critical Minerals