Signal Critica Cuts Jupiter Acid Consumption by Around 30% in Hydrometallurgical Breakthrough

Summary

Proactive Investors reported on August 4, 2026, that Australian ASX-listed Critica Ltd (ASX:CRI) achieved a roughly 30% reduction in sulphuric acid consumption in the hydrometallurgical processing flowsheet for its Jupiter Rare Earth Project in Western Australia. Following the optimization, acid consumption fell to approximately one tonne per tonne of feed processed. The announcement builds on earlier 2026 milestones at the project, including magnet rare earth oxide recoveries of about 81% achieved in April and a 14-times upgrade to concentrate grading to roughly 3% total rare earth oxide achieved in May. Lower acid consumption materially reduces downstream processing costs, directly strengthening the project's economic viability as it moves toward commercial feasibility. A scoping study, an early-stage economic assessment, is expected in the third quarter of 2026. The improvement comes amid a broader push to expand Australia's rare earth processing capacity as part of diversifying critical mineral supply chains away from concentrated suppliers.