Astron's Donald Rare Earth Project in Victoria Shows Strong Economic Potential, Aiming for 2028 Production

Published: Apr 2, 2026 14:49

Save

[SMM Rare Earth Flash] Australia’s Astron released the bankable feasibility study report for Phase I of the Donald rare earth and mineral sands project in Victoria, confirming the project’s strong economic value, and plans to make the final investment decision in Q2 2026. The report showed that total project investment was about AUD 450 million, pre-tax net present value was AUD 759 million, the internal yield was 19.3%, the mine life was about 40 years, and rare earth concentrate is expected to be produced in Q1 2028. The project’s main products include key rare earths such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, as well as zircon and titanium products. Phase I is expected to produce about 7,100 mt of rare earth concentrate annually.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

27 mins ago

Rare Earth Prices Surge: Neodymium Praseodymium Oxide and Gadolinium Iron See Increased Transactions

[SMM Rare Earth Price Flash] As of now, driven by the rise in futures prices, neodymium praseodymium oxide has seen small-volume transactions by some traders at 730,000-740,000 yuan/mt. Driven by rising raw material prices, coupled with tender procurement of Pr-Nd alloy by major magnetic material plants, metal quotations were also raised to 900,000 yuan/mt, with actual transactions following up. The latest market quotation for gadolinium oxide was 230,000 yuan/mt, and quotations for gadolinium iron were also raised to 215,000-220,000 yuan/mt, driven by downstream tender procurement.

27 mins ago

2 hours ago

Rare Earth Prices Hold Up Well, and Market Inquiry Activity Increases [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]

[SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review: Rare Earth Prices Hold Up Well, and Market Inquiry Activity Increases] The Pr-Nd oxide market as a whole continued to hold up well. Under the impact of expectations of tighter supply and pronounced fluctuations in futures prices, upstream suppliers kept raising their offers, while low-priced cargoes tightened rapidly, pushing Pr-Nd oxide prices up to 722,000-728,000 yuan/mt.

2 hours ago

3 hours ago

China's Pr-Nd Oxide Output Surges 6% in March, April Decline Expected

According to statistics, China’s total Pr-Nd oxide production exceeded 9,000 mt in March 2026, up about 6% MoM. This growth was mainly driven by the resumption of production at some separation plants and an increase in the operating rate of scrap recycling enterprises compared with February. However, based on currently available information, as some raw ore separation enterprises plan to suspend production, Pr-Nd oxide production in April is expected to decline by about 2% MoM.

3 hours ago