entX has taken delivery of its first batch of Radium-228 (Ra-228), sourced from legacy rare earth processing materials held by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), marking a significant milestone in Australia’s emerging “mines to medicine” capability.

The Ra-228 has been recovered and purified based on the process development efforts led by ANSTO in collaboration with entX. This joint technology effort has enabled the efficient separation of medically valuable isotopes from complex rare earth processing streams, demonstrating how innovation can unlock new value from existing materials.

The feedstock originates from historical rare earth processing streams, highlighting how legacy materials can be repurposed into high-value inputs for the production of medical isotopes. This approach reflects a broader shift toward circular resource use, where materials traditionally considered of low-value, or as waste, can be leveraged to support advanced healthcare applications.

For entX, the delivery represents a foundational step in establishing a reliable upstream supply chain for next-generation radiopharmaceutical production. Securing access to Ra-228 is particularly important given its role in generating isotopes used in targeted cancer therapies and diagnostics, positioning the company to contribute to both domestic supply and international markets.

For ANSTO, this milestone is yet another example of translational R&D of strategic value for Australia arising from its deep expertise in rare earth processing and naturally occurring radioactivity. This reinforces ANSTO’s role as the nation’s centre of nuclear science and technology excellence, and how this can be leveraged to advance government priorities around sovereign capability, resource optimisation, and health innovation.

At an industry level, this milestone signals growing momentum in Australia’s radiopharmaceutical sector. The integration of mining, processing, isotope extraction, and medical application strengthens the case for Australia as a globally competitive supplier of critical nuclear medicine inputs, while also advancing the translation of critical minerals OR rare earth processing capability into healthcare outcomes.

The timing of this development aligns with increased national focus on “mines to medicine” pathways, and the government’s Future Made in Australia policy. This broader context highlights the value that can be unlocked for Australia by connecting the resource sector and science agency capability, as part of industrial partnerships to deliver high-impact health solutions.

As entX progresses toward further production and potential commercialisation, continued collaboration with ANSTO and alignment with government stakeholders will be key to scaling this capability and ensuring long-term supply resilience for the radiopharmaceutical industry.