Prototype plant is intended to demonstrate Fodere's proprietary critical minerals processing technology at production-representative scale on domestic industrial residues

COLUMBUS, Miss., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fodere Critical Minerals Limited ("Fodere") and its North American affiliate Fodere America LLC ("Fodere America"), today announced plans to develop a prototype critical minerals processing plant in Monroe County, Mississippi. The plant is the first step toward commercial deployment of Fodere's proprietary technology in the United States.

"We believe Mississippi is the right place for Fodere to take the next step," said Jeffry N. Quinn, chairman and chief executive officer of Fodere. "The state has prioritized advanced manufacturing and critical minerals, and Monroe County offers an experienced industrial workforce and a community that understands and supports heavy industry."

Fodere has developed a proprietary critical minerals processing platform designed to recover valuable metals and mineral products from industrial residues, tailings, slags, lower-grade mineral resources and other complex feedstocks. The prototype plant is intended to demonstrate the Fodere technology at production-representative scale on domestic industrial residues. Based on the initial plans for feedstock, the plant is expected to produce synthetic rutile-grade titanium dioxide and vanadium pentoxide, together with other co-products. Results from the prototype plant are intended to establish the operating, engineering and cost basis for commercial-scale plants.

"We believe Fodere has an opportunity to create value from materials historically viewed as industrial waste while contributing to a more secure domestic supply of critical minerals. We are proud to begin building that future in Mississippi," Quinn added.

Fodere's process combines low-temperature thermal treatment with selective hydrometallurgical recovery to extract multiple products in sequence from complex mineral and industrial residues. It has been tested on a range of unconventional feedstocks from four continents, including ilmenite, titaniferous and steel slags, red mud and coal residues. The products recovered from a given feedstock depend on its mineral composition.

"We have taken this process from the laboratory through pilot campaigns on feedstocks from four continents," said Nicholas Cella, co-founder of Fodere. "Mississippi is where we expect to demonstrate it at production-representative scale. It is the first deployment of a global platform we intend to take to industrial and mineral waste streams around the world."

Fodere America has agreed terms for an option to acquire an approximately 56-acre light-industrial site in Prairie, Monroe County, for the prototype plant, and has selected an engineering, construction and permitting team for the project.

"Our engineering, construction and permitting partners have been selected, and our work in Prairie now turns to site diligence, environmental assessment and permitting with the State and Monroe County," said Melissa Zona, chief operating officer of Fodere America. "We look forward to working with local officials and drawing on the region's industrial workforce as the project moves forward."

Federal Proposal

On September 17, 2026, Fodere America, a member of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium, made a Phase I proposal in response to Request for Prototype Proposals RPP-CM-26-02, Domestic Processing Capabilities of Critical Minerals. The proposal seeks up to $75 million in federal funding for the Mississippi prototype plant as a source of domestic processing capacity for titanium, vanadium and other critical minerals.

Selection is not assured, and Fodere America's development plans in Mississippi are not dependent upon receipt of an award.

About Fodere America LLC

Fodere America LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that will hold the exclusive rights to deploy the Fodere technology in North America under a license to be granted by Fodere Critical Minerals Limited. It is managed and operated in the United States and is developing the Mississippi project.

About Fodere Critical Minerals Limited

Fodere Critical Minerals Limited is a United Kingdom company that developed and owns a proprietary technology platform for recovering titanium, vanadium and other critical minerals from industrial residues and lower-grade materials. Fodere Critical Minerals Limited was founded by Nicholas Cella, John Omitogun and Daniel Cousins.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the development, construction and operation of the Mississippi prototype plant, acquisition of the Prairie site, the outcome of Fodere America's federal proposal and the performance of Fodere's technology at larger scale. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the availability of financing, permitting, construction and commissioning, feedstock availability and technical performance at larger scale. Actual results may differ materially. Fodere and Fodere America undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. This press release is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Media Contact
Melissa H. Zona
Chief Operating Officer
Fodere America LLC
mhzona@foderegroup.com
+1 636 751 4057

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SOURCE Fodere America