US firm Energy Fuels invests $183m in Victoria's mineral sands project, forming a joint venture with Astron Corp to mine heavy metals and rare earths from 2026.

US firm Energy Fuels invests $183m in Victoria's mineral sands project near Donald, Wimmera. Astron Corp's project, focused on rare earths, receives backing from the largest US uranium producer. The joint venture agreement involves Energy Fuels taking a 49% share of the mine, with plans to start mining in 2026, producing 250,000 tonnes per annum of heavy metal concentrate and 7,000-8,000 tonnes per year of rare earths concentrate for 41 years.