ASM continues to build on our relationship with the Vietnam Rare Earth Company (VTRE), after signing a non-binding business agreement with the company in December 2022.  The agreement, which also included Korea’s Chungcheongbuk Province, was for all parties to co-operate to build a global rare earths supply chain. In March 2023, representatives from ASM visited […]

We are pleased to advise that CEO Ms Rowena Smith has been appointed as Managing Director by the ASM Board, to take effect 6 March 2023. Mr Ian Gandel, Chair of ASM, said this was a natural progression following Ms Smith’s appointment as CEO in July 2022. “Since Rowena became CEO last year, she has […]

We are pleased to advise that our Dubbo Project SSD Modification Report 1 (MOD1) has received Development Consent approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment following a thorough public submission and review process. The MOD1 determination was required after our December 2021 Optimisation Study led to several design improvements in plans already approved for the […]

It was a pleasure to welcome our Korean Metals Plant Representative Director, Mr Sung-lea Cho, on his first trip to Australia. During his visit, Mr Cho spent time at our Dubbo Project site and toured the project’s test work facilities at ANSTO. With products from the Dubbo Project (once constructed) going to the Korean Metals […]

We are excited to be getting underway with Stage 1 of our Dubbo Project EPC Definition work. In early February, the Dubbo Project Team held a kick-off meeting with representatives from Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd (HEC) to commence Stage 1 requirements. During Stage 1, HEC will establish front-end engineering and design activities and progress standards […]

We are delighted to welcome Annaliese Eames, in her first week as our General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary. Annaliese brings over 15 years of legal, commercial, strategic and corporate governance experience to ASM.  Her depth of knowledge covers large scale project contracting, corporate, finance and intellectual property law. ASM CEO Rowena Smith says that […]

We are pleased to advise our Quarterly Activities Report to 31 December 2022 has been released. In line with ASM’s strategic business priorities, key activities for the Quarter included: Strengthened balance sheet by $41.1 million via successful Capital Raise, to position the Company to undertake priority activities in 2023; Completed the neodymium praseodymium metal commissioning […]

ASM is pleased to advise that its Dubbo Project has been awarded grant funding of $10 million under Stream 2 of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund (CMAF), announced by the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, the Hon. Paul Toole MP. Subject to the execution of binding documentation, […]

ASM has signed a non-binding business agreement with the Chungcheongbuk Province in Korea and the Vietnam Rare Earth Company (VTRE) to co-operate to build a global rare earths supply Chain. Under the terms of the Agreement: VTRE and KSM Metals Co., Ltd (ASM’s subsidiary) (KSMM) agree to use reasonable endeavours to agree on the long-term […]

ASM is delighted that CEO Rowena Smith’s interview with The Korea Times was featured on the publication’s front page. Rowena spoke with The Korea Times about ASM’s `mine to metals’ business and our strong ties to Korea.  She discussed the importance of this relationship, as we work to build a more diverse, secure and reliable […]

The 2022 ASM Annual General Meeting was held on 28 November, as a hybrid event in Perth and online. Shareholders passed all resolutions placed before them at the meeting. Following the close of the AGM, ASM CEO Rowena Smith delivered a presentation reviewing the past year and looking ahead to 2023.

ASM’s Dubbo Project has received grant funding of $500,000 under Stream 1 of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund, announced by the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources, the Hon. Paul Toole MP. ASM was awarded the grant for studies to finalise the process flowsheet for the Dubbo Project’s […]

We are pleased to announce our Quarterly Activities Report to 30 September 2022 has been released.

The Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) 2022 Annual Report has been released.

ASM and its subsidiary, KSM Metals Co., Ltd, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean Development Bank (KDB) and the Chungcheongbuk-do Province. The MOU provides for cooperation in the areas of research and development, investment activities and development of a rare earths cluster in Chungcheongbuk-do, where ASM’s Korean Metals Plant is […]

  It was a proud day for the team in Korea, as the first order of NdPr product was loaded onto the delivery truck and sent on its way. The delivery is the first as part of the sales agreement recently signed with magnet manufacturer NS World for 10 tonnes of NdPr metal ingot, for […]

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) subsidiary, KSM Metals Co., Ltd, has signed a binding agreement (Sales Agreement) for the sale of neodymium praseodymium metal produced at its Korean Metals Plant with Korean company NS World Co., Ltd (NS World). The Sales Agreement provides for the sale and delivery of up to 10 tonnes of neodymium praseodymium […]

