MTM and Meteoric partner on rare earths processing technology

MTM Critical Metals

MTM brings Flash Joule Heating to Brazil’s Caldeira Project

Australian metal recovery firm MTM Critical Metals has partnered with Meteoric Resources to process mixed rare earth carbonate from the Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Brazil. The collaboration follows MTM’s successful proof-of-concept work using its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) process, which concentrates high-value rare earths such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium while separating out lower-value lanthanum and cerium.

The Caldeira Project in Minas Gerais is estimated to host 1.5bn tonnes of total rare earth oxides, making it one of the largest undeveloped resources globally. Meteoric already has a supply agreement with Ucore Rare Metals for at least 3,000 t/yr of neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, positioning the project as a potential cornerstone of global magnet supply chains.

Broader applications of MTM’s processing technology

The FJH process represents a fast and easily deployable alternative to traditional solvent extraction, according to MTM. The company also employs the technology for the recovery of antimony and gallium, expanding its role in processing diverse critical minerals.

Meteoric’s involvement with MTM highlights Brazil’s growing importance in rare earths, as nations look to reduce dependence on Chinese exports. By combining innovative processing with large-scale resources, the partnership could redefine supply security for critical materials essential in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense applications.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The MTM–Meteoric partnership demonstrates how technology-led solutions are reshaping rare earths supply chains. If successful, the FJH process could become a scalable alternative to conventional separation, aligning with global efforts to secure diversified, lower-cost, and sustainable sources of rare earth materials.

MTM Critical Metals Recovers High-Grade Antimony from E-Waste Using FJH Technology

MTM Critical Metals

Breakthrough in Antimony Recovery from E-Waste

Australia’s MTM Critical Metals has successfully recovered high-grade antimony from electronic waste using its proprietary flash joule heating (FJH) technology. Antimony, classified as a “critical mineral” by the US Geological Survey, is widely used in flame retardants, military applications, and lead alloys for batteries and cables. The breakthrough positions MTM to expand its US operations as it evaluates which metals to target for commercial recovery at scale.

The company has already secured a pre-permitted demonstration site in Texas and plans to commission the plant by December 2025, with commercial production starting in 2026. This facility builds on MTM’s prior work in gallium recycling, first announced last year, and reflects the growing demand for advanced recovery solutions to secure critical mineral supplies.

Scaling US Operations with Strategic Partnerships

MTM has secured long-term agreements totaling 1,100 tonnes per year of e-waste feedstock. This includes a five-year deal with Dynamic Lifecycle for 700 tonnes per year of e-scrap. The company is also seeking government funding to support its US expansion.

The proprietary FJH technology, exclusively licensed to MTM’s US subsidiary Flash Metals USA, was originally developed at Rice University in Texas. It rapidly heats material in a controlled chlorine atmosphere, achieving high-purity recovery of target metals. Earlier trials demonstrated strong results in recovering gallium from LED manufacturing scrap, and the company now aims to replicate that success for antimony and other critical minerals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

MTM’s progress underscores how proprietary recovery technologies can reshape critical mineral supply chains. With antimony supplies dominated by China, domestic recovery from e-waste could reduce US import dependency and enhance supply security. If scaled effectively, MTM’s Texas facility could become a strategic hub for recycling high-value metals.

MTM Critical Metals raises $33mn for Texas metals recovery

MTM Critical Metals

Funding secured for a 2026 start

MTM Critical Metals raises $33mn for Texas metals recovery through an A$50mn placement. The pre-permitted site targets commercial operations in 2026. Institutional investors led by Petra Capital backed the raise. The plan strengthens a US critical minerals hub. MTM Critical Metals raises $33mn for Texas metals recovery to accelerate build-out.

Technology, feedstock and partnerships

The company will deploy Flash Joule Heating to recover high-value metals. The FJH process has recovered antimony and gallium from e-waste. Long-term agreements secure 1,100 t/yr of e-scrap feedstock. Dynamic Lifecycle will supply 700 t/yr for five years. MTM will rebrand as Metallium as construction advances.

MTM will allocate 40pc to site and infrastructure. It will direct 25pc to FJH system construction. Around 15pc will fund feedstock procurement. Remaining funds support working capital and commissioning. As a result, the project remains staged and capital efficient.

The firm seeks US government support to de-risk execution. Meanwhile, a new agreement covers mixed rare earth carbonate from Brazil. Meteoric Resources’ Caldeira project could feed future REE separation. The Texas site adds optionality beyond e-waste streams. This broadens revenue across antimony, gallium, and rare earths.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This raise advances midstream capacity where supply chains remain fragile. If feedstock ramps smoothly and FJH scales, Metallium could become a key US recycler for strategic metals.

Australia's MTM Plans US Gallium Recycling Plant

Australian mining firm MTM Critical Metals is set to establish a new gallium recycling plant in the United States, with operations slated to begin next year. The plant will process 1 ton per day of gallium, extracted from electronic waste such as semiconductors and LEDs, using their proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.

Innovative Process and Market Impact

The FJH technology, tested at Rice University in Texas, has proven effective in recovering gallium from LED manufacturing waste. This process involves rapidly heating the waste in a controlled chlorine atmosphere, which enables the extraction of gallium in high purity by converting gallium nitride (GaN) into a more volatile form.

The global gallium market faces supply challenges due to China's export restrictions, which affect over 95% of global production and have led to rising prices. Gallium is increasingly in demand for applications including semiconductors, LEDs, solar panels, and advanced defense systems.

MTM is advancing prototype testing in Houston and is exploring partnerships for financing and offtake agreements. The technology could also be used to recover germanium, another metal with restricted exports from China. MTM's broader research includes testing on various metals and rare earth elements.