Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 29, Everest Metals has received A$150,000 ($97,919) in funding from the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) to advance rubidium extraction at its Mt Edon Critical Minerals Project, located 5km southwest of Paynes Find, approximately 420km northeast of Perth in Western Australia. The funding, granted through MRIWA’s Mining, Equipment, Technology and Services Innovation Programme, supports the development of practical, commercially viable solutions to enhance mining industry efficiency.

Rubidium is a critical raw material with applications in high-tech sectors.

In March 2025, Everest Metals applied for funding under MRIWA Project M10623 to transition from laboratory-scale experiments to full-scale commercial pilot operations. The project aims to produce 1kg of rubidium chloride weekly with a purity of 95% or higher, demonstrating scalability for commercial production. It will also focus on optimizing the extraction and refining processes.

Set to begin in September 2025, the 12-month project will involve collaboration with Edith Cowan University’s Mineral Recovery Research Centre. The initiative seeks to establish a clear pathway for commercial deployment of rubidium chloride production, supporting the growth of Western Australia’s critical minerals sector.

Mark Caruso, Everest Metals’ executive chairman and CEO, stated: “We are grateful to the Western Australian Government for supporting and endorsing the development of what will be an Australian first for the rubidium industry and are excited to continue these programmes in collaboration with Edith Cowan University, our research partner. Our focus will be to continue the development of both technological and commercial advancements, relating to efficient extraction and refining techniques, resulting in a potential saleable rubidium product.”

Rubidium, a critical raw material, is used in high-tech industries such as defense, aerospace, communications, and medicine. Emerging research also highlights its potential in chemical storage for hydrogen batteries, indicating growing market demand. The Mt Edon project holds an inferred mineral resource of 3.6 million tonnes with a rubidium oxide grade of 0.22%, equivalent to over 7,900 tonnes of rubidium oxide.

In June 2025, Everest Metals joined the US Defence Industrial Base Consortium to further advance the Mt Edon project. This funding and partnership underscore the company’s commitment to pioneering rubidium production in Australia, contributing to both economic growth and the global supply of critical minerals.