5E Advanced Materials (ASX:5EA), a US-based development-stage company focused on refined borates and advanced boron derivatives, has filed a foundational patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for its proprietary closed-loop in-situ leach boron mining and production process.
The omnibus application includes 167 invention claims covering end-to-end operations—from injection and recovery to processing and reinjection of boric acid, gypsum, sodium chloride, and metal impurity management—strengthening 5E’s intellectual property position and competitive moat.
The technology, which builds on pilot operations dating to the 1980s and continuous mining since 2024 at the Fort Cady Project, lowers operating costs, improves sustainability, and minimises environmental impact compared with conventional open-pit mining.
"This patent filing protects the know-how underpinning our differentiated ISL platform and supports our long-term commercial and strategic objectives," said CEO Paul Weibel.
5E's closed-loop process regenerates key mining inputs, produces high-specification boric acid and gypsum, and positions the company to provide a secure domestic source of boron, a US critical mineral for defense, clean energy, and high-tech applications.
The company plans additional standalone filings in the coming weeks to further reinforce its IP portfolio as it advances toward scaled production and long-term offtake agreements.
At the time of reporting, 5E Advanced Materials' share price was $3.41.