Critica (ASX:CRI) said its pilot plant at the Jupiter rare earth project in Western Australia has achieved a magnet rare earth recovery of about 81%, showing strong recovery of key neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) and heavy rare earth elements, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.

The company said pilot plant optimization has also delivered improved total rare earth oxide (TREO) recovery of about 71%, with expanded metallurgical programs underway, including optimization of mixed rare earth precipitate (MREP) production and testing of additional hydrometallurgical pathways.

The company added that its scoping study remains on track.

The company's shares rose 9% in recent Tuesday trade.