MTM Critical Metals Advances Technology Demonstration Plant Towards Commercialisation

About MTM Critical Metals Limited

MTM Critical Metals Limited (ASX: MTM), founded in 2021 and headquartered in West Perth, Western Australia, is an ASX and OTCQB-listed company developing advanced critical metals recovery technologies. Through its USA-based subsidiary Flash Metals USA Inc, MTM holds exclusive licencing rights to Flash Joule Heating (FJH), an innovative metal processing technology developed at Rice University in Texas. The FJH technology is designed to extract valuable metals such as gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements (REEs) from various feedstocks, including mineral concentrates, industrial waste, and e-waste. This electrothermal process offers a more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional metal extraction methods. In addition to its technology assets, MTM also holds exploration tenements in Western Australia and Québec, targeting rare earth elements, niobium, and gold. Currently, MTM shares are trading at $0.20 per share.

Engineering and Procurement Milestones

The completion of the process design for the 1TPD Demonstration Plant marks a critical step in proving the commercial viability of MTM’s FJH technology. The blueprint defines key process parameters, equipment selection, and operating conditions, ensuring the system is designed for scalability and efficiency.

With engineering work finalised, MTM has begun procuring long-lead equipment, including gas clean-up systems, metal recovery components, and automation systems. KnightHawk Engineering, MTM’s design partner, continues to support the project, demonstrating confidence in its success by converting a portion of its deferred fees into MTM equity. This strategic alignment underscores the strong industry belief in FJH as a transformative technology for critical metals recovery.

MTM expects final commissioning of the demonstration plant by Q4 2025, allowing the company to validate the technology at scale and refine process parameters before moving to larger-scale operations.

Strategic Site Selection in the US

MTM is actively engaged in securing a pre-permitted industrial site for its demonstration plant in Texas or Louisiana, leveraging business-friendly policies, existing industrial infrastructure, and skilled workforce availability. The company is working closely with economic development agencies and industrial landlords to finalise a location that will streamline permitting approvals and reduce setup risks.

Texas and Louisiana offer “Permit by Rule” regulations, allowing qualified industrial facilities to expedite regulatory approvals, significantly accelerating the timeline for deployment. MTM expects final site selection to be completed by Q2 2025, keeping the project on schedule for an end-of-year launch.

Commercialisation and Future Growth Potential

The 1TPD Demonstration Plant represents a key validation step before scaling up to full-scale modular production units. The facility will provide critical operational data, allowing MTM to optimise its process for maximum recovery efficiency, reduced waste generation, and cost-effectiveness.

Once operational, the plant will generate key insights to support offtake agreements with industrial partners, positioning MTM as a leader in sustainable critical metals production. By refining and scaling its FJH technology, the company aims to reshape the global supply chain for rare earth elements, gallium, and germanium, which are essential for semiconductors, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.

MTM’s partnership with KnightHawk Engineering and its exclusive licencing agreement for FJH technology provide it with a strategic advantage in the critical metals market. With increasing government focus on reshoring critical minerals production, particularly in the US, Europe, and Australia, MTM’s innovative approach aligns with global priorities for supply chain security and sustainability.

Positioned for Industry Leadership

With its 1TPD Demonstration Plant on track for completion in late 2025, MTM is advancing towards commercialising one of the most promising metal recovery technologies in the industry. The company’s ability to secure a strategic site in the US, finalise permitting, and execute its procurement strategy will be critical in maintaining its development timeline.

Further validation of the FJH process through the demonstration plant will provide confidence to potential industry partners. As MTM scales from pilot operations to full commercial production, its ability to establish key partnerships, secure long-term supply agreements, and demonstrate economic viability will determine its position in the growing market for sustainable critical metals processing.