A definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Goongarrie nickel hub project is being funded with up to about $98.5 million by Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation, incorporating design optimizations such as a simplified 3.5 Mtpa HPAL flowsheet and a strategy to focus on higher-grade ore in the early years.

The Goongarrie Hub sits about 70 km north of Kalgoorlie and is described as a strategically significant nickel-cobalt deposit with multi‑million tonnes of contained nickel, intended to supply stainless steel markets as well as electric vehicle and energy storage battery sectors.

Ardea Resources has secured up to roughly A$1 billion in indicative financing support for the Goongarrie hub, including up to A$500 million from Export Finance Australia and up to US$350 million (about A$520 million) from the U.S. Ex-Im, under a government-backed critical minerals program.

Funding is contingent on meeting eligibility and due diligence requirements, including environmental, social, and financial assessments, as part of a fast-tracked effort to bolster critical minerals supply chains.

Japanese partners Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation have supported progress at Goongarrie, positioning the project as a potential cornerstone supplier of battery-grade nickel and cobalt amid Western supply‑chain diversification.

A 2023 prefeasibility study outlined a 40-year mine life with annual production around 30,000 tonnes of nickel and 2,000 tonnes of cobalt from a shallow, low strip‑ratio orebody across the Goongarrie and Kalgoorlie hubs.

Upon completion of the DFS, the Japanese partners’ stake in the Goongarrie JV could rise to 35%, with a potential path to 50% at the final investment decision.

If the DFS is favorable, development could commence as early as 2027, with decisions accelerating following the DFS release in the first half of the year.

Overall, the Goongarrie and Kalgoorlie nickel assets form one of Australia’s largest nickel-cobalt resources, totaling about 854 million tonnes at 0.71% Ni and 0.045% Co, with Goongarrie contributing 4 million tonnes Ni in 584 million tonnes and Kalpini contributing 2.1 million tonnes Ni in 270 million tonnes.