Metallium to Further Collaborate with Rice University to Expand Ability of its Licensed Flash Joule Technology to Individually Separate Individual Rare Earth Elements and Reduce or Avoid Solvent Extraction

Rhea-AI Summary

Metallium (OTCQX: MTMCF) announced an expanded research collaboration with Rice University to enhance its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology's capabilities in rare earth elements (REE) separation. The collaboration aims to develop direct separation of individual REEs, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for traditional solvent extraction (SX) processes.

The company's FJH technology currently provides a more efficient alternative to conventional sulphuric-acid circuits, producing SX-compatible intermediates. This development is particularly significant as over 90% of REE separation capacity is concentrated in China, with recent export restrictions affecting global automotive production.

Metallium has secured its first commercial site in Texas through Flash Metals USA Inc., with plans for additional permitted sites in Massachusetts and Virginia. The company focuses on recovering critical and precious metals from various feedstocks, including refinery waste, scrap, e-waste, and monazite.

Positive

• Technology could potentially bypass traditional solvent extraction, reducing costs and environmental impact
• Current FJH technology already demonstrates ability to upgrade REE feedstocks into SX-ready products
• Strategic expansion with three permitted sites across Texas, Massachusetts, and Virginia
• Positions company for near-term revenue through partnerships and licensing opportunities

Negative

• Research outcomes and timeline for technology advancement remain uncertain
• Heavy dependence on successful research collaboration results for business expansion

News Market Reaction

+4.60%

1 alert

+4.60% News Effect

On the day this news was published, MTMCF gained 4.60%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

If Successful Would Strengthen Uses of Proprietary Technology and Create Further Potential for Licensing and Partnerships with Rare Earths Element Market.

HOUSTON, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metallium Ltd. (ASX: MTM; OTCQX: MTMCF) announced it is expanding its research collaboration with scientists at Rice University to determine if Flash Joule Heating (FJH) Technology can go further than currently and directly separate individual rare earth elements. The research is designed to simplify or even bypass the breakthroughs in upgrading REE feedstocks across traditional flow sheets. Unlike conventional sulphuric-acid circuits, FJH delivers a more elegant and efficient solution producing high-value intermediates that are directly compatible with existing solvent extraction (SX) separation plants. This provides Western developers with a plug-in midstream solution today, while building a pathway to reduce reliance on China in the future.

"Today, REE separation is dominated by SX, which requires huge industrial plants with very large footprints, high capital and operating costs, and commission timelines that can stretch for years," explained Michael Walshe, Metallium Managing Director & CEO. He explained that more than 90 percent of this capacity is in China and recent Chinese export restrictions on magnet alloy exports have forced automakers to suspend production, underlining the fragility of supply chains and the urgency of alternatives.

"Our technology has already demonstrated its ability to upgrade multiple REE feedstocks into SX-ready products, providing Western supply chains a midstream solution today. In parallel, our Rice University collaboration is tackling the next frontier: using FJH to separate individual REEs directly, potentially bypassing solvent extraction," Walshe said. He noted that with SX plants taking years, vast capex and footprint and massive solvent use, even partial success could be transformative. "Our continuing effort with Rice positions Metallium for near-term revenue from partnerships and licensing, and long-term leadership in REE-refining."

Walshe said that the company plans to deliver case studies across a variety of feedstocks as it works with Rice in further expanding the FJH technology.

Additional information can be found at https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02982558-6A1279790&v=4a466cc3f899e00730cfbfcd5ab8940c41f474b6. 

Metallium Ltd. (https://www.metalliuminc.com) is pioneering a low-carbon, high efficiency approach to recovering critical and precious metals from mineral concentrates and high-grade waste streams. The company's patented Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology enables the extraction of high-value materials – including gallium, germanium, antimony, rare earth elements and gold – from feedstocks such as refinery, scrap, e-waste and monazite.

Aligned with U.S. strategic supply chain objectives, Metallium has recently secured its first commercial site in Texas via its wholly owned subsidiary, Flash Metals USA Inc. and recently announced plans for two additional already-permitted sites in Massachusetts and Virginia.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metallium-to-further-collaborate-with-rice-university-to-expand-ability-of-its-licensed-flash-joule-technology-to-individually-separate-individual-rare-earth-elements-and-reduce-or-avoid-solvent-extraction-302537757.html

SOURCE MTM Critical Metals Ltd.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Metallium's (MTMCF) collaboration with Rice University?

The collaboration aims to enhance Flash Joule Heating technology to directly separate individual rare earth elements, potentially eliminating the need for traditional solvent extraction processes.

How does Metallium's Flash Joule Heating technology differ from conventional REE processing?

FJH technology provides a more efficient solution than conventional sulphuric-acid circuits, producing high-value intermediates directly compatible with existing solvent extraction plants, while requiring less infrastructure and environmental impact.

Where are Metallium's (MTMCF) planned operational sites located?

Metallium has secured its first commercial site in Texas through Flash Metals USA Inc., with additional permitted sites planned in Massachusetts and Virginia.

What types of materials can Metallium's FJH technology process?

The technology can process and recover materials including gallium, germanium, antimony, rare earth elements, and gold from feedstocks such as refinery waste, scrap, e-waste, and monazite.

Why is Metallium's REE separation technology significant for the market?

Over 90% of REE separation capacity is currently in China, and recent export restrictions have affected global supply chains. Metallium's technology could provide Western markets with an alternative solution.