MTM Critical Minerals is now speeding towards starting operations before the end of 2025 after finalising the process design for its demonstration plant. Pic: Getty Images
Mining
Special Report: MTM Critical Metals has taken a major step towards commercialisation with the finalisation of the process design for its Flash Joule Heating demonstration plant in the US.
This includes key process parameters including flow rates, material balances and operating conditions, final equipment selection that enables procurement of critical components, and regulatory readiness which supports permitting and site selection.
MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) is now progressing procurement of long-lead equipment – including gas clean-up systems and other critical components – and is on track to start operations before the end of 2025.
The planned facility seeks to produce 1t of critical metals such as gallium and germanium each day from scrap material using the company’s Flash Joule Heating technology – an advanced electrothermal process that uses less energy and reagents than traditional methods.
Success will validate the technology at scale, paving the way for larger modular units and strategic partnerships.
Key engineering partner KnightHawk Engineering has demonstrated its confidence in the FJH technology and its execution by deferring a portion of its fees into equity in MTM.
MTM managing director Michael Walshe said finalising the process design marked a “major step” in bringing its FJH technology to market.
“It provides us with a clear technical roadmap for the 1tpd plant and ensures we can advance with procurement, permitting, and site selection on schedule.
“With our long-lead equipment procurement now in progress and strong engagement from industrial premises owners in Texas and Louisiana, we remain firmly on track to begin operations by the end of 2025.
“The facility will generate critical operational data to optimise full-scale deployment and support future offtake agreements with industrial partners.
“This project is not just about demonstrating the commercial viability of our technology — it’s about reshoring critical metals production to the USA and strengthening America’s supply chain for strategic materials like gallium, germanium, and rare earths.
“By doing so, we’re positioning MTM as a leader in sustainable innovation for a resource-secure future.”
The completed process design for the 1tpd plant represents the most critical engineering milestone as it establishes the operational framework for scaling the company’s FJH technology or metal recovery and mineral processing.
It defines the sequence of unit operations, material flows, equipment selection, and process control strategies necessary to efficiently extract and refine target metals at 1tpd of incoming feedstock.
This ensures the technology operates within optimised safety, energy, and material efficiency parameters, delivering consistent, high-purity metal outputs while validating its commercial scalability.
MTM is also progressing site selection efforts with a focus on Texas and Louisiana due to their significant industrial infrastructure, services, business-friendly policies, and streamlined permitting processes.
Engagement with technology parks and economic development agencies is ongoing to secure a pre-permitted site, expediting deployment and reducing timeline risks.
Its design specifications also allow it to take advantage of “Permit by Rule” regulations which provide a streamlined permitting process for industrial facilities that are built in certain parts of Texas.
A final site selection decision is expected in Q2 2025.
This article was developed in collaboration with MTM Critical Metals, 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.
