Astron secures Australian approval to export rare earths to the US

Astron Limited has received Commonwealth Government approval to export rare earth element concentrate from its Donald project in Victoria, Australia, to the United States. The concentrate will be processed at the White Mesa Mill in Utah, operated by Astron’s joint venture partner, Energy Fuels.

The Donald project concentrate is notable for its high content of heavy rare earth elements, specifically terbium and dysprosium. These elements are critical for improving the heat resistance and performance of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, data centers, and robotics.

Energy Fuels holds the right to purchase all concentrate produced by the Donald project. The company is currently expanding the White Mesa Mill’s capacity, with expectations to add annual production of terbium and dysprosium oxides by the end of 2027. A final investment decision for the project is targeted for the third quarter of 2026.