# Rare Earths Mining News in Western Australia Canonical page: https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news?commodities=rare_earths®ions=australia_wa Atlas summarizes and classifies mining-industry stories from third-party publishers. Follow each source link for the original reporting. Results: 16 Returned: 10 Coverage: drill results, resource updates, and metallurgy; primary commodity matching; all time unless dates are supplied. Region: Western Australia (australia_wa) Commodity: Rare Earths (rare_earths) Applied filters: {"regions":["australia_wa"],"commodities":["rare_earths"],"commodity_scope":"primary","document_types":["drill_results","resource_update","metallurgy"],"document_type_match":"any"} Sort: published_at desc Offset: 0; page size: 10 [Next page](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news.md?commodities=rare_earths®ions=australia_wa&page=2&page_size=10) ## Riding the Rare Earths Rollercoaster: Outlook strong despite volatility - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/riding-the-rare-earths-rollercoaster-outlook-strong-despite-volatility--0923fada-8cb8-4945-9afd-5ba57b542dba) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/riding-the-rare-earths-rollercoaster-outlook-strong-despite-volatility--0923fada-8cb8-4945-9afd-5ba57b542dba.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-21T19:45:02.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-21T21:02:35.819Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-21T21:02:35.819Z - Company: Critica (CRI) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/riding-the-rare-earths-rollercoaster-outlook-strong-despite-volatility/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.686 - Atlas tags: Maiden Resource Critica has released scoping study results for its Jupiter rare earths project in Western Australia, a massive clay-hosted deposit. The study models an 8Mt per annum open pit operation with a post-tax NPV of $2 billion and an IRR of 48.4%. ## CRI: Critica Investor Webinar Presentation - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cri-critica-investor-webinar-presentation--2c61ccbb-6846-4610-8fc6-23c6bd7332cc) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cri-critica-investor-webinar-presentation--2c61ccbb-6846-4610-8fc6-23c6bd7332cc.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-20T21:20:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-20T22:36:59.092Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-20T22:36:59.092Z - Company: Critica Limited (CRI) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03154883) - Atlas sentiment: 0.717 - Atlas tags: Mill Route, Multi-Domain Tested Critica Limited has presented positive scoping study results for its Mt Lindsay tungsten-tin project and Jupiter rare earths-yttrium-gallium project, highlighting robust economics with after-tax NPVs of A$1.0 billion and A$2.0 billion respectively. The studies outline significant pre-production capital requirements and rapid paybacks, with production targets predominantly underpinned by Indicated Mineral Resources. The company is now advancing both projects towards further feasibility studies, off-take agreements, and securing funding. ## Critica’s Jupiter study models $2bn rare earths project with two-year payback - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critica-s-jupiter-study-models-2bn-rare-earths-project-with-two-year-payback--baa9524d-836b-46de-b09d-29a9d2c31107) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critica-s-jupiter-study-models-2bn-rare-earths-project-with-two-year-payback--baa9524d-836b-46de-b09d-29a9d2c31107.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-20T01:47:25.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-20T03:04:06.888Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-20T03:04:06.888Z - Company: Critica (CRI) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/criticas-jupiter-study-models-2bn-rare-earths-project-with-two-year-payback/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.706 - Atlas tags: Maiden Resource, Cut-off Disclosed, Mill Route, Single Domain Only Critica has released a scoping study for its Jupiter rare earths project in Western Australia, modeling an after-tax NPV of approximately A$2bn and an IRR of 48.4%. The study outlines a 14-year operation based on an updated 1.7Bt resource, with a production target heavily supported by Indicated Resources. ## CRI: Jupiter Scoping Study Defines Pathway to Development - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cri-jupiter-scoping-study-defines-pathway-to-development--e1dd3aac-a957-4b02-a709-b975db0b4aeb) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cri-jupiter-scoping-study-defines-pathway-to-development--e1dd3aac-a957-4b02-a709-b975db0b4aeb.