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Ardea Wins Conditional A$1 Billion Backing From Australia and US for Goongarrie Nickel‑Cobalt Project

Support remains conditional on due diligence plus completion of the definitive feasibility study.

Overview

  • Export Finance Australia issued a non‑binding letter of support for up to A$500 million, while the US EXIM signaled interest for up to US$350 million under a coordinated critical‑minerals pathway.
  • The signals were coordinated through the Single Point of Entry program, with EXIM’s interest aligned to its Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative to bolster Western critical‑minerals supply chains.
  • The Goongarrie Hub sits about 70km north of Kalgoorlie‑Boulder and is positioned as a long‑term supplier of battery‑grade nickel and cobalt for stainless steel, EVs and energy storage.
  • A definitive feasibility study due in the first half of 2026 is being funded up to $98.5 million by a Japanese consortium led by Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation.
  • Subject to the DFS and further approvals, the Japanese partners could lift their Goongarrie joint‑venture stake to 35% after the study with a pathway to 50% at a final investment decision.