In the latest thinkpiece from Hallgarten & Company, editor Christopher Ecclestone analyzes the issue of critical metal and mineral supply, drawing attention to the complexities faced by both China and the West. The report, titled “Criticality & China: A Matter of Perspective,” points out that China, commonly perceived as dominating the supply of various critical metals, faces significant challenges in maintaining this control. The document highlights how critical metals such as Antimony, Heavy Rare Earths, and Cesium, although seen as China-dominated, are also problematic for China to procure and maintain due to long supply lines and geopolitical instabilities.

Ecclestone argues that the West, particularly the U.S., has overlooked Chinese encroachments in the global metals market due to an inward-looking approach. “The US allowed its total dominance of Cesium to transfer to total China dominance at the stroke of a pen,” he states, underscoring the strategic missteps in managing critical metal supplies. Furthermore, he discusses the geopolitical risks associated with metal supply chains, noting that a change in government in supplier countries like the DRC, Zambia, and Burma can quickly turn supply certainty into doubt.

The report criticizes the current state of criticality rankings, which Ecclestone claims are corrupted by “carpetbagging promoters” who influence government listings to favor their interests, thereby devaluing the concept of criticality. He stresses the need for more rigorous methodologies in evaluating critical metal lists to prevent them from becoming as valueless as “Monopoly money.”

Ecclestone’s analysis also contemplates a hypothetical Chinese criticality list, considering the metals and minerals China truly needs, especially in potential conflict scenarios. He points out the strategic disadvantage China faces due to its dependence on foreign sources for essential metals required in wartime, drawing parallels with historical precedents where resource scarcity impacted military campaigns.

Overall, the thinkpiece serves as a wake-up call to the West to reevaluate its approach to critical metals and the broader implications of geopolitical dynamics on global supply chains. To read the full report, click here

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 an insightful interview with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorNews, Constantine Karayannopoulos, a renowned expert in the field of critical minerals, shared his perspectives on the current state and future prospects of the critical minerals market. Karayannopoulos highlighted the pivotal role of critical minerals such as rare earths, lithium, and nickel in the burgeoning sectors of battery technology and electric vehicles (EVs), underscoring the global buzz around these resources. He noted the current challenges faced by small companies in raising funds and the general market sentiment. Despite these hurdles, he expressed optimism, suggesting that the downturn in valuations and financing is temporary. “We’re at close to or at the bottom of the cycle with a lot of these commodities,” he stated, advising resilience for these firms in anticipation of a market rebound fueled by sustained demand for technologies reliant on critical minerals.

Karayannopoulos offered insightful commentary on the critical minerals market, particularly focusing on lithium and rare earths. With a bullish stance on lithium, he reminisced about the industry’s past pricing projections and observed the current market’s resilience despite recent price drops. “Lithium still is the workhorse in the battery space… for the next decade, lithium will be the workhorse of the EV battery,” he affirmed, advocating for strategic investments in this area during market lows. His observations extended to the rare earths market, noting its sensitivity to Chinese economic dynamics and the potential for price stabilization in the near term. Highlighting Brazil’s emerging role in diversifying the global supply of heavy rare earths, he emphasized the importance of exploring favorable mineralogy and environmental practices in new geographies. This strategic diversification, he argued, is crucial for addressing the geopolitical and social concerns associated with current heavy rare earths sourcing, primarily from Myanmar.

To access the complete interview, click here

Don’t miss other InvestorNews interviews. Subscribe to the InvestorNews YouTube channel by clicking here

At PDAC Toronto 2024, Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Co-Chairman Jack Lifton interviewed Pat Ryan, the Chairman and CEO of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU | OTCQX: UURAF), discussing Ucore’s advancements in the rare earths’ permanent magnet supply chain. Ryan highlighted the company’s focus on mid-market separation technologies, particularly their RapidSX technology, which significantly improves throughput rates for extracting rare earths essential for high-temperature applications like electric vehicles. With a commercial demo plant in Kingston, Ucore is engineering a full-scale system capable of producing heavy rare earths, including dysprosium, at purities above 99%. Ryan emphasized the strategic importance of heavy rare earths, noting, “The one critical thing we’re really focused on is that heavy rare earth element…the permanent magnets really only work because the heavy rare earth allows it to operate at very high temperature.”

Ucore’s approach to securing feedstock for these valuable minerals is noteworthy, as Ryan mentioned sourcing from the Asian market outside of China. This strategic sourcing is part of Ucore’s broader vision to disrupt China’s control over the North American rare earth supply chain. With plans to operationalize a full-scale plant in Louisiana by 2025, Ucore is poised to become a significant player in the rare earths market. The company’s engagement in joint ventures rather than traditional buy-sell agreements reflects a collaborative strategy aimed at strengthening the western rare earths supply chain. This initiative is further supported by Ucore’s recent announcement of successfully separating a range of heavy rare earth elements using its RapidSX technology, marking a critical step towards establishing a domestic rare earth processing capability.

Ucore’s commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships underscores its potential to influence the North American rare earths market significantly. By focusing on the production of heavy rare earths and employing advanced separation technologies, Ucore aims to reduce dependence on foreign rare earths and contribute to the resilience of critical supply chains. With a seasoned executive like Ryan, who has extensive experience in manufacturing and supply chain management, Ucore is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of rare earth processing and meet the growing demand for these essential components in various high-tech applications.

To access the complete interview, click here

Don’t miss other InvestorNews interviews. Subscribe to the InvestorNews YouTube channel by clicking here

About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.

Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore’s vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.

Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People’s Republic of China’s control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term establishment of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metal Complexes in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore’s 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA.

To learn more about Ucore Rare Metals Inc., click here

Disclaimer: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. 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. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

Strategic Importance of US-Canadian Government-Industry Collaborations in Critical Minerals Discussed

In a recent interview with InvestorNews’ host Tracy Weslosky, Pat Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU | OTCQX: UURAF), detailed a significant development in the rare earths sector. The Canadian government has awarded Ucore a $4.28 million funding agreement, a move that underscores Canada’s commitment to advancing critical mineral processing and green energy transition.

Strategic Government Investment in Rare Earth Processing

The funding, directed towards Ucore’s RapidSX™ technology commercial demo plant in Kingston, aims to enhance the processing of light rare earths. This support is not just about financial backing but also a recognition of Ucore’s technological advancements. The Canadian government’s decision to invest is informed by their observation of the rare earth sector, seeking opportune moments to propel forward.

Dual Government Support: A Sign of Confidence

Jack Lifton’s comments on this development highlight the importance of dual government support from both Canada and the United States. Previously, the U.S. Department of Defense funded Ucore for a $4 million program focusing on heavy rare earth processing. This collaboration represents a concerted effort by North American authorities to diversify and secure critical mineral supply chains, crucial for defense and industrial markets.

Milestones and Technical Achievements with RapidSX Technology

Ucore’s project focuses on purifying critical elements like praseodymium (Pr) and neodymium (Nd), essential for electrification technologies. Achieving the required purity levels for these elements is a key milestone, offering OEMs qualified products for various applications, from wind energy to automotive and defense sectors.

Impacting the North American Supply Chain

Pat Ryan emphasized the broader implications of this announcement for the North American supply chain. The funding aids in bridging the gap between rare earth resources and the production of metals and magnets. Ucore’s technology is pivotal in westernizing rare earth processing, an essential step in reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly China.

Accelerating Long-term Objectives

This financial backing from the Canadian and U.S. governments enables Ucore to intensify its operations. It allows for extensive testing and development, essential for scaling up to a full-size commercial plant. This support not only keeps Ucore on track but also accelerates its long-term objectives by allowing more comprehensive testing and refinement of their processes.

To access the complete interview, click here

Don’t miss other InvestorNews interviews. Subscribe to the InvestorNews YouTube channel by clicking here

About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.

Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore’s vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.

Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People’s Republic of China’s control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the U.S. State of Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metal Complexes in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore’s 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA.

Disclaimer: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. 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. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

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.

In a recent InvestorNews interview, Ucore Rare Metals Inc.’s (TSXV: UCU | OTCQX: UURAF) Chairman and CEO Pat Ryan shared updates on the company’s progress towards becoming a heavy rare earths processor in North America.

Host Tracy Weslosky began the conversation by acknowledging Ucore as the front-runner in this pivotal endeavor. Pat confirmed this, highlighting their RapidSX™ Commercial Demonstration Plant in Kingston, Ontario where they have been separating heavy and light rare earths. Pat also provided an update on their commercial-scale Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex, where they plan to start producing 900 tons per annum of heavy rare earths and 1600 tons of light rare earths by the end of 2024.

Tracy commended Ucore’s progress and asked pertinent questions about their transformation into a technology leader in the critical minerals sector. Pat stressed the importance of bringing critical minerals supply chains to commercial scale, leveraging their extensive engineering efforts and the modular ramp-up potential of their RapidSX™ technology.

Discussing Ucore’s recent US$4 million award from the US Department of Defense, Pat talked about their pricing strategies, emphasizing their competitive approach based on Chinese pricing indexes to ensure their customers get reliable pricing.

To access the complete interview, click here

Don’t miss other InvestorNews interviews. Subscribe to the InvestorNews YouTube channel by clicking here

About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.

Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore’s vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.

Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People’s Republic of China’s control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the U.S. State of Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metal Complexes in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore’s 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA.

Disclaimer: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. 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. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

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

August 18, 2023 — The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is delighted to announce its upcoming online summit titled What is All the Ionic Clay Buzz Really About? Scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, from 7-8 PM EST, this CMI virtual summit will explore the fascinating world of ionic adsorption in clays and its critical role in sourcing heavy rare earths.

To register for this event, click here

The CMI Co-Chairs, Jack Lifton and Ian Chalmers, accompanied by moderator Tracy Weslosky, CMI Director, will shed light on the significance of these ionic clays and their implication on the global supply chain, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

About the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI):

CMI is a leading international platform for experts, companies, and professionals delving deep into battery materials, technology metals, defense metals, and ESG technologies and practices. Focusing on the general EV market and the utilization of critical minerals for energy and alternative energy production, CMI offers a plethora of B2B service solutions. Whether you are seeking job opportunities, latest industry news, or B2B resources, CMI is your go-to source. Visit the Events section on the CMI site for more details on the upcoming summit.

Decoding the Ionic Clay Conundrum:

The ionic clay buzz is all about sourcing the pivotal rare earth elements: neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. These elements are essential for creating permanent magnets used in automotive drive motors, as they maintain magnetism even under temperature extremes, ranging from 0°F to 400°F.

Jack Lifton, the CMI Co-Chair, emphasized the significance of these clays, stating, “Without these materials, we cannot produce the essential magnets for the automotive sector. The primary sources of these clays are currently located in China and parts of Southeast Asia, making the U.S. and Europe heavily dependent on them. Although we have identified potential sources in Brazil, Malaysia, and Vietnam, our dependency on China remains a challenge.”

He further adds, “I want to highlight the importance of these materials over their cost. Electric car production will come to a standstill without a consistent supply. The focus should now be on exploring ‘ancient clays’ found in regions like Manitoba, the Dakotas, and Australia, despite extraction being costlier.”

Join the discussion and delve deeper into the world of ionic clays, the challenges surrounding their extraction, and their pivotal role in the EV market. Those interested can RSVP to receive a calendar invitation.

For press inquiries or additional information, please contact Tracy Weslosky at [email protected] or dial direct at +1 416 792 8228. More information may be accessed at CriticalMineralsInstitute.com or to secure a ticket, click here

In this InvestorIntel interview, Tracy Weslosky talks with Critical Minerals Institute’s (CMI) Co-Chairman Jack Lifton attempts to explain what Vital Metals Limited’s recent announcement about “pausing all construction-related activities at the Saskatoon processing facility” means. Clarifying and reinforcing what the Saskatoon Research Council (SRC) has stated online, we would like to redirect our audience to the SRC website where they state: “SRC wants to clarify that its Rare Earth Processing Facility currently under construction is on schedule and on budget and will be fully operational by the end of 2024.”

Jack also shares his insight on a column written by CMI Co-Chairman Ian Chalmers titled Are Ionic Adsorption Clay Deposits a Game-Changer for the Supply of Rare Earths. He then goes on to discuss Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.’s (“Appia”) (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) recent acquisition of a Brazilian rare earths ionic clay project, Explaining that ionic clays can be a source of critical heavy rare earths, he explains how Appia may be the “only possible provider of this super critical material for the North American market.”

To access the full episode, click here.

Subscribe to the InvestorIntel YouTube channel by clicking here.

About The Critical Minerals Institute

The Critical Minerals Institute or CMI is an international organization for critical mineral companies and professionals focused on battery and technology materials, defense metals, and ESG technologies in the EV market. Offering a wide range of B2B service solutions, the Critical Minerals Institute hosts both online and in-person events designed for education, collaboration, and service solutions that address critical mineral challenges for a decarbonized economy.

To learn more about The Critical Minerals Institute, click here

Disclaimer: 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.

If you have any questions surrounding the content of this interview, please contact us at +1 416 792 8228 and/or email us direct at [email protected].