Optimising vanadium extraction and processing from the Toolebuc Formation through advanced characterization

Co Investigator

This project is part of the Critical Minerals Trailblazer. This project has two main objectives: • To advance the projects related to vanadium extraction and processing from the Toolebuc Formation in North Queensland • Develop capacity in North Queensland to assist with the emerging vanadium economy The project will be conducted as a collaboration between James Cook University (JCU), Critical Minerals Queensland (CMQ) and industry partners consisting of Velox, QEM, Richmond Vanadium Technology and Critical Minerals Group. The extraction of vanadium has already been validated by the industry partners through R&D and pilot testing thus the commercial viability of the techniques have been confirmed. However, certain vanadium ores pose processing challenges and impede the extraction process and limit the economic viability of vanadium mining. Preliminary test work has indicated that the extraction and recovery of vanadium from the oxidised portion of the Toolebuc formation face a series of challenges. Based on the above information there are three main R&D items that need addressing to help advancing the vanadium projects in north Queensland. 1. Vanadium deportment in fresh and oxidised Toolebuc Formation 2. Characterization of tailing samples 3. Identification of instrumental methods and development of calibration for fast characterization techniques for routine analyses during mining.

01 Nov 2025 - 31 Oct 2027

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