Global mining executive Ms Rowena Smith, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ASM, after former Managing Director, Mr David Woodall stepped down. Ms Smith has been ASM’s Chief Operating Officer since joining the company in 2021. During this time she has led ASM’s critical minerals and rare earths Dubbo Project team, and overseen […]

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) and our subsidiary Toongi Pastoral Company (TPC) are excited to announce our partnership with Macquarie Anglican Grammar School’s new – Macquarie Agricultural Pathways Program! Starting next term, the program will see a targeted group of students in Year 7 at the school, engage in weekly farm visits to TPC sites. The […]

The Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) Quarterly Activities Report to 31 March 2022 has been released. Key points for the Quarter include: Buildings and facilities at the Korean Metals Plant (KMP) were completed, with the Plant Registration certificate received on 7 April 2022. The installation and commissioning of the first phase of the KMP will continue […]

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) has announced that following ongoing discussions with HEC in relation to the development of the Dubbo Project, it has signed a Heads of Agreement with Hyundai Engineering Corporation Co., Ltd., to exclusively negotiate with HEC the delivery of the FEED, which could progress to the EPC. The agreement for the exclusive […]

The Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) Quarterly Activities Report to 30 December 2021 has been released. Highlights for the Quarter included: Released the Dubbo Project Optimisation Study– A capital cost estimate of AUD 1,678 million with pre-tax NPV of AUD 2,361 million, pre-tax IRR of 23.5%, and annual free cash flow (full ramp-up) of AUD 425 […]

Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASM) is pleased to advise that the consortium of South Korean Investors, comprising Cerritos Holdings Co., Ltd, Kamur Partners LLC and ACE Equity Partners LLC, (the Investing Partnership) has successfully completed due diligence on the Company’s flagship Dubbo Project. This represents a key milestone in progressing the consortium fund’s proposed conditional […]

Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASM) is pleased to advise the appointment of Kerry Gleeson as Non-Executive Director to the Board effective 1 February 2022. Ms Gleeson is an experienced independent Non-Executive Director, chair and committee member with over two decades of experience as a director, senior executive and board advisor of various ASX listed companies. […]

Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASX: ASM) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Joint Statement of Cooperation with the Korean Mine Rehabilitation and Resource Corporation (KOMIR), the renamed Korean Resources Corporation (KORES), to enable the supply of critical minerals and metals into Korea. Under the Joint Statement of Cooperation, ASM and KOMIR have […]

Key points Optimisation Work for Dubbo Project confirms a strong expected rate of return with pre-tax NPV of AUD 2,361 million, pre-tax IRR of 23.5%, and annual free cash flow (full ramp-up) of AUD 425 million Capital cost estimate of AUD 1,678 million consisting of direct capital of AUD 1,307 million, indirect capital of AUD […]

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Australian Strategic Materials was held on 30 November 2021 as a virtual meeting.

Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASX:ASM) is pleased to announce that commissioning has begun at its Korean Metals Plant in Ochang Province, South Korea, marked by a visit to the plant by Deputy Prime Minister of South Korea, Mr Hong Nam-ki. Australian Strategic Materials has commenced hot commissioning on its neodymium furnace. This included firing up […]

Highlights Signing a $US250m framework agreement with South Korean consortium for 20% interest in Dubbo Project and offtake from Korean Metals Plant (ASX Release 21 July 2021: Framework Agreement for 20% stake in Dubbo Project and Offtake) Construction of the Korean Metals Plant continuing, commissioning planned to commence before calendar year end The Dubbo Project […]

Technical due diligence of the Dubbo Project occurring under the Framework Agreement with the Investing Partnership of Korean private equity firms (ASX Announcement: 21 July 2021) has advanced with significant effort made by both parties. However, due to Covid19 travel restrictions between Australia and Korea and on travel within Australia, and the extensive scope of […]

Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASX: ASM) welcomes Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comments from Washington DC over the weekend following the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. Speaking from outside the White House at the end of the Quad meeting of leaders, Mr Morrison said Australia would host a clean energy summit next year under the Quad umbrella that […]

ASM is pleased to announce that Julie Jones, ASM’s General Counsel, has been appointed Joint Company Secretary, effective immediately. Dennis Wilkins will remain as Joint Company Secretary with Ms Jones. Ms Jones is an experienced General Counsel and Company Secretary with a strong background in mining and manufacturing, and has more than 18 years of […]