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-19T21:18:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-19T22:31:40.468Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-19T22:31:40.468Z - Company: Critica Limited (CRI) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03154309) - Atlas sentiment: 0.717 - Atlas tags: Scoping Study, High IRR, Strong NPV, Short Payback, Funding Required, Preliminary Study, Indicated Resource, JORC Compliant, QP/CP Signed, Maiden Resource, Pilot Scale Complete, Refractory Ore, Mill Route, Low Recovery, Gravity Route, Single Domain Only Critica Limited announced positive results from a Scoping Study for its Jupiter Rare Earth Elements Project in Western Australia, outlining a development pathway with strong economics. The study projects an after-tax NPV of A$2.0 billion, an IRR of 48.4%, and a 2.0-year payback period, based on an 8.0 Mtpa open-pit operation producing mixed rare earth carbonate. The production target is overwhelmingly supported by Indicated Mineral Resources, though the study is preliminary and pre-production capital of A$556 million is not yet secured. ## In demand: ASX explorer Heavy Rare Earths ready to catch the tiger by the tail - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/in-demand-asx-explorer-heavy-rare-earths-ready-to-catch-the-tiger-by-the-tail--5f1ba9ce-b0f8-478f-927b-601234dbc715) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/in-demand-asx-explorer-heavy-rare-earths-ready-to-catch-the-tiger-by-the-tail--5f1ba9ce-b0f8-478f-927b-601234dbc715.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-14T19:40:14.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-14T21:05:22.881Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-14T21:05:22.881Z - Company: Heavy Rare Earths (HRE) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/in-demand-asx-explorer-heavy-rare-earths-ready-to-catch-the-tiger-by-the-tail/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.393 - Atlas tags: Inferred Resource Heavy Rare Earths (ASX:HRE) holds an inferred resource of 159Mt at 870ppm TREO at its Subron project in Western Australia. The company aims to focus on high-value heavy rare earth domains to improve resource value through flotation concentrate production. ## Critica locks in Jupiter’s first Indicated rare earths as scoping study looms - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critica-locks-in-jupiter-s-first-indicated-rare-earths-as-scoping-study-looms--07bdf1f7-c091-4d3a-bc84-1b28bf124dc5) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critica-locks-in-jupiter-s-first-indicated-rare-earths-as-scoping-study-looms--07bdf1f7-c091-4d3a-bc84-1b28bf124dc5.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-12T01:52:55.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-12T03:02:59.002Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-12T03:02:59.002Z - Company: Critica (CRI) - Original source: [stockhead](https://stockhead.com.au/resources/critica-locks-in-jupiters-first-indicated-rare-earths-as-scoping-study-looms/) - Atlas sentiment: 0.514 - Atlas tags: Indicated Resource, Resource Update Critica has established its first Indicated Mineral Resource at the Jupiter rare earths project in Western Australia, totaling 160Mt at 1700ppm TREO. This follows targeted infill drilling and expands the total Mineral Resource to 1.7Bt, with a scoping study expected shortly. ## CRI: Jupiter Delivers First 160Mt Indicated Rare Earth Resource - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cri-jupiter-delivers-first-160mt-indicated-rare-earth-resource--a458723d-abee-44c9-a637-5dbb80cd7939) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/cri-jupiter-delivers-first-160mt-indicated-rare-earth-resource--a458723d-abee-44c9-a637-5dbb80cd7939.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-11T21:19:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-11T22:26:01.838Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-11T22:26:01.838Z - Company: CRITICA LIMITED (CRI) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03150890) - Atlas sentiment: 0.171 - Atlas tags: Indicated Resource, Category Upgrade, QP/CP Signed, Cut-off Disclosed, JORC Compliant, Inferred Resource, All Inferred, Tonnage Decline, Contained Metal Decline, Maiden Resource, Resource Update, Low Recovery, Pilot Scale Complete, Refractory Ore, Multi-Domain Tested, Mill Route, Gravity Route Critica Limited announced its first Indicated Mineral Resource for the Jupiter Rare Earths Project, delineating 160 million tonnes at 1,700 ppm TREO. This update represents a significant category upgrade, with approximately 10% of the total resource now classified as Indicated, following infill drilling. Pilot-scale metallurgical testwork achieved 81% MagREO and 71% TREO recoveries, supporting the project's economic viability despite a slight decrease in overall resource tonnage and contained metal compared to the previous estimate. ## HRE: Subron On Track for High-Value HREO Resource Upgrade - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/hre-subron-on-track-for-high-value-hreo-resource-upgrade--8d5205be-1250-4ced-8ede-81844d20e9af) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/hre-subron-on-track-for-high-value-hreo-resource-upgrade--8d5205be-1250-4ced-8ede-81844d20e9af.