History & Evolution​​
1983
Listed on ASX
Establishes zircon sales, marketing, chemical product processing in China
1988
Zirconium materials projects, China
1992
Shenyang Astron Mining Industries established
Import of zircon sand into China, export of zircon chemicals
1996
Zircon flour, fused zirconium manufacturing facilities, China
1997
Zirconium chemical production JVs to expand zircon chemical production capacity
2000
Bayuchuan manufacturing facility, China – expanded fused zirconia production
2001
Advanced Materials UK established – sales and product service to European markets
2004
Acquired Donald Mineral Sands resource, Victoria
Commencement of development evaluation
2007
Downstream zirconium production subsidiaries sold to Imerys S.A.
Retained mineral sands trading activities, Shenyang
Zircon, titanium, technical R&D operations, Yingkou, China
2009
Donald Project Environmental Effects Statement favourably assessed
2012
Ore Reserve Statement for part of Donald mining area
Astron Corporation formed, ASX-listed, replacing Astron Limited
Water rights for Donald project secured
2013
Completion of initial D.F.S for Donald project
2014
Construction of high purity zirconia production facility, China (completed 2017)
2015
Pilot plant treatment of Donald ore through wet concentrator plant
2017
Donald mine development and marketing studies progressed
Initial detailed studies completed
2019
Excavation of second Donald bulk ore sample
2020
Donald HMC produced for further separation testing
Hybrid mineral separation feasibility test work commenced
2022
Donald Project Mining Licence Mineral Resource updated, confirming the presence of significant rare earth elements