Production could start as early as 2027. Refining to take place in the U.S.
The Government of Victoria has granted final regulatory approval for Phase 1 of Astron Corporation’s Donald Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project, located in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. This milestone clears the way for the project’s construction and operation to move forward. According to a company announcement (PDF), Astron plans to make a final investment decision later in 2025, once financing has been secured. If development proceeds as expected, first production is expected to begin by 2027. The approved work plan outlines the scope and scale of the mining and processing operations. It also includes a risk management strategy that addresses environmental protection and public safety, as the type of deposit contains radioactive material.
Mineral sand deposits are a significant source of rare earth elements (REEs), as well as titanium and zirconium. However, they also contain trace amounts of radioactive elements, including thorium and uranium. Astron has clarified that it will only produce rare earth element concentrate and heavy mineral concentrates and not refine or engage with radioactive components as part of its operations.
The Donald Project is being co-developed with U.S.-based Energy Fuels, a company historically focused on uranium but now expanding into rare earths and other strategic minerals. Under current agreements, Energy Fuels will secure 100% of the rare earth output from Phase 1 of the project. The concentrate will be shipped to the United States for further processing at Energy Fuels’ facility in Utah.
Photo: Vio Loo via Canva