Highlights

  • Victory Metals has received a A$350,000 Federal RTCM Trailblazer grant to support rare earth processing research.
  • The funding will finance dedicated researchers at Curtin University working alongside Victory over the next two years.
  • The initiative is designed to accelerate commercialization of the North Stanmore Heavy Rare Earth Project without delaying production plans.

Overview

Victory Metals Limited (ASX:VTM) has secured A$350,000 in non-dilutive funding from the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals (RTCM) Trailblazer program to advance its rare earth processing research. The grant will support a two-year collaboration with Curtin University, where dedicated researchers will work closely with the company to optimize processing technologies for its North Stanmore Heavy Rare Earth Project in Western Australia. The funding follows the recent commissioning of Victory’s rare earths pilot plant in Perth and strengthens the company’s efforts to commercialize its processing capabilities while contributing to Australia’s goal of establishing a secure and resilient rare earth supply chain.

How Will the RTCM Trailblazer Grant Support Victory Metals?

The RTCM Trailblazer grant will provide financial support for full-time research staff at Curtin University to collaborate directly with Victory Metals’ technical team. Their work will focus on enhancing the recovery and separation of high-value heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium. By refining the processing flowsheet and metallurgical techniques, the project aims to improve operational efficiency and unlock greater value from the North Stanmore deposit. The funding also complements Victory’s existing investments in research and pilot-scale processing infrastructure.

Why Is the North Stanmore Project Important to Australia’s Rare Earth Strategy?

The North Stanmore Heavy Rare Earth Project is considered one of Australia’s largest heavy rare earth-enriched regolith deposits. As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, projects capable of supplying strategic rare earth elements are attracting increased attention. Victory’s partnership with Curtin University and support from the Federal Government align with broader efforts to develop a secure, Western-aligned supply chain for critical minerals. The research program is expected to help advance domestic processing capabilities while supporting Australia's position in the global rare earths market.