Highlights
- Meteoric Resources (ASX: MEI) successfully produced its first Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) from the pilot plant at Caldeira Project, Brazil, joining a select group of emerging developers with independent production capability.
- The commissioned pilot plant achieved 100% process water recovery, AMSUL recycling, and stable throughput, validating the technical flowsheet for the ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study.
- Caldeira's rapid advancement positions it as one of the most developed ionic-clay rare earth projects outside China, strengthening Western supply chains and Meteoric's leverage in offtake negotiations.
Meteoric Resources (ASX: MEI) has reached a defining milestone (opens in a new tab) for the global rare earth sector, announcing the first production of Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) from its newly constructed pilot plant at the Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Poços de Caldas, (opens in a new tab) Brazil. With this achievement, Meteoric joins a select group of emerging developers capable of independently producing consistent MREC—an essential precursor for downstream separation into magnet materials.
The pilot plant is now processing clay ore from the Capão Do Mel deposit, and all unit processes have been successfully commissioned. Key results include:
- 100% process water recovery
- Recycling of ammonium sulfate (AMSUL)
- Effective spent clay filtration, producing a dry, transport-ready material
- Stable throughput across the material-handling circuit
These outcomes provide strong technical validation of Meteoric’s flowsheet and feed directly into the ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) being conducted by Ausenco.
Managing Director Stuart Gale described the milestone as transformational:
“Delivering our first batch of MREC places Meteoric in a very small global peer group. The team has done an excellent job bringing the pilot plant from concept to commissioning. This facility now provides a powerful engine for ongoing optimization, operator training, and engagement with offtake partners.”
The plant design leverages extensive test work completed at ANSTO, including multiple continuous pilot runs, and enables refinement of reagent dosing, product purity, and rare earth recoveries as operations shift from low-grade to typical ~4,000 ppm TREO feed. The facility will also evaluate downstream pathways such as solvent extraction and emerging separation technologies, including Flash Joule Heating (FJH).
Strategic Significance for Global Supply Chains
Meteoric’s rapid advancement positions Caldeira as one of the most developed ionic-clay rare earth projects outside China. As Western governments intensify efforts to secure non-Chinese supply of magnet-critical elements such as NdPr, Dy, and Tb, Brazil’s clay-hosted deposits are emerging as a vital new source.
Early MREC production significantly strengthens Meteoric’s leverage in upcoming offtake discussions with magnet manufacturers, automakers, and strategic buyers seeking diversified supply. Note Meteoric ranks number 11 in the Rare Earth Exchanges light rare earth element project rankings worldwide.
With its scale, grade, jurisdictional advantage, and demonstrated processability, Caldeira is increasingly viewed as a potential cornerstone of future Western rare earth supply chains—helping reduce reliance on China’s southern clay operations.
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