MTM Critical Metals has teamed up with Meteoric Resources in a bold move to transform the rare earths sector. The two companies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to fast-track downstream processing of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from the Caldeira rare earth project in Brazil. This partnership brings together Australian innovation and Brazilian resources, with a shared goal of unlocking cleaner, more efficient rare earths refining using flash joule heating technology to achieve an MREC processing breakthrough.
Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/mtm-and-meteoric-team-up-on-rare-earths-breakthrough/
A World-Class Resource: Caldeira Project
The Caldeira rare earth project is one of the largest ionic clay rare earths deposits in the world. It contains 1.5 billion tonnes of ore, with an average grade of 2359 parts per million total rare earth oxide (TREO). Ionic clay rare earths are rare outside China, making Caldeira rare earth project highly strategic. Its scale and unique mineral profile place it among the top global rare earth projects. Meteoric’s control of this resource presents a valuable opportunity to meet rising global demand and enable an MREC processing breakthrough.
Introducing Flash Joule Heating
MTM contributes proprietary flash joule heating technology to this partnership. This method applies a quick, high-energy electric pulse to rare earth samples. The process rapidly changes the ore’s chemical composition without using acids or solvents. It’s fast, modular, and clean, unlike conventional chemical refining. Flash joule heating technology offers an alternative path for Western nations seeking supply chain security in ionic clay rare earths processing. This clean approach supports the advancement of the Caldeira rare earth project and contributes to an MREC processing breakthrough.
Breakthrough Results from Test Work
Recent test work using flash joule heating technology on Meteoric’s MREC sample showed impressive results. The share of magnet rare earth elements increased from 30 per cent to 72 per cent. These include valuable elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. Heavy rare earths rose by 186 per cent. Less valuable elements, like lanthanum and cerium, dropped from 61 per cent to just 7 per cent. The process also recovered 81 per cent of terbium without using chemicals. These results mark a major MREC processing breakthrough in rare earth technology and improved sustainability for ionic clay rare earths from the Caldeira rare earth project.
REE Volitisation-% Recovered from Reactor Solids & REE Enrichment (Source:https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20250617/pdf/06kt51yt45qnyj.pdf )
The Value of Magnet Rare Earths
Magnet rare earths are essential for green technologies. They are used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics. Demand for these elements is growing rapidly worldwide. Their high commercial value makes them the top priority in refining. Concentrating these elements more effectively can boost the economic return of a project. Flash joule heating technology offers a way to achieve this without harmful environmental impact and has become vital for extracting high-value elements from ionic clay rare earths at the Caldeira rare earth project.
Cleaner, Simpler, and Scalable
The flash joule heating technology process avoids acids, solvents, and complex chemical setups. This makes it cleaner, cheaper, and easier to scale than traditional refining. It creates less waste and reduces environmental risks. The technology is modular, allowing on-site or near-site deployment. This flexibility makes it suitable for many rare earth projects, including those in remote locations or with smaller footprints, especially those based on ionic clay rare earths like the Caldeira rare earth project, where an MREC processing breakthrough is underway.
Industry Support and Company Leadership
MTM managing director and CEO Michael Walshe said the flash joule heating technology test results proved its transformative potential. He stated that one flash was enough to shift the product mix towards high-value magnet rare earths. This, he said, dramatically increased value while removing waste. Meteoric managing director and CEO Stuart Gale also welcomed the results. He said the company was excited by FJH’s ability to provide a Western-aligned refining path for its Caldeira rare earth project product, especially in light of the current MREC processing breakthrough using ionic clay rare earths.
Change in Rare Earth Element Oxide Percentage Distribution post FJH Treatment. (Source: https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20250617/pdf/06kt51yt45qnyj.pdf )
Strategic Value for the West
Currently, China dominates rare earth refining and controls most of the global supply. Western nations are seeking independent processing solutions. The MTM-Meteoric collaboration supports this goal. By refining rare earths outside of China, the partnership offers a reliable, strategic alternative. It strengthens Australia and Brazil’s positions in the global supply chain. It also helps reduce reliance on overseas chemical refining by providing a cleaner path through flash joule heating technology, as shown in the Caldeira rare earth project and its ongoing MREC processing breakthrough of ionic clay rare earths.
Next Steps and Future Potential
The current MoU allows both companies to explore further development. Next steps could include pilot-scale testing and possible demonstration plants. If results continue to deliver, full-scale processing may follow. This could provide Meteoric with a complete downstream solution. It would also position MTM’s flash joule heating technology as a go-to method for rare earth refining. The potential extends beyond the Caldeira rare earth project, with MTM already in talks with other rare earth companies exploring similar MREC processing breakthroughs in ionic clay rare earths.
Expanding the Technology’s Reach
MTM is not limiting its technology to this one project. The company is in discussions with other operators, including hard-rock miners and waste-stream processors. The modular nature of flash joule heating technology makes it suitable for different ore types. This means it could be applied across the rare earth industry. It supports both primary extraction and value recovery from waste. That gives it broad relevance and commercial appeal, especially for ionic clay rare earths projects like Caldeira rare earth project and others aiming for similar MREC processing breakthroughs.
Australia’s Growing Critical Minerals Role
Australia is aiming to lead in the critical minerals space. This partnership is a step towards that goal. It showcases how Australian innovation can create new value from global resources. The move also supports government goals to grow downstream processing capabilities. By partnering with international projects, Australian companies can export both knowledge and value-added services—especially through advancements like flash joule heating technology, enabling MREC processing breakthroughs at assets such as the Caldeira rare earth project, built on ionic clay rare earths.
How FJH Works in Practice
Flash joule heating technology works by sending an electrical pulse through the ore, generating instant heat. This flash causes chemical changes that remove unwanted elements. High-value rare earths are left in a more concentrated form. The process avoids the need for reagents, large plants, or long treatment times. It’s energy-efficient, low-impact, and scalable. It offers performance comparable to solvent extraction without the drawbacks, and is particularly effective for ionic clay rare earths from projects like the Caldeira rare earth project, delivering a true MREC processing breakthrough.
Meeting ESG and Market Demands
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are now critical for mining projects. Investors and buyers are demanding cleaner practices. Flash joule heating technology fits this shift perfectly. It reduces waste, cuts chemical use, and lowers environmental risk. It supports a more sustainable approach to ionic clay rare earths development. This adds commercial value and improves project approval prospects. The Caldeira rare earth project stands as a prime example of applying ESG-aligned innovation to achieve an MREC processing breakthrough.
Conclusion: Innovation in Action
The MTM and Meteoric partnership represents a major breakthrough in rare earths. Flash joule heating technology delivers faster, cleaner, and more effective processing. It adds significant value to the Caldeira rare earth project. It also offers a scalable solution for the wider industry. As demand for critical minerals continues to rise, this collaboration puts Australia and Brazil at the forefront. It’s a strong step toward a more secure and sustainable rare earth supply chain built around ionic clay rare earths and real MREC processing breakthroughs.
