Ioneer Ltd has recently provided an update on its Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in North America, detailing both a revised mine plan and promising initial test results that highlight the deposit’s growth potential. The company’s new focus is on extracting high-boron lithium ore from Stream 1, which accounts for 179 million tonnes of the overall resource known for its superior contained metal value. In addition to refining its primary extraction strategy, Ioneer’s testwork on low-boron mineralisation from Streams 2 and 3—using a Sepro Falcon gravity concentrator—has demonstrated improvements in lithium grade, yield, and significant mass reduction. According to the recent data, the process improved lithium grade by factors ranging from 1.4 to 2.0, reduced material mass by 39 to 72 percent, and increased lithium yield by 45 to 125 percent. These technical improvements serve to enhance the economics of the acid leach process that is integral to the company’s production methods. The updated mine plan, set to be released this month, is expected to include revised project economics with detailed capital and operating expense estimates. Notably, while the primary focus remains on processing high-boron ore with the planned 2.5 million tonnes per annum plant, the material from Streams 2 and 3 will be stockpiled within the permitted project boundaries. This approach provides a future strategic option for additional lithium production through the potential development of dedicated processing facilities, paving the way for scalable, long-term output growth. The news presents a mixed sentiment for market participants. On the bullish side, the highly encouraging test results and the strategic focus on higher-value ore underscore the deposit’s unique mineralogy and flexibility. These advancements, along with proactive steps toward engaging a new equity partner, may drive investment sentiment positively among those looking to benefit from emerging resource opportunities. Conversely, from a bearish perspective, it is important to note that the testwork remains preliminary and not yet fully optimised. The success of future process enhancements and the realisation of projected economic benefits will depend on further testwork and engineering validation, which could present additional risks for early-stage investors. Overall, the announcement reinforces Ioneer Ltd’s commitment to maximising economic returns from its distinctive lithium–boron deposit, while also outlining clear developmental milestones that could significantly impact the project’s future scalability and investor appeal.