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ASM awarded A$5M Federal Government grant for Dubbo Project

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ASM awarded A$5M Federal Government grant for Dubbo Project
Business

Business

ASM awarded A$5M Federal Government grant for Dubbo Project

2024-10-15 11:53 Last Updated At:12:15

Highlights

PERTH, Australia, Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASM or the Company) (ASX:ASM) is pleased to advise that it has been awarded A$5 million under the Australian Federal Government's International Partnerships in Critical Minerals (IPCM) Program. The grant funding will be matched by ASM and used to support work to identify potential lower capital and shorter implementation pathways to rare earth production (RE Options Assessment and Pilot Program) at the Company's Dubbo Project in New South Wales. The RE Options Assessment and Pilot Program will be undertaken as a precursor to the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services contract awarded to US-owned Bechtel Mining and Metals Inc. (Bechtel) in March 2024[1].

The Dubbo Project is ASM's cornerstone critical minerals deposit which will produce a range of rare earth and critical mineral oxides essential to the global energy transition. The IPCM Program was launched in February 2024 to provide critical minerals businesses funding to grow end-to-end supply chains with Australia's international partners.

In a media release, Minister for Resources the Hon Madeleine King MP, said: "Government support to refine rare earths is important for our sovereign capabilities and will help our trading partners meet their economic, national security and emission reduction commitments."[2]

The RE Options Assessment and Pilot Program will enable ASM to identify alternative, capital efficient and nearer term options for producing rare earth elements at the Dubbo Project before commencing the FEED services contract and undertaking an updated feasibility study on the construction and operation of the Dubbo Project. The RE Options Assessment and Pilot Program will involve engineering, sampling, metallurgical testing and a pilot program at ASM's pilot facility located at ANSTO, New South Wales. ASM will be working with international partners, DRA Global and Stantec, as well as local service providers Mining One and Core Metallurgy to deliver this program. These activities are critical to ASM progressing key funding activities and taking final investment decision (FID) on the Dubbo Project which is targeted for the first half of 2026.

"This funding recognises the Dubbo Project's national and international strategic importance. With this funding, we will be able to undertake important work to identify lower capital and shorter implementation pathways to unlock rare earth production at the Dubbo Project and ensure a focused completion of our final FEED," said ASM Managing Director and CEO, Ms Rowena Smith. 

"Working in collaboration with international strategic partners is critical if Australia is to play a leading role in building alternative, end-to-end rare earths and critical minerals supply chains. We thank the Australian Government for their generous support to enhance Australia's rare earth production and processing capability," said Ms Smith.

This funding support is in addition to ASM's recent capital raise activities[3] and its current discussions with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM) regarding ASM's application for funding under the Engineering Multiplier Program[4]. Together, this funding will enable the Company to advance critical activities to reach FID on the Dubbo Project and transition into the construction phase.

ASM is building a mine to metals business to extract, refine and manufacture high-purity metals and alloys for a global customer base. The Dubbo Project will develop a secure, sustainable source of rare earths and critical minerals, strengthen mid-stream processing capability in Australia, drive renewable energy adoption and create jobs and investment in regional Australia.

This document has been authorised for release to the market by the Board.

[1] Refer: ASX Release 25 March 2024, Bechtel contract to support ASM with engineering at the Dubbo Project
[2] https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/king/media-releases/supporting-rare-earths-processing-future-made-australia
[3] Refer: ASX Release 3 June 2024, Results of Entitlement Offer
[4] Refer: ASX Release 25 March 2024, Bechtel contract to support ASM with engineering at the Dubbo Project

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

ASM awarded A$5M Federal Government grant for Dubbo Project

ASM awarded A$5M Federal Government grant for Dubbo Project

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As technology continues to evolve, consumer electronics have become essential to everyday life. Elephant Robotics, a high-tech company specializing in robotics design and production, is thrilled to announce its participation in the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. This premier technology trade show will be held in Las Vegas, USA, from January 7-10, where you can find Elephant Robotics at Booth 8963 in the LVCC North Hall.

With a mission to "Enjoy Robots World", the company offers a diverse range of robotic products, including educational collaborative robots, professional robots, the Mercury humanoid robot, and bionic companion robotic pets. Committed to pushing the boundaries of robotics technology, Elephant Robotics aims to provide everyone with opportunities to experience the convenience and benefits of robots in daily life. At CES 2025, the company will showcase innovative robotic solutions and host 3 engaging interactive activities.

Elephant Robotics is dedicated to reducing the barriers to robot applications by offering a diverse range of personal desktop robots, including 4 DOF collaborative robotic arms, 6 DOF cobots, 7 DOF robot arms, and mobile robots. These intelligent robot assistants are characterized by their versatility, high openness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, making them perfect for creative projects, daily tasks, and production applications. Equipped with a variety of end effectors—including cameras, suction pumps, grippers, and dexterous hands—these robots can perform a wide range of tasks. This versatility enhances the practicality of robotic arms, reducing the workload and increasing efficiency, allowing people to spend more time on creative and recreational activities. Ultimately, these robotics innovations enhance convenience and joy in everyday life. Whether functioning as personal assistants, production tools, or artistic platforms, they are becoming essential components of modern living.

