IMO, this is of critical importance. Zirconia customer...

IMO, this is of critical importance.

Zirconia customer samples
During the Quarter, the Company received further results of the evaluation of samples of ZrO2 (calcined ZBS), ZBS and ZBC previously sent to customers. This evaluation process has continued to support ongoing discussions with customers regarding offtake arrangements and product offerings from the Dubbo Project.

Customer feedback highlighted a desire to further optimise the recovery of hafnia (Hf), along with the production of ZBC (and ZrO2 from calcined ZBC) as the preferred zirconium products. As a result, ANSTO (Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) has been engaged to undertake further test work of this modified Zr/Hf separation process in the flowsheet and it is expected that this will commence in Q1 2024.

Without Zirconia and Hafnium offtakes, economically we cannot separate rare earths. I hope this is the advanced active processes that they are referring to, as the rare earths should hopefully then sell itself.