Viridis Mining and Minerals (ASX:VMM) has produced its first batch of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from its operational demonstration plant in Brazil, marking a key step toward offtake discussions and a targeted final investment decision (FID) in the second half of the year, Euroz Hartleys said in a Tuesday note.
The plant, based on the company's pre-feasibility study flowsheet, is processing ore from the Colossus Northern Concessions intended to supply the first five years of mining operations, with a capacity of 100 kilograms of ore feed per hour and a daily output of around 8 kilograms of MREC.
Euroz said the operation will optimize the processing flowsheet and refine the assumptions for the definitive feasibility study, which is expected in June.
The firm highlighted Colossus's growing strategic role in Western supply chains, noting it is one of only two rare earth projects under European Commission review for potential investment support.
Euroz Hartleys noted that the company has lodged the installation license application for Colossus with the Minas Gerais environmental agency, advancing to the second stage of its three-step approval process, with approval expected to enable construction and support a targeted second-half FID.
The firm has lifted its valuation outlook on the company, citing improved funding assumptions and stronger neodymium-praseodymium pricing dynamics that it says are driving a scarcity premium for large non-Chinese rare earth projects.
Euroz Hartleys retained its speculative buy rating on Viridis Mining and raised its price target to AU$5 per share from AU$4.10 per share.