Altona and Strategic partnership with US DoD19 Mar 2026 15:11
Key Aspects of the Altona and U.S. Partnership:
USTDA Grant Agreement: In February 2026, Altona's subsidiary, Monte Muambe Mining Limitada, executed a grant agreement with the USTDA.
Funding Purpose: The USTDA is providing a $1.9 million grant to fund metallurgy, process engineering, a 2,000-metre targeted drilling campaign, and the development of an updated financial model.
Strategic Objective: The initiative aims to support high-grade rare earths production outside of Chinese-dominated supply chains, validating Monte Muambe as a critical source for U.S. and allied interests.
Timeline: The project was confirmed to be advancing in 2025–2026, with drilling planned for late 2025 and grant-funded work commencing after the February 2026 agreement.
Beyond Rare Earths: The partnership also highlights the potential for fluorspar and gallium recovery at the site, further contributing to critical supply chain security.