Highlights ASM continued to execute its “mine to metal” strategy: Finalised A$92m capital raising. (ASX Release 21 April 2021: Completion of NonRenounceable Entitlement Offer and Shortfall Notice) Received A$200m letter of support from Export Finance Australia for Dubbo Project. (ASX Release 28 June 2021: Export Finance Australia issues letter of support for the Dubbo Project) […]

ASM (the Company) has entered into a conditional exclusive framework agreement (Agreement) with a consortium of South Korean Investors to subscribe for a 20% equity interest in Australian Strategic Materials (Holdings) Ltd (ASMH) for a subscription price of US$250m (equivalent to AU$340m based on current exchange rates) (Proposed Transaction). ASMH is a wholly owned subsidiary […]

ASM is pleased to announce conditional finance support from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to secure A$ 200 million of debt funding for its Dubbo Rare Earths Project in Central NSW. EFA has advised that it will commence detailed due diligence of the Dubbo Project, in line with the agency’s mandate to support eligible Australian projects […]

ASM is pleased to announce key leadership appointments to drive the Company’s progress towards the implementation of its “mine to manufacturer” strategy in the production of critical metals, including rare earths for advanced manufacturing. Chief Operating Officer – Rowena Smith Rowena Smith joins ASM from her former role with South32 as the Chief Sustainability Officer […]

Highlights ASM Metals Business Successful production of pre-sintered permanent magnets, with properties and quality confirmed by the Korean Institute of Rare Metals (KIRAM). A 75kg/day run of titanium (Ti) metal powder was successfully produced by Ziron Tech at a pilot scale (metal purity 99.918%, O2 < 300ppm). Quality and significant environmental benefits of high purity […]

ASM announces the Company’s pro-rata non-renounceable entitlement offer (Entitlement Offer) of new ordinary shares in the Company (New Shares), closed on 16 April 2021 and proceeds of $26,919,096 have been raised pursuant to the Entitlement Offer. The Company received applications from eligible shareholders for 5,608,145 New Shares at the issue price of $4.80 per New […]

ASM is pleased to announce that the Company has received firm commitments from sophisticated, professional and institutional investors for the placement of approximately 13.5m fully paid ordinary shares (New Shares) at $4.80 per New Share, raising $65m in gross proceeds (Placement). Managing Director, David Woodall, commented: “We are delighted to have completed the placement component […]

ASM has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk) Provincial Government and Cheongju-si (Cheongju), City Government to locate its first metals plant (Korean Metals Plant or KMP) within the Ochang Foreign Investment Zone in Korea. The Chungbuk Provincial Government MoU covers supply of utilities, administrative licenses and permit procedures, including the Korean […]

Highlights Initial 5,200tpa Korean Metals Plant study delivers strong economics Estimated capital – approximately US$35-45million Estimated annual revenue – approximately US$180m-190m Estimated annual EBITDA – approximately US$45m-$50m Expenditure of US$ 1.5m on detailed engineering approved by ASM Board & underway A final investment decision (FID) on the 5,200tpa Korean Metal Plant expected in mid-2021 Plans […]

Highlights Two kilograms of pre-sintered permanent magnets successfully produced from ASM’s high-purity neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) powder Magnetic properties and quality confirmed by the Korean Institute of Rare Metals (KIRAM) ASM reports that the Korean Institute of Rare Metals (KIRAM) has successfully produced and tested two kilograms of pre-sintered permanent magnets from ASM’s high-purity neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) powder […]

Highlights Independent 3D-printed metal part producer HANA AMT has confirmed the high purity of ASM’s titanium powder A 75kg/day run of titanium (Ti) metal powder was successfully produced by Ziron Tech at a pilot scale (metal purity 99.918%) Significant environmental benefits of ASM’s novel metal process were confirmed by HANA AMT ASM has received confirmation […]

Highlights ASM Metals Business Completed acquisition of 95% interest in joint venture partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech) Produced 8.6kg of high-purity zirconium metal powder at 98% Zr and 1.5% Hf Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) confirmed de-hafniated zirconium metal meets Korean market requirements Agreement with Dongkuk Refractories & Steel to design, develop, assemble, […]

Highlights ASM produced 6kg of a neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) alloy at the Korean Institute of Rare Metals (KIRAM) facility. KIRAM has certified the metallic structure and ratio of key metals (Nd: Fe: B = 32%: 67%: 1%) of the key NdFeB permanent magnet alloy. ASM continues to work on the potential for establishing a […]

Highlights ASM produced 120kg of titanium copper alloy (99.5% purity), confirming the commercial scalability of its innovative metallisation process. Improvements to ASM’s metallisation process has doubled the metallic yield. ASM continues to work collaboratively with Dongkuk R&S, on the potential to develop a full-scale metal processing facility. ASM has successfully confirmed the commercial scalability of […]

Highlights ASM has produced 200kg of ferro-neodymium (FeNd – Nd 80.3%, Fe 19.9%), a key constituent of strip cast permanent magnet alloys. ASM is working with the Korea Institute for Rare Metals (KIRAM) to produce a strip cast permanent magnet alloy which will be formed and sintered into permanent magnets. Samples of permanent magnets will […]

The 2020 Annual General Meeting of Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASM), was held at 12:00PM (AWST) on Wednesday, 4 November 2020. A recording of the AGM as well as the presentation can be downloaded via the links below.   View recording of the full AGM View recording of the presenation Download presentation

Highlights Acquisition of a 95% interest in joint venture partner Ziron Tech Acquisition delivers the ownership of all associated intellectual property including patented metal-refining technology Ziron Tech team integrated into ASM ASM has successfully completed the acquisition of 95% of its joint venture partner Ziron Tech, and through the acquisition now owns Ziron Tech’s patented […]

Highlights Design, develop, assemble, install and verify a 250kg commercial grade continuous reduction system using the Ziron Tech patented metal-refining technology ASM will retain ownership of intellectual property and commercial rights to the Ziron Tech technology ASM and Dongkuk Refractory and Steel (DK R&S) have signed a joint development agreement for a 250kg/day metal plant […]

Highlights ASM Korean Metals Technology High purity titanium (Ti) metal 20.8kg produced assaying 99.83% Innovative metals process confirms 70% lower energy consumption Ziron Tech optimisation increases metal efficiency by 50% Significant environmental benefits of innovative metal process confirmed Production of 7.6kg of neodymium metal at 99.8% purity Production of 5.3kg praseodymium metal assaying 99.3% purity […]

Highlights: ASM produces 8.6kg of high purity Zirconium metal powder Zirconium powder assay – 98% Zr and 1.5% Hf Confirmation of zirconium metal sample meets the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute standards ASM, through its partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech), has successfully produced 8.6kg of a high purity zirconium metal at its commercial pilot […]

The 2020 Annual Report is now available for download. Download the 2020 Annual Report

Highlights: ASM produces 7.5kg of heavy rare earth dysprosium metal Dysprosium metal assay – 99.53% Metallisation of ferro-dysprosium and zirconium progressing ASM, through its partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech), has successfully produced 7.5 kg of a high purity dysprosium metal at its commercial pilot plant in South Korea. After producing 0.76 kg of the […]

Highlights: ASM produces 0.76kg of heavy rare earth metal dysprosium (Dy) Dysprosium assay – 99.6% Metallisation process proven for the Dubbo Project’s key permanent magnet rare earth products (dysprosium, praseodymium and neodymium) ASM, through its partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech), has successfully produced high purity dysprosium (Dy) metal in its laboratory at the Ziron […]

Highlights: ASM has produced 9kg of Neodymium Praseodymium (NdPr) alloy at commercial pilot plant in Korea The NdPr assayed 99.65% ASM progressing the production of 200kg of NdPr metal as part of an initiative between Ziron Tech and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) to produce a 600kg sample of permanent magnets for Korean […]

Highlights: ASM to acquire a 95% interest in joint venture partner Ziron Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech) ASM to acquire the ownership of all associated intellectual property including patented metal-refining technology Ziron Tech team will continue development of metallisation technology within ASM ASM has entered into a binding heads of agreement (HOA) to acquire 95% of […]

Highlights: High purity titanium (Ti) metal 20.8kg produced assaying 99.83% Innovative metals process confirms 70% lower energy consumption Ziron Tech optimisation increase metal efficiency by 50% Significant environmental benefits of innovative metal process confirmed ASM’s joint venture (JV) has produced 20.8kg of high purity titanium metal (99.83%) confirming the energy usage at approximately 30% of […]

ASM’s results for the financial year ended 30 June 2020 can be downloaded below. The principal activities during the course of the year were mineral evaluation activities for the Dubbo Project, a large in‐ground resource of zirconium, hafnium, niobium and rare earth elements. ASM’s subsidiaries include Australian Strategic Materials (Holdings) Limited that continues to focus […]

