Company overview
Founded in 1983, Astron has a long history of involvement in the mineral sands industry.
- Significant downstream processing and product development expertise
- Extensive involvement in marketing and trading activities
- Relationships with the major customers for mineral sands products
- In-depth experience in the China market
Astron is now establishing its first upstream mining developments: The Donald and Jackson rare earths and mineral sands projects.
Astron maintains an innovative spirit and organisational agility, operating according to robust governance standards.
Astron derives its name from the ancient Greek word for “star” (ἄστρον), embodying the clarity and direction that define our approach to responsible resource development.
We will extract rare earth elements and mineral sands that are increasingly critical to modern technology, defence, and industrial applications globally.
We will deliver sustainable resource development that creates value for shareholders while strengthening communities and respecting the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.
Our values and commitments
We observe the law, our obligations, voluntary commitments and internal standards
We comply with all laws, regulations and obligations that are applicable, including internal Astron policies and voluntary commitments. We ensure our personal and business interests never interfere with our ability to make sound, objective decisions.
We value and maintain professionalism in all of our dealings
We behave in a professional manner that fosters trust, confidence and goodwill. We are always respectful and ensure that we do the right thing. We always strive to deliver on our commitments.
We look after our people
Safety comes first, because physical and mental wellbeing are fundamental to a successful workplace. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace culture.
We recognise our responsibilities to our stakeholders
We are committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with our stakeholders to understand and respond to issues that are important to our people, customers, investors, suppliers, government, landowners, and the wider community.
| Timeline | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Victorian Government approved Work Plan (final regulatory approval for the Donald Project) Renewed Exploration Licence (EL8516) through Resources Victoria |
| 2024 | Incorporation of the Donald Project Joint Venture with Energy Fuels to jointly develop the project |
| 2022 | Donald Project Mining Licence updated Donald and Jackson ore reserve work confirms fourth-largest rare earths elements resource outside China |
| 2021 | Agricultural land use restored following return of soil at test pit site excavated for Donald sample ore |
| 2018 | Pilot plant successfully produced Donald Project Heavy Mineral Concentrate |
| 2013 | Completed first Donald Project Definitive Feasibility Study (updated since) |
| 2012 | Secured water rights for Donald Project from GWMWater |
| 2008 | Favourable Environment Effects Statement assessment of the Donald Project, since reassessed to current standards |
| 2004 | Acquired Donald and Jackson project tenements |
| 1997 | Expanded Chinese zirconium chemical production |
| 1992 | Established Shenyang Astron Mining Industries |
| 1988 | Commenced zirconium materials processing in China |
| 1983 | Listed on ASX, began China operations |