Metallium Soars 10% as Rice University Collaboration Confirms U.S. Rare Earth Refining Potential

Following a strong peer-reviewed study published by Rice University, Metallium (ASX: MTM) has received a major credibility boost for its patented Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology. The research confirmed the effectiveness of the process and its potential to advance U.S.-based rare earth refining capabilities, a key milestone given ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and the United States over rare earth supply chains.

In August, Rice University expanded its collaboration with Metallium to accelerate research and development using FJH, a rapid, energy-efficient method for processing a wide range of materials. While the technology has broad potential applications, the partnership is initially focused on rare earth element recovery, an area of increasing strategic importance for Western supply independence.

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Over 90% Recovery in Seconds: Rice University Validates Metallium’s Rare Earth Recycling Breakthrough

Researchers at Rice University have successfully demonstrated a breakthrough method for recovering high-value rare earth elements from discarded NdFeB and SmCo magnets using Flash Joule Heating combined with chlorination (FJH-Cl₂). These magnets, commonly found in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, artificial intelligence hardware, and military technology, are critical components of the global clean energy and advanced manufacturing supply chain.

The study highlights the potential of Metallium’s patented FJH technology as a fast, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional chemical processing methods. By enabling efficient recovery of rare earths from waste materials, this approach could play a key role in strengthening U.S. supply independence and supporting the growing demand for critical minerals in next-generation technologies.

Researchers at Rice University, led by Professor James Tour, achieved a major breakthrough using Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology to recover rare earth elements from discarded NdFeB and SmCo magnets. The process delivered over 90 percent purity and recovery yields within seconds, compared to the many hours and multiple chemical steps required by traditional acid leaching methods.

Metallium’s FJH Technology Sets New Benchmark for Sustainable Rare Earth Processing

The team’s findings also revealed strong sustainability and economic benefits. FJH achieved 87 percent lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 84 percent, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly. Importantly, operating costs were cut by around 54 percent, highlighting the potential for significant margin improvement in large-scale processing.

In simple terms, the process involves heating old magnets to around 800°C to remove their magnetic properties, grinding them into fine powder, and then exposing the material to a brief, high-voltage electric pulse in a chlorine gas environment. This reaction quickly separates the rare earth metals from other compounds, enabling fast and clean recovery.