Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) is undertaking a multifaceted optimisation feasibility study which targets "improved process efficiencies and capital and operating costs".

A feasibility study into the use of the railway line will get underway soon with ASM inviting contact.

"If you have any queries or would like further information, please phone our Dubbo office on 6882 2866 and speak to Mike Sutherland," ASM says in its March newsletter.

The Dubbo Project is based on a large in-ground polymetallic resource of zirconium, rare earths, niobium, hafnium, tantalum and yttrium at Toongi.

ASM says it is ready for construction subject to financing with all major approvals and licences in place, along with an established process flow sheet and a solid business case.

The company plans to produce a range of high-purity and value-added zirconium, rare earth, niobium and hafnium materials for use in current and future technologies.

ASM is is proposing to establish metals plants globally, with the first to be located in South Korea.

"This plant will take the metal oxides produced by the Dubbo Project and convert them into high-purity metals and alloys required by the global tech manufacturing industry," it says in the newsletter.

"This is the core of our strategy to become a fully integrated mine-to- manufacturer supplier of critical metals."

ASM anticipates the establishment of a Korean metals plant will assist its talks with potential strategic partners, investors and offtake customers for the Dubbo Project.

A demerger of Alkane Resources and ASM was completed in mid-2020.

But the ASM board features Alkane Resources directors including its current managing director Nic Earner and his predecessor Ian Chalmers.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: