In an update on the disruptive industry news that broke this morning, Jack Lifton, Co-chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), offered a detailed analysis of Aclara Resources Inc.‘s (TSX: ARA) strategic move into the U.S. rare earths processing market. Aclara, backed by the Hochschild Mining Group, has set its sights on exploiting ionic clay deposits from Chile and Brazil to secure heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) like Dysprosium and Terbium, pivotal for high-performance magnet manufacturing. This venture is marked by partnerships with the Saskatchewan Research Council and Hatch Ltd. for the development and engineering of a processing facility. However, Lifton expressed reservations about the ambitious timeline, stating, “The actual announcement says they’ve engaged with the Saskatchewan Research Council to develop a separation technology operation and with Hatch, of Toronto, to actually engineer whatever the plan that comes out of the Saskatchewan Research Council is into hardware, into an actual separation plant.”

Lifton’s insights illuminate the intricate challenges Aclara faces in pioneering rare earth separation technologies in North America, a domain where success has been limited. He juxtaposes Aclara’s emerging efforts against established industry players like Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR), which has already made significant progress in light rare earth (LREE) separation and is now venturing into HREEs and alloys. This nuanced perspective raises doubts about Aclara’s capability to swiftly navigate the complex technological and operational hurdles inherent in rare earth processing.

The interview further delves into the competitive dynamics of the rare earth market, highlighting Aclara’s entry into a space occupied by Energy Fuels, and buildouts already in play from MP Materials (NYSE: MP) and Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU | OTCQX: UURAF). Each company has its unique approach and strategic plans, indicating a fiercely competitive environment. Lifton’s critique underscores a broader theme of Aclara’s need for deeper industry integration and strategic partnerships, and suggested that this was perhaps a missed opportunity in which they should have engaged with Ucore.

Lifton’s comprehensive analysis provides a crucial viewpoint on Aclara’s bold yet fraught journey into the rare earths processing industry. While Aclara’s plans signify a positive stride towards diversifying the global rare earths supply chain and enhancing geopolitical supply chain independence, Lifton underscores the formidable challenges ahead. This initiative marks a significant moment in the rare earth industry, setting the stage for Aclara’s ambitious endeavor to navigate the technological, logistical, and competitive hurdles that lie in its path.

In a thought-provoking Investor.News interview hosted by the Critical Minerals Institute founder Tracy Weslosky, Jack Lifton and Constantine Karayannopoulos, two renowned figures in the rare earths market, share their insights on the sector’s current trends and future prospects. Constantine Karayannopoulos, reflecting on the state of the market, observes, “There is never a dull moment in the rare earths industry,” highlighting the ongoing slide in prices for critical rare earth elements like neodymium and praseodymium. He expresses a cautious outlook, noting, “I’m a little pessimistic about the near term… it’s a cyclical industry.”

Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Co-Chair Jack Lifton adds: “The low prices may be here for a while because the principal producer in the world is China, and China’s having a very bad time economically right now.” He emphasizes the opportunities presented by the current market conditions for strategic investments, advising, “This is the ideal time for real mining and real processing companies to get into the game.”

Karayannopoulos also touches on the disconnection between market interest and actual market trends, suggesting, “There’s always a disconnect between reality versus expectation.” He elaborates on the nuanced dynamics within China, mentioning, “The Chinese consumer has not stopped buying, China grew at 5% last year… However, the main consumer of rare earths today, the magnet industry that feeds the electric vehicle production in China, it’s not growing as fast as people thought it was going to grow.”

Lifton further discusses the broader implications of supply and demand, cautioning, “As long as the supply is in excess, the prices are not going to go up.” He also highlights the strategic importance of investments in raw material sources and processing capabilities, particularly in light of China’s dominance in the market.

Through their conversation, Lifton and Karayannopoulos provide a nuanced analysis of the rare earths market, blending perspectives on economic trends, geopolitical strategies, and investment opportunities. To access the complete interview, click here

Today we take a look at the magnetic rare earths sector and two leading rare earth companies and what we can expect in 2024 and beyond.

The magnet rare earths prices have fallen in 2022 and 2023

The magnet rare earths sector was hit hard in 2023 with China’s Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr), and Dysprosium (Dy) prices falling as the global economy and EV demand slowed.

Neodymium prices came crashing down in 2022 and 2023 as demand slowed after the 2021 growth rate boom in EV sales – Now at CNY 530,000/t

Source: Trading Economics

Global plugin electric car sales grew by 108% in 2021 causing a huge spike in EV metal prices. Then in 2022, the growth rate slowed to 56% at a time when supply of most EV metals surged. Finally in 2023, the growth rate slowed further to an estimated 28%, resulting in further price decline for the magnet metals such as neodymium.

Demand for the magnet rare earths in electric motors is driven by multiple sources with electric vehicle sales being a key driver. (90% of EV motors use rare earth magnets)

Source: MP Materials company presentation

Will the magnet rare earths prices rise in 2024?

The answer to this question will largely depend on recovery in China and the global economy driving increased demand for EVs, wind turbines, and other magnets used in various industrial applications. Given the most recent trend globally has been towards future interest rate decreases (notably in the USA and China), it bodes well for a recovering consumer and hence demand. This may take a good part of 2024 to flow through with excess inventories across many sectors still needing to be worked off. If we get a strong pickup in EV demand (>40% YoY increase) in 2024, then the magnet rare earths sector woes could soon disappear.

China’s December 2023 EV sales give some hope as they jumped to a record 945,000 units, achieving a superb 47% YoY growth rate.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. (ASX: LYC) (“Lynas”) update

The big recent Lynas news (announced December 7, 2023) is that the first feed of material from the Mt Weld Mine has been introduced into the new Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility in Western Australia, leading to first production and ramp-up of the Facility. A great achievement for Lynas, especially given that the Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility is Australia’s first value-added rare earths processing facility. Lynas stated:

The Lynas Malaysia plant is currently shutdown as works to increase downstream processing capacity are completed. Production will recommence in January 2024. Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) from the Kalgoorlie Rare Earth Processing Facility will be progressively introduced to the Lynas Malaysia plant commencing late in the March quarter and increasing as the controlled ramp up of the Kalgoorlie facility is progressed.…“

Once their expansions are completed, Lynas intend to increase their production capacity to 10,500tpa NdPr (Neodymium-Praseodymium). Lynas produced 6,142t of NdPr in FY 2023.

2024 will see the Mt Weld Mine expansion and further work on Lynas’ US Rare Earths Processing Facility Project targeted to be operational by July 2025 – June 2026.

Lynas is expanding its rare earths mining and processing capabilities through to 2025/26

Source: Lynas company presentation

MP Materials Corp. (NYSE: MP) (“MP Materials”) update

MP Materials owns and operates the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility in California, USA. In the past MP Materials had to ship their concentrate to China for processing; however, they have a target to bring this back to the USA.

Their target is to grow their mine output by 50% over the next four years and to build separation capacity in the USA with annual production of 6,000 tpa NdPr oxide. The third stage of their plan is to build a greenfield production facility in Texas targeting ~1,000tpa of finished NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boron) magnets. They already have General Motors (NYSE: GM) as a foundational customer.

MP Materials is working towards Stage II and Stage III of their plan to bring rare earths processing and magnets production to the USA

Source: MP Materials company presentation

Closing remarks

2024 should see a year of consolidation for the rare earths sector as some experts are telling me. Some forecasts are for NdPr supply deficit to begin as early as 2024; however, this will largely depend on China demand, the global economy, EV sales, and new NdPr supply hitting the market.

The two Western magnet rare earths leaders Lynas and MP Materials (and some other key players) are progressing their plans to further build a western supply chain and should be largely complete within the next 2-4 years if it goes to plan. This all supports the building of an end-to-end Western rare earths and magnets sector this decade. Stay tuned.

Tier one mining projects that can be advanced rapidly towards production in a friendly location are typically well rewarded by the stock market. We saw this recently in the lithium space with the success of Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: SGML | TSXV: SGML) in Brazil. Today’s company is in a similar location in Brazil and has a potential tier-one rare earths project. The market has recognized this with the stock price up over 21x in the past 15 months.

Meteoric Resources (ASX: MEI) stock price chart showing a rise from A$0.012 to A$0.262 in 15 months

Source: Yahoo Finance

Meteoric Resources NL

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI) state that they have “the world’s highest grade ionic adsorption clay REE deposit”. Their potential tier-one Caldeira Project is located in the Minas Gerais State of Brazil.

The Caldeira Project drilling has achieved strong rare earth element (“REE”) grades over wide continuous intercepts from surface. The Project remains open at depth with very significant potential exploration upside.

Meteoric Resources state:

“At Caldeira, REE mineralisation commences from surface. The average drill depth used in the MRE is 6.9m and 85% of all holes finish in TREO grades above 1,000 ppm – the Caldeira deposit remains completely open at depth.“

Another positive is that the Capo Do Mel Prospect has a very high-grade portion which would be amenable for a high-grade starter pit.

The Caldeira Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil – Capo Do Mel Prospect showing strong drill results from near surface + location map

Source: Meteoric Resources company presentation

The Caldeira Project has a Maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) of 409Mt @ 2,626 ppm TREO Inferred at a 1000ppm cut off; or at a 2000ppm TREO cut-off, the MRE is 271Mt @ 3,146ppm TREO. That makes it a large size and good grade ionic clay rare earths resource.

The TREO identified across the Caldeira Project represents an enriched basket of both light and heavy rare earth elements. Importantly it contains several valuable magnet rare earths including Neodymium (“Nd”), Praseodymium (“Pr”), and Dysprosium (“Dy”).

The Caldeira Project Maiden Inferred Resource estimate showing the magnet rare earths including Nd, Pr, and Dy

Source: Meteoric Resources investor presentation

Project metallurgical test work, permitting, access, and infrastructure

Metallurgical test work has produced a 25.5% magnet rare earth element concentrate. Furthermore, test work to date has achieved excellent recoveries including: Nd and Pr above 70%, Tb 60-70%, and Dy 50-60%.

To help fast-track development (including permitting) Meteoric Resources has entered into a non-binding Cooperation Agreement with the State Economic Department (Invest Minas) and the State Government of Minas Gerais.

The focus for an initial rare earth element mining operations and processing facility is on the southern licenses of Figueira, Capaodo Mel, and Soberbo.

The proposed Project plant site location has all-weather road access and access to power and water abstraction points.

Catalysts and next steps for Meteoric Resources

Near-term catalysts include further drilling results and an updated resource estimate with infill drilling to improve the Resource from Inferred to M&I. Economic studies including a Scoping Study (H1, 2024) and then a Feasibility Study (mid-2025) to follow. Concurrent work on an environmental impact study and permitting will also be occurring in 2024 and 2025 (details here on page 15). There will also be engineering and other work to develop a ~5Mtpa processing facility.

Closing remarks

Meteoric Resources is still in the relatively early stages but already has a potential tier-one global rare earths ionic clay resource suitable to a simple open pit operation. Being in Minas Gerais Brazil the Project has every chance to move forward at rapid speed. The processing side for the Project appears to be a simple flow sheet with no need for drilling/blasting, no waste dumps, and no tailings required.

Meteoric Resources trades on a market cap of A$521 million with the stock having had a ‘meteoric’ rise the past 15 months (up over 21x). One to watch closely in 2024.

The rare earths necessary for the manufacturing of the magnets needed for the type of electric motors that can drive electric cars fall into two categories, the basic critical permanent magnet rare earths, neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), and the critical, critical rare earths necessary for that purpose, dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb). Without the addition of Dy and/or Tb to the alloy based on NdPr (a natural mixture called didymium) the magnetic material produced will not be able to maintain its (magnetic) strength at the high operating temperature and cycles of heating and cooling experienced daily by the electric drive motors to be used in EVs.

Unfortunately, while rare earth bearing deposits with NdPr contents of 16% to 25% of the total of rare earths contained are fairly well known, such deposits do not contain more than a “trace” of Dy and Tb. Dy and Tb, therefore, were laboratory curiosities until almost the end of the twentieth century when large areas of the formations known now as ionic adsorption clays were discovered in southern China’s Jiangxi Province. These, at or near, surface formations are the result of the natural weathering (dissolution) of rare earth bearing granites by tropical (warm) rains, creating, after a few hundred thousand centuries, “deposits” of porous clays in which the rare earths have been chromatographed (partially separated) by atomic number.

The lower atomic numbered rare earths such as cerium and lanthanum are barely present in these clays. They do have substantial distributions though of the basic critical magnet rare earths, Nd and Pr, and surprisingly and luckily, the highest relative concentrations of the higher atomic numbered rare earths, such as Dy and Tb, known anywhere. In addition, the rare earth elements are “adsorbed” on the clay particles; not chemically bound, so that they can be extracted from the clays by a simple wash of the common agricultural chemical, ammonium sulfate in water solution.

The clays in China are processed “in situ,” i.e, in place, by pumping an ammonium sulphate solution through the clay and then collecting the solutions in downstream plastic tanks where the rare earths are then precipitated as water insoluble carbonates or oxalates for transport to a processing plant where they are separated from each other and ultimately become part of alloys that can be magnetized and can maintain their magnetization at high temperatures. These ionic clay formations containing, in China, perhaps 300-1000 ppm of rare earths were the only commercial sources known for the heavy rare earths until quite recently when similar deposits in southeastern Asia in line with those in China were discovered.

In particular, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has significant ionic adsorption clays bearing rare earths. But China has acquired the rights to all of those that are being mined in Myanmar today, perhaps to exhaustion, with the output going exclusively to China. So too, with the ionic adsorption clay deposit known as Serra Verde in Brazil. This is a very good clay deposit, and it is scheduled to produce 2000 tpa of NdPr and 200 tpa of DyTb annually. But like Myanmar, all of this material will go to China.

Enter now, Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF), and its PCH discovery in Brazil. This looks to be a true ionic adsorption clay with, perhaps, the highest known total adsorbed rare earths concentration, so far discovered, of all or the majority ionic adsorption clay on this planet. The juniors have now descended upon Brazil, and announcements of deposits of “heavy rare earths sourced from ionic adsorption clays” are the flavor of the month. I still think we may be looking, in the case of Appia’s PCH deposit at the best ionic adsorption clay deposit in the Americas in the sense that it can be easily extracted with legacy in situ processing. It is a key discovery that, if properly developed, will benefit greatly the EV industries of North America and Europe. There are few sure things in life, I admit, but this is likely to be one of them. 

For those who want to argue that the Appia deposit is a mix of adsorbed rare earths and microcrystalline (chemically, covalently, bound rare earths) I will counter that it is the total cost of extracting the critical rare earths and the efficiency of that extraction that matters. Some of the “ionic clay” deposits require an acid leach after the aqueous leach to extract sufficient magnet rare earths; some of the “deposits” are simply too low a grade or the mix of magnet and non-magnet rare earths is skewed in favor of non-magnet rare earths. From the data that Appia has published, I believe that PCH is a major, economic, deposit with a very high recoverable grade of heavy magnet rare earths, and as such it is a key deposit for the re-development of a non-Chinese rare earth permanent magnet industry.

The world of rare earths is, for many, a topic reserved for experts and industry insiders. However, given the rising demand in sectors from technology to automotive, it’s essential for us to grasp its implications. A recent discussion hosted by the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) shed light on this last week, emphasizing the potential and challenges associated with ionic clay, a noteworthy source of these minerals.

The dialogue was set into motion by Tracy Weslosky, an industry expert and the Managing Director for the CMI. One of the first points brought to the fore was by CMI Co-Chair Jack Lifton, who underscored the paramount importance of heavy rare earths. These are not just minerals beneath the ground; they are pivotal for the creation of high temperature resistant magnets. Lifton’s concern over China’s supremacy in the supply of these minerals was palpable, especially given the significance of elements like dysprosium (Dy) in propelling the green revolution.

Now, while it may seem like dysprosium (Dy) or terbium (Tb) can be extracted from various global deposits, CMI Co-Chair Ian Chalmers provided a reality check. He underscored the complexities and challenges in extracting these minerals economically and efficiently. And what added to the intrigue was his skepticism about the volume of claims surrounding ionic clay deposits, especially those originating from Australia. Both Lifton and Chalmers converged on one point: the paramount importance of understanding what exactly “ionic clays” are and the necessity of detailed feasibility studies before any decisive actions.

Delving deeper, the conversation steered towards understanding ionic clay deposits better. What are they, how do they form, and what characteristics do they possess? These deposits, laden with potential, are surrounded by a maze of extraction costs, supply chain complexities, and strategic considerations. One issue that particularly stood out was the apprehension regarding the U.S.’s level of awareness of these challenges, especially when juxtaposed with China’s advanced expertise in this domain.

As the discussions progressed, a representative from Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) illuminated an initiative unfolding in Chile. The focus? The significant U.S. investments pouring into the value chain and the emergence of separation plants. But the conversation did not stop there. It ventured into the realm of the automotive industry, unearthing the immense need for elements like neodymium (Nd) in the heart of electric vehicle motors.

Various voices in the conversation zoomed in on diverse facets— from the geographical spread of these deposits to the painstakingly long formation processes, from economic conundrums surrounding extraction to the pragmatic challenges in ensuring high recovery rates.

So, where does this leave us? The undeniable truth is the vast potential harbored by ionic clays as a source for neodymium and heavy rare earths. But potential, on its own, isn’t enough. We’re faced with a tapestry of challenges— be it in extraction, processing, or navigating supply chain intricacies. These materials aren’t just geological wonders; they are the lifeblood of industries, particularly the automotive one. This, in essence, amplifies the urgency and significance of such discussions. The future, it seems, is as much about rare earths as it is about innovation and strategic foresight.

For more information on attending a monthly CMI Summit, click here

An Interview with Alastair Neill, a Director for the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI)

Rare earth elements, a crucial component in our modern technological world, have seen dramatic price fluctuations in recent months. I sat down with Alastair Neill, a Director for the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), to get a better understanding of these market dynamics.

Tracy: Alastair, the recent Reuters piece titled Chinese rare earth prices hit 20-month high on Myanmar supply worry (msn.com) highlighted a surge in Chinese rare earth prices due to concerns about supply from Myanmar. Can you shed some light on this?

Alastair Neill: Indeed, Tracy. Myanmar’s supply to China, especially to its southern plants, is significant. Historically, it has provided about 50% of their total in recent years. Any disruption, as seen before, impacts prices, notably for elements like terbium and dysprosium.

Tracy: What’s driving the media coverage on this issue?

Alastair Neill: The media is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar. Over the past two to three years, interruptions in supply have been frequent. The mines in Myanmar, managed by the Chinese, have faced local resistance, given the perception of exploitation.

Tracy: Yet, just a month ago, Reuters reported rare earth prices (reference, Rare earths prices sink to lowest since 2020 as China ramps up supply | Reuters) were at their lowest since 2020 due to China increasing its supply. Can you comment on this disparity?

Alastair Neill: It’s a dynamic market. In May this year, terbium was around $1,200 a kilo, dysprosium at $274. Now, dysprosium has surged past $350, while terbium remains stable. Elements like Nd (Neodymium) and Pr (Praseodymium) also experienced price drops, but have recently rebounded. The northern mines can produce Nd and Pr, but terbium and dysprosium remain vulnerable to supply chain issues.

Tracy: The Reuters article mentions potential disruptions due to inspections in Myanmar’s Pangwa region and concerns from environmental inspections in Jiangxi province. Can you speak on these concerns?

Alastair Neill: Inspections, while necessary, can slow down production or halt it temporarily, leading to supply chain hiccups. This situation creates uncertainty in the market, with stockpiling and price hikes as natural reactions.

Tracy: Finally, the article from July speaks about China’s dominance and the role of rebates in maintaining its position. Your thoughts?

Alastair Neill: China’s influence on the global pricing is undeniable. Their rebate strategy gives them a significant cost advantage, making competition tough for others. This not only secures China’s dominant position but can influence global supply chain decisions.

The rare earth market, like many commodities, remains subject to geopolitical influences, supply chain uncertainties, and global demand shifts. As the world continues to rely on these essential elements for everything from consumer electronics to green energy solutions, understanding the intricacies of their market becomes increasingly crucial.

In conversations with experts like Alastair Neill, it becomes evident that while short-term price fluctuations are inevitable, strategic decisions and global cooperation can pave the way for a more stable supply chain in the future.

In the constantly evolving world of critical minerals, every quarter brings about new promise and potential. But, when a company not only meets its benchmarks but pushes the boundaries of what’s conceivable, it warrants a closer look. Energy Fuels Inc.’s (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR) Q2-2023 results have done just that.

Starting with their financial muscle: A robust balance sheet showcasing $134.36 million of working capital, a commendable rise from December 2022’s $116.97 million. Their inventory, valued at approximately $50.51 million, is reflective of the company’s prudent business strategies and readiness for future opportunities.

Uranium remains a focal point. Selling 80,000 pounds of U3O8 at $54.19 per pound, Energy Fuels has set an impressive gross margin of 46%. And, with a forward-looking approach, they’ve prepared four of their conventional uranium mines for production, signaling their commitment to meeting the ever-growing energy demands.

Yet, the real ace up Energy Fuels’ sleeve might be their ventures into Rare Earth Elements (REE). Producing approximately 99 MT of RE Carbonate from monazite, they’re ensuring that the US remains at the forefront of REE production. The vision of completing ‘Phase 1’ at the White Mesa Mill in Utah is not just ambitious but transformative. With the potential to churn out 800-1,000 MT of separated NdPr oxide annually, this project could catapult Energy Fuels into the echelons of global NdPr producers, outside of China. NdPr oxide, vital for EVs and wind generators, underscores the company’s foresight in aligning with global sustainability goals.

Their Bahia Rare Earth Project in Brazil further cements their strategic positioning, promising to fortify their REE repertoire. With plans of enhancing NdPr production capacity and the potential inclusion of dysprosium and terbium by 2027, the company is future-ready.

Energy Fuels CEO, Mark S. Chalmers’s words encapsulate their journey best, emphasizing the company’s dedication to establishing a “critical mineral hub” in Utah. Their initiatives are not just business strategies; they represent a mission to reposition the US in the global energy and technology sectors.

In an exclusive onsite interview from the Alces Lake Project in Northern Saskatchewan, Stephen Burega, the President of  Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF), engages with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorIntel to share insights on the progress of the company’s drilling program. Burega praises the team’s efficiency and the advances made during his inaugural visit to the site, providing Weslosky and her audience with an up-close view of the operations.

He underscores the effective utilization of the budget, revealing that they have successfully completed one-third of the project and are strategically directing their efforts towards uncovering new targets. The interview includes a special appearance by Appia Project Geologist, Kahlen Branning, who offers viewers a glimpse into a core shed and elaborates on the critical minerals present in the samples, namely terbium, neodymium, and dysprosium.

Further into the discussion, Burega outlines the instrumental role of helicopters in the movement of drilling equipment, underscoring the operation’s logistical ingenuity. The conversation concludes on an optimistic note as Burega shares the promising future of the Alces Lake project and its potential in rare earth extraction.

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About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth element and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Lastly, the Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project which is 17,551.07 ha. in size and located within the Goiás State of Brazil. (See June 9^th, 2023 Press Release – Click Here)

To learn more about Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp., click here

Disclaimer: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. is an advertorial member of InvestorIntel Corp.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorIntel Corp., (IIC), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all the material information concerning the “Company” being interviewed. IIC offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on Sedar.com and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

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Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) (“Iluka”) is an Australian critical metals producer, specializing in mineral sand mining and processing. Iluka is the world’s largest producer of zircon, a major producer of high grade titanium feedstocks rutile and synthetic rutile, and is set to become a significant global supplier of refined rare earths from 2025.

Iluka’s core business is the mining and processing of mineral sands to produce zircon and titanium feedstocks rutile and synthetic rutile

Source: Iluka Resources company presentation

The Eneabba rare earth oxide planned refinery

Iluka plans to build one of only a few rare earth oxide refineries globally, at Eneabba in Western Australia. This is occurring in a strategic partnership with the Australian Government which has provided Iluka with a A$1.25 billion non-recourse loan to construct the refinery.

Commissioning of the Eneabba Refinery is scheduled for 2025. The Eneabba Refinery will produce separated neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium.

The Eneabba Refinery will be fed by Iluka’s internal feedstocks including their unique rare earths stockpile at Eneabba, Wimmera development in Western Victoria and Balranald development in New South Wales, Australia.

A summary of Iluka’s Australian operations including the planned Eneabba Refinery which will produce separated neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium

Source: Iluka Resources company presentation

Eneabba Refinery Project update

Iluka already has a stockpile of ~1 million tonnes of high grade rare earth concentrate, readily available at surface at Eneabba.

The Eneabba Refinery feedstock operations continue to progress. Wimmera has completed a PFS (DFS underway), and Balranald has completed a DFS and taken a final investment decision.

The Eneabba Refinery has been approved and bulk earthworks continue with site preparation.

Once finished and ramped the Eneabba Refinery will produce separated rare earth oxides essential for global electrification, including ~4ktpa Nd+Pr and up to 0.75ktpa Dy+Tb. Once production is ramped the rare earth oxides are expected to potentially produce revenues slightly in excess of Iluka’s current mineral sands products revenues (see chart on page 19).

Schematic of the Eneabba Refinery once complete in 2025

Source: Iluka Resources company presentation

The Eneabba Refinery will support junior rare earths miners as they can supply feedstock for the refinery

Iluka’s Managing Director & CEO, Tom O’Leary, states:

“In strategic partnership with the Australian Government, Iluka is catalysing the development of Australia’s rare earths industry by facilitating other emerging Australian mining companies into production, with Iluka as their customer, and with value addition taking place domestically. In October last year, Iluka concluded an agreement with Northern Minerals – just such an emerging rare earths company – for the future supply of concentrate from its planned rare earths mine at Browns Range in the Eastern Kimberley…….“

Closing remarks

Iluka Resources is already a giant in the business of mineral sands mining and processing to produce zircon and titanium feedstocks rutile and synthetic rutile.

Even more exciting is their plans to build a globally significant rare earths integrated refinery at Eneabba in Western Australia. Once completed in 2025, the refinery will ramp up to produce key light and heavy rare earth oxides and provide the world with an alternative to the current Chinese dominated supply chain.

Well done Iluka!

Iluka Resources has net cash of A$431 million (as at 31 March 2023), trades on a PE of 9.4, and has a market cap of A$4.917 billion.