Alongside personal entertainment and convenience, the broad commercial applications of robotics technology are a significant aspect of future intelligent living. At CES 2025, Elephant Robotics will present 2 commercial collaborative robots with powerful performance and sleek, integrated design aesthetics.

The myCobot Pro 630, a high-performance commercial collaborative robot, boasts a sleek integrated design and advanced capabilities. Equipped with a holographic device, it provides an immersive and dynamic experience for commercial displays and exhibitions, enabling multi-angle movement and captivating 3D visual effects. This robot offers a fresh approach to business marketing and displays with impressive flexibility and a wide range of applications.

Additionally, the Mercury X1, a universal wheeled humanoid robot, features a mobile chassis with high-performance LiDAR and 19 DOF dual-arm robotic arms, delivering exceptional agility and intelligence. Mercury X1 can work seamlessly alongside humans to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand commercial opportunities in sectors such as service, hospitality, education, scientific and academic research, entertainment and smart home applications. Since its official launch in late 2023, Mercury X1 has received significant market attention, already delivering notable success in sectors like electronics, chips, and the 3C industry. Since its official launch in late 2023, the Mercury X1 has garnered significant market attention, achieving mass delivery just 7 months post-launch. This versatile wheeled humanoid robot is easily integrated into light industrial manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as electronics, and chips. There are some already successful applications include stripping adhesive sleeves from mobile phone components and assembling flexible connectors. By replacing manual labor, the Mercury X1 improves work efficiency and reduces costs.

Robots can also be soft and cuddly, bionic companion robot pets are set to become the most heartwarming intelligent companions in daily life. Elephant Robotics will unveil its new series of bionic robotic pets—metaCat AI, metaDog AI, and metaPanda AI—at CES 2025. These AI bionic robotic pets, available in cat, dog, and panda shapes, closely mimic the appearance, texture, sound, and experience of real animals, fulfilling people's need for companionship and emotional comfort. Equipped with AI models, they understand human language and emotions, providing a life-like interaction experience.

Designed to provide companionship and emotional support, these pets are equipped with lifelike features such as realistic fur, interactive movements, and engaging behaviors. These AI bionic companions understand human emotions and can respond to voice commands, offering a truly immersive and responsive interaction. Equipped with AI models, they understand human language and emotions, providing a "life-like" smart interaction experience.

Particularly beneficial for children, seniors, and individuals with autism or Alzheimer's disease, these AI bionic companion robotic pets help reduce feelings of loneliness, alleviate anxiety, and promote mental well-being. In addition, their AI capabilities allow them to engage in dynamic, lifelike conversations, and even respond to emotional cues, fostering deeper connections with users. In family environments, these pets can serve as both educational and comforting companions, while in healthcare settings, they offer potential in emotional support and mental care. They represent a new frontier in human-robot interaction, where robotics not only enhance productivity but also improve emotional quality of life.

Elephant Robotics is not only showcasing its cutting-edge robotic products at CES 2025, but is also offering visitors the opportunity to participate in 3 exciting interactive activities.

Innovative Robotics Workshop: In this hands-on workshop, visitors will experience the power of graphical programming tools like myBlockly to control the 6 DOF collaborative robot arm, myCobot 280. By arranging code "blocks" in a fun and intuitive way, participants can easily bring their creative ideas to life. The workshop simplifies programming, allowing participants to enhance their practical skills and hands-on experience through direct interaction with various robotic products. This engaging environment encourages more people to explore the applications of robotic arms in everyday life.

Share & Win: Visitors can participate by sharing posts on social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn) with the hashtag #ElephantRobotics to win a free, limited-edition panda doll keychain. It's an easy and fun way to engage with the brand while standing a chance to win a unique souvenir!

Explore to Win – NVIDA and Partner Passport Program: As an official NVIDIA partner, Elephant Robotics is honored to be invited to participate in the Explore to Win event, part of the NVIDIA and Partner Passport Program at CES 2025. Visitors who scan the QR code at Elephant Robotics' booth (LVCC, North Hall – booth #8963) will be able to collect points and have a chance to win exciting prizes.

CES 2025 is an unparalleled platform for showcasing cutting-edge technology and fostering idea exchange. Participation in CES 2025 allows Elephant Robotics to showcase its latest robotic innovations and emphasize its mission to integrate AI and robotics into everyday life. It also offers opportunities to explore collaborations with international organizations and companies, fostering loyalty and trust among its customers. Visitors are encouraged to visit the company's booth at LVCC North Hall – booth 8963 to experience their innovative robotics technologies firsthand and discover how these innovations can transform everyday's life.

For more information, please visit: CES2025 - Elephant Robotics; or connect with them on social media:

X:  https://twitter.com/CobotMy
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mycobotcreator
Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/elephantrobotics/
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/elephantrobotics

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Elephant Robotics to Exhibit at CES 2025: Featuring Cutting-Edge Innovative Robotics Solutions and AI Bionic Robots Debut

Elephant Robotics to Exhibit at CES 2025: Featuring Cutting-Edge Innovative Robotics Solutions and AI Bionic Robots Debut

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