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-30T23:29:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-01T00:20:29.903Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-01T00:20:29.903Z - Company: Heavy Rare Earths Limited (HRE) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03147098) - Atlas sentiment: 0.42 - Atlas tags: None Heavy Rare Earths Limited is on track to deliver a high-value, high-grade Heavy Rare Earth Oxide (HREO) resource upgrade for its Subron project by Q4 2026. This involves re-domaining the existing 159 Mt @ 870ppm TREO Inferred Resource to focus on smaller-tonnage but substantially higher-grade HREO domains, utilizing existing drill and assay data for a low-cost approach. Concurrently, metallurgical and mineralogical work is advancing to identify host minerals and processing routes, alongside re-assaying historical samples for critical minerals like gallium and hafnium to potentially add further value. ## HAS: Annual Report to shareholders - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/has-annual-report-to-shareholders--a9ffa0a8-316f-4b77-b2cf-bdb7037921fd) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/has-annual-report-to-shareholders--a9ffa0a8-316f-4b77-b2cf-bdb7037921fd.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-30T09:03:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-30T10:17:06.529Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-30T10:17:06.529Z - Company: Hastings Technology Metals Ltd (HAS) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03146806) - Atlas sentiment: 0.175 - Atlas tags: JORC Compliant, QP/CP Signed, Measured Resource, Indicated Resource, Inferred Resource, Proven Reserve, Probable Reserve, Cut-off Disclosed, All Inferred, Resource Update, Strategic Expansion, Uncertainty, Mill Route Hastings Technology Metals Ltd's annual report details a year of strategic repositioning, including the completion of an unincorporated joint venture for the Yangibana Rare Earths and Niobium Project, where Hastings retained a 40% interest. The company also entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 49% interest in a hydrometallurgical processing plant in Thailand to accelerate rare earth chloride production. While an updated Definitive Feasibility Study for Yangibana Stage 1 shows positive economics, Wyloo's decision to divest its 60% interest introduces uncertainty. The company reported a net loss of $5.1 million and issued a going concern warning due to the need for additional funding. ## HRE: 2026 Annual Report to Shareholders - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/hre-2026-annual-report-to-shareholders--18f18dde-fe02-4616-b7e7-9af030da7b39) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/hre-2026-annual-report-to-shareholders--18f18dde-fe02-4616-b7e7-9af030da7b39.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-30T04:58:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-30T05:06:09.406Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-30T05:06:09.406Z - Company: Heavy Rare Earths Limited (HRE) - Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03146230) - Atlas sentiment: 0.064 - Atlas tags: Inferred Resource, All Inferred, JORC Compliant, QP/CP Signed, Stale Estimate, Historical Estimate Only, Cut-off Disclosed Heavy Rare Earths Limited's annual report for FY2026 highlights a strategic reset and future plans for its critical minerals portfolio. A review of the Subron Rare Earths Project identified high-grade heavy rare earth oxide domains within its existing historical JORC Inferred Resource, indicating potential for a higher-value resource. The company also secured full mineral rights for the Prospect Hill Tin and Uranium Project and plans maiden drilling programs for both Prospect Hill and Radium Hill, funded by a post-year-end capital raise, despite a going concern warning in its financial statements. # Atlas tag definitions - **Bonanza Intercept:** Exceptionally high-grade zone, well above the deposit-type norm. - **True Width Disclosed:** Actual thickness perpendicular to structure is stated, not just downhole length. - **Step-Out Extension:** Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit. - **QA/QC Disclosed:** Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates). - **Compositing Transparent:** Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Apparent Width Only:** Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness. - **Stale Data Re-release:** Historical results re-announced