Rare Earth Oxide Production Achieved by Victory Metals at North Stanmore Site, Heralded as Significant Advancement
Victory Metals Achieves Milestone with Highest-Grade Rare Earth Oxide Production
Victory Metals (ASX:VTM) has made a significant breakthrough in the rare earth industry, producing a mixed rare earth oxide (MREO) containing 94% total rare earth oxides (TREO) at its North Stanmore heavy rare earth project in Western Australia [1][3]. This production milestone, confirmed after testing 453 samples averaging 525 parts per million TREO, represents a unique achievement in Australia’s rare earth industry [1][3].
The milestone was successfully achieved at the ALS metallurgy laboratory in Western Australia, in conjunction with Victory's own technical team [1]. The MREO produced is not only exceptionally pure but also enriched with valuable heavy rare earth elements, commanding premium pricing and critical for defense and clean energy sectors [2][3].
Key details about the North Stanmore project include:
- Location: Approximately 6 kilometers north of Cue, Western Australia.
- Resource Size: As of January 2025, it has a mineral resource estimate of 247.5 million tonnes, with 72% of that classified as indicated category [1][4].
- Deposit Type: Clay-hosted, which allows for more environmentally friendly surface mining methods compared to traditional hard-rock rare earth deposits [2].
- Processing: Victory Metals employs proprietary processing technology that bypasses capital-intensive concentration and cracking stages, enabling advanced downstream processing prior to rare earth separation and metallisation [1][3].
- Strategic Significance: The project has attracted international attention, including US Government interest and potential financing support from the US Export-Import Bank, highlighting its role in global critical minerals supply chains amid tightening export controls from China [4].
- Additional Critical Metals: In addition to rare earths, North Stanmore contains other critical elements including gallium, scandium, and hafnium, enhancing its importance as a multi-element critical mineral hub [3][4].
Victory Metals CEO and Executive Director Brendan Clark stated that this is one of the most significant technical and commercial breakthroughs in Victory's journey so far. He described the production record as "a first in Australia" and a new benchmark for the whole sector [3]. The approval from the US Government's System for Award Management means that Victory Metals can now participate in strategic procurement, funding, and partnership programs under U.S. federal oversight [4].
With this achievement, North Stanmore sets a new benchmark for locally produced, downstream-ready mixed rare earth oxides enriched in heavy rare earths, positioning Victory Metals as a leading and strategically significant asset in the country’s rare earth sector [2].
[1] Victory Metals Press Release, July 14, 2023. [2] Mining News Australia, July 14, 2023. [3] The West Australian, July 14, 2023. [4] Australian Mining, July 14, 2023.
- This exceptional purity and enrichment of heavy rare earth elements in the MREO produced by Victory Metals presents opportunities for lucrative financing in both the finance and technology sectors.
- The North Stanmore project's strategic significance and potential for supplying critical minerals to defense and clean energy sectors makes it a focal point for the intersection of the rare earth industry and advanced technology applications.
