• Rice University researchers demonstrate rare earth element (REE) recovery from discarded magnets using Flash Joule Heating combined with chlorination
• Process delivers >90% purity and >90% yield in seconds, compared with many hours of traditional hydrometallurgical processes
• Reduces energy use by 87%, greenhouse gas emissions by 84%, and operating costs by 54% compared to hydrometallurgy

Metallium Limited (ASX: MTM; OTCQX: MTMCF) announces that Rice University researchers have published peer-reviewed findings demonstrating a breakthrough method for recovering rare earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life magnets using Flash Joule Heating combined with chlorination (FJH-Cl₂). The key highlights include: Rice University researchers demonstrate rare earth element (REE) recovery from discarded NdFeB and SmCo magnets using Flash Joule Heating combined with chlorination (FJH-Cl₂). The process delivered >90% purity and >90% yield in seconds, compared with many hours of acid leaching and solvent extraction in traditional hydrometallurgical processes. Life-cycle analysis confirmed that FJH-Cl₂ reduces energy consumption by 87%, greenhouse gas emissions by 84%, and operating costs by 54% compared with hydrometallurgy, while eliminating water and acid usage entirely. The method also generates commercially valuable by-products (Cobalt Chloride CoCl₂, Ferric Chloride FeCl₃) alongside REE recovery, creating a potential new high-value recycling pathway for magnet waste currently exported to China. Metallium, which holds exclusive rights to commercialise Flash Joule Heating for critical-metal recovery, will adapt these findings to its pilot-scale prototype system in Texas as part of the company's plan to build a national network of clean-tech metal recovery facilities anchored in the United States.

Metallium is uniquely positioned, with exclusive rights to this technology, to take it from laboratory success into industrial reality. The company's Texas pilot system is the crucial next step, giving investors clear visibility from world-class science to commercial deployment and reinforcing Metallium's leadership in establishing an independent U.S. rare-earth refining and recycling capability.