Metallium moves to break China’s rare earths stronghold with Texas processing plant

• MTM on track to commission a rare earths processing plant in Texas by December
• Staged development from 8000-16,000tpa to meet global refining demand
• Company is well placed amid China’s expanded export restrictions

Special Report: Metallium is on track to commission its first Flash Joule Heating (FJH) processing line at the Gator Point Technology Campus in Texas in December.

The company’s patented FJH platform – capable of processing feedstocks ranging from electronic waste and magnet scrap to mine tailings and mineral concentrates – positions it among the few non-Chinese groups able to deliver a complete, low-emission refining pathway for critical and strategic metals.

Metallium (ASX:MTM) has expanded initial plant capacity to 8000tpa (up ~5X from 1600tpa) for Stage 1 targeted for Q3 2026, with Stage 2 expected to expand capacity to 16,000tpa.

This staged development balances near-term commercial readiness with long-term scalability, positioning the company to meet growing US demand for low-emission metal recovery and refining capacity.

A dedicated specialty materials demonstration line – up to 350tpa – will also process rare earth element (REE) tailings, refinery residues, and semiconductor feedstocks containing gallium and germanium.

This capability will support demonstration programs for REE mining and refining partners seeking a domestic, non-Chinese processing pathway.

Eliminating dependence on China

The first commercial FJH line will focus on recovering metals from printed circuit board (PCB) e-waste – high-value electronic components found in computers, phones, and industrial equipment.

These contain recoverable metals such as copper, gold, silver, tin, palladium, and antimony – all currently trading near record levels.

The FJH process can also treat a wide range of REE-bearing materials, including mine concentrates, tailings, magnet scrap, and refinery residues. This provides a single, flexible processing route that shortens traditional flowsheets and reduces reliance on Chinese refining capacity.

As the US Government ramps up efforts to secure domestic supply chains for critical materials, Metallium’s multi-feedstock technology offers a proven and scalable platform to meet national-security imperatives.

“The recent escalation of Chinese export controls, including the export of REE technology targeting defence and chip users, reinforces the importance of establishing a secure, allied supply chain for rare-earth and critical metals,” MTM managing director and CEO Michael Walshe said.

“Metallium’s technology platform is designed precisely for this moment, offering a clean, rapid, and scalable processing alternative developed and deployed entirely in the United States.

“Together with Ucore Rare Metals Inc., our REE-separation technology partner, Metallium is uniquely positioned to deliver the technology and materials needed to strengthen U.S. and allied supply-chain independence from China.

“Our first commercial plant in Texas will not only recycle high-value metals including gold and silver from e-waste but also provide U.S. and allied partners with a non-Chinese refining pathway for rare-earths, gallium, and germanium.” 

This article was developed in collaboration with Metallium, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.