The Donald rare earths project in Victoria has reached a major milestone with its final regulatory approval now secured. The Victorian Government has officially approved the work plan for Astron Corporation’s Donald project, allowing the company to advance into the construction and operational phase. This development marks a significant achievement for Astron and its partners, particularly as global demand for critical minerals and rare earths continues to rise.
Work Plan Outlines Risk and Environmental Management
The approved work plan details the scope of mining and processing activities for Phase 1 at Donald. It includes comprehensive risk assessments and a clear strategy for environmental protection and community engagement.
A full risk management framework is embedded within the plan, with ongoing monitoring criteria to evaluate project performance. This framework aims to minimise environmental risks and ensure responsible resource development in Victoria’s Wimmera region.
Construction of Phase 1 Set to Begin
With work plan approval finalised, Astron is now positioned to move forward with on-ground construction. The Donald rare earths project involves mining mineral sands and rare earth elements crucial to defence, clean energy, and commercial technologies.
Astron managing director Tiger Brown said the approval clears the way for several final-stage activities to be completed. These include completing financing arrangements and preparing a full capital development proposal for the boards of both Astron and the joint venture.
Energy Fuels Injects $183 Million for JV Stake
A key component of the project is the joint venture between Astron and Energy Fuels, a US-based uranium and rare earths firm. Under the agreement, Energy Fuels will acquire a 49 per cent stake in the Donald project by contributing $183 million in capital. This funding will support the execution and construction of Phase 1, and further strengthen ties between the US and Australian critical minerals sectors.
Energy Fuels president and CEO Mark Chalmers described the project as a crucial link in global rare earths supply chains. He emphasised the broad resource range at Donald, which includes light, mid and heavy rare earth oxides. These materials are essential for modern technologies, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, and military equipment.
Australia-US Rare Earths Supply Chain Strengthens
Once operational, the Donald project will export rare earth minerals to the United States for processing at Energy Fuels’ Utah-based facility. This cross-continental supply chain enhances both nations’ strategic interests in critical minerals security.
Energy Fuels plans to convert the raw materials into separated rare earth oxides for domestic and international customers. The development of this direct export and processing link highlights Australia’s growing role in global critical minerals trade.
Donald Rare Earth MIneral Project
Final Investment Decision Expected in 2025
Astron is targeting a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Donald project in 2025, pending successful completion of financing.
The company continues to advance other key project elements in parallel to the approval. This includes negotiating non-binding offtake agreements for around 70 per cent of Phase 1 HMC production.
Additionally, Astron is finalising the processing plant design and final contract terms for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract. Pre-production drilling is also underway to support detailed mine planning before full-scale operations commence.
Project Represents Strategic Economic and Geopolitical Asset
The Donald rare earths and mineral sands project is seen as a strategically significant asset within Australia’s mining portfolio. With rare earths considered a critical mineral for national security, technological development, and green energy, the project adds substantial value.
Its approval demonstrates Australia’s commitment to fostering secure and responsible mineral production for both domestic and global markets. As the country seeks to become a preferred supplier of ethical critical minerals, the Donald project’s progress sets a strong example.