Highlights: Praseodymium metal successfully produced at Korean pilot plant Commercial pilot plant produces 5.3 kg Pr metal assaying 99.3 % Confirmation of patented metal production method for permanent magnet metals Forward plan for Commercial Pilot Plant production of Neodymium / Praseodymium and Dysprosium metal in August ASM’s joint venture has produced high purity praseodymium metal […]

Highlights Titanium metal successfully produced through electro-refining process. Commercial pilot plant produces 9.16kg Ti metal powder assaying 99.83%. Confirmation of patented metal production method. Forward plan for Commercial Pilot Plant Dysprosium, Praseodymium and Zirconium metal in August. ASM’s joint venture partner has produced high purity (99.83%) titanium metal powder through its new electro-refining process at […]

Highlights: Successful production of 7.6 kg of neodymium metal Assay confirms neodymium produced is at 99.8% purity Metal purity is higher than typically traded neodymium metal Validation of the patented carbon-free metallisation technology for rare earth metals ASM’s Korean JV partner, Ziron Tech, has successfully completed the first production run of neodymium (Nd) metal in […]

Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) has announced that the in specie distribution and transfer of Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASX: ASM) shares to Alkane Eligible Shareholders and the Sale Agent, completed yesterday, in line with the timetable detailed in the Demerger Booklet released to the ASX on 17 June 2020. The total number of ASM shares […]

Highlights: Subsequent run of pilot plant produces another 22kg of titanium metal alloy This test run confirms this patented metal production method uses up to 50% less energy than current commercial production methods Electrorefining process to produce high purity (99.9%) titanium metal progressing with results expected in August ASM’s Joint Venture (JV) with Korean R&D […]

Nine News showcases the benefits of the Dubbo Project, ASM’s clean metal production and outlines the importance of keeping critical material supply chains in Australia. When we pick up our mobile phone, few would think about the technology – and rare earth materials – that make it all possible. @eddy_meyer #9News pic.twitter.com/fmh3hdhzGL — Nine News […]

ASM’s parent company Alkane Resources has announced that shareholders have approved the demerger of ASM. Key points: Alkane shareholders overwhelmingly approve the Demerger of ASM, with both resolutions tabled at the Extraordinary General Meeting passed. ASM will become one of Australia’s preeminent specialty materials development companies when it lists on the ASX, which is on […]

Australian Strategic Materials’ (ASM) Korean research and development partner, Ziron Tech has completed its preliminary work on the metallisation of neodymium oxide feed producing approximately 1kg of neodymium metal alloy in the laboratory from its patented reduction process in South Korea. The JV is targeting 45% less energy use in its rare earth metallisation process […]

Highlights include: Commercial pilot plant commissioned on time and on budget ~30kg of titanium metal alloy was produced during the commissioning of the Commercial pilot plant In the next phase, the alloy will be used to produce high purity (99.9%) titanium metal via the Electro refining process The patented method of metal production utilizes 45% […]

As announced to the ASX on 20 May 2020, ASM’s parent company Alkane has resolved to progress with the Demerger transaction to separately list ASM on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), subject to shareholder approval and ASX approval for listing. The Demerger Booklet was released to the ASX today, along with the notice of meeting for an […]

The Korean Government has awarded US$4.5 million in grants to ASM’s Korean R&D partner Zirconium Technology Corporation (Ziron Tech) to use to progress its commitment to the Joint Venture (JV) with ASM. The grants were awarded as part of the Korean Government’s US$5 billion Industrial Technological Program, led by the Korean Ministry of Industry, Trade […]

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) is one step closer to listing on the ASX, as the board of Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) has resolved to progress the demerger of ASM, and listing ASM on the ASX, subject to finalisation of outstanding regulatory matters and shareholder approval at an Alkane Shareholder Meeting expected to be convened in early […]

Australian Government-owned’ Export Finance Australia (EFA) has confirmed interest in financing Alkane Resources’ (ASX: ALK) Dubbo rare earths Project, stating it closely aligns with the recently announced initiative by the Australian Government to develop its “Critical Minerals” sector. Alkane through its wholly-owned subsidiary Australian Strategic Materials (“ASM”) has been engaged with the Australian Government for […]

ASM is to invest in a new clean metal and high purity processing technology being developed in South Korea. The technology converts metal oxides into metals through a carbon-free electrolytic process, with oxygen as a by-product, making it a cost-effective and environmentally superior alternative. It has been proven to be applicable to zirconium, hafnium, and […]