with no new assays or reinterpretation — low genuine novelty. - **No QA/QC Disclosure:** Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document. - **Metal Equivalent Opaque:** Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Deleterious Elements Present:** Penalty elements (arsenic, antimony, etc.) or refractory concerns noted in the release. - **Infill Drilling:** Confirmatory drilling to raise resource confidence, not new discovery. - **Nearology Play:** Value premise rests on proximity to a known deposit rather than own results. - **Measured Resource:** Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves. - **Indicated Resource:** Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves. - **Proven Reserve:** Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Probable Reserve:** Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Category Upgrade:** Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal. - **Tonnage Growth:** Significant tonnage increase (≥15%) vs prior estimate with grade maintained or improved. - **Grade Improvement:** Average resource grade improved vs prior estimate — better deposit economics. - **Contained Metal Growth:** True scale improvement — contained metal ounces/tonnes increased vs prior, accounting for both tonnage and grade changes. - **QP/CP Signed:** Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience. - **Cut-off Disclosed:** Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. - **JORC Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard. - **NI 43-101 Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard. - **Inferred Resource:** Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone. - **All Inferred:** 100% of resource is Inferred category — very early stage, no engineering confidence. - **Grade Decline:** Average grade dropped >5% vs prior estimate — deposit economics worsening. May indicate high-grading in early drilling. - **Tonnage Decline:** Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down. - **Category Downgrade:** Resource confidence decreased — Measured downgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Inferred. Unusual and concerning. - **Contained Metal Decline:** Contained metal decreased vs prior despite tonnage growth — grade dilution exceeds volume gain. - **Dilutive Growth:** Tonnage increased but contained metal flat or down — likely from lower cut-off grade, not geological expansion. - **Cut-off Lowered:** Cut-off grade significantly reduced vs prior estimate — tonnage growth may be artificial inflation. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Historical Estimate Only:** Estimate pre-dates or does not comply with current JORC/NI 43-101 standards — requires verification drilling. - **Stale Estimate:** Effective date is >2 years old — data currency concern, may not reflect current geological understanding. - **No Contained Metal:** Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting. - **No QP/CP Disclosure:** No Qualified Person or Competent Person named — lower credibility for the estimate. A QP/CP should be a member of a recognized professional association with relevant experience. - **Maiden Resource:** First formal MRE for the project — establishes baseline but typically exploration-stage with high Inferred component. - **Resource Update:** Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. - **PEA-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. - **PFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component. - **DFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence. - **High Recovery:** Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route. - **Pilot Scale Complete:** Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation. - **Free Milling:** Simple, clean ore amenable to standard processing without oxidation. - **Multi-Domain Tested:** Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed. - **Recovery Improving:** Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route. - **Low Recovery:** Recovery below the weak band for the commodity and processing route. - **Bench Scale Only:** Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Single Domain Only:** Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established. - **Recovery Stagnant:** No improvement across multiple test programs on comparable material. - **Theoretical Recovery Only:** Only theoretical or liberation-derived recovery reported, with no actual test result. - **Heap Leach Route:** Processing via heap leach — lower CAPEX and OPEX, lower recovery expected. - **Mill Route:** Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation). - **Gravity Route:** Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet. - **POX/BIOX Route:** Pressure or bio-oxidation for refractory ore — high CAPEX and OPEX. - **Byproduct Commodity:** The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.