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.

In a recent InvestorNews interview, Tracy Weslosky had a conversation with Australian Strategic Materials Limited’s (“ASM”) (ASX: ASM) Managing Director and CEO Rowena Smith, delving into the company’s new ventures and its unique positioning in the rare earths market.

The spotlight was on ASM’s groundbreaking deal with USA Rare Earths LLC, marked by a five-year supply arrangement. ASM is set to provide 60% of feedstock for USA Rare Earths’ Stillwater facility in Oklahoma, USA, aligning with its commissioning in the coming year. This collaboration, with the potential to ramp up to 4800 tons per annum, reflects ASM’s pivotal role in global rare earths supply chain.

Smith rekindled the excitement around ASM’s Dubbo project in New South Wales. This construction-ready ore body stands out for its tier one jurisdiction and potential for rapid production. With all necessary engineering, environmental approvals, and off-take discussions in progress, the project’s uniqueness stems from its resource diversity. The project encapsulates not only light and heavy rare earths but also other critical minerals such as zirconia, hafnium, and niobium, intensifying ASM’s allure.

An impressive distinction for ASM is its comprehensive strategy encompassing mining to metal production. Their Korean Metals Plant, already operational, is initially focused on neodymium and neodymium iron boron alloys, catering to specialized permanent magnet manufacturing. To access the complete interview, click here

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

To learn more about Australian Strategic Materials Limited, click here

Disclaimer: Australian Strategic Materials Limited. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc., does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all the material information concerning the “Company” being interviewed. InvestorNews 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].

South Korea, with its thriving tech giants and world-class OEM automotive industry, is transforming into a hub for the rare earth supply chain. While many look to China, the US, and Japan as key players in the rare earth game, Korea’s role is frequently overshadowed, despite its growing clout and demand.

Firstly, one must dispel misconceptions. South Korea is not a reservoir for rare earth elements. Nevertheless, its demand is robust due to its dynamic industrial base. Surprisingly to some, for example, Samsung Electronics Co., a Korean enterprise, surpasses even Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) as the world’s premier cell phone manufacturer. Each phone requires a fraction of a gram of permanent magnet. Given their production volume, this accumulates to a significant demand. Furthermore, Korea boasts two of the globe’s top three battery producers: LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., subsidiaries of industrial giants, LG and Samsung, respectively.

Complementing this, Korea is home to Hyundai and Kia, renowned automotive brands that have gained a reputation for producing quality electric vehicles at competitive prices. The Hyundai Ioniq, for instance, was one of the initial electric cars introduced to the US market, utilizing permanent magnet motors and lithium-ion batteries. Notably, every raw material essential for these devices must be sourced from outside Korea.

This international sourcing is where companies like Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASM) (ASX: ASM) come into the picture. Recently, ASM confirmed a five-year contract to provide USA Rare Earth, LLC with neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet alloy from its Korean Metals Plant. This alloy, pivotal for creating permanent magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbines, underscores the intersecting interests of companies spanning continents.

Moreover, ASM isn’t limiting its partnerships to one US-based enterprise. They’ve also inked an agreement to sell a substantial 100 tonnes of this alloy to U.S.-based rare-earths magnet manufacturer, Noveon Magnetics Inc. In tandem, they’re also sourcing rare-earth oxides from Vietnam as feedstock for their Korean Metals Plant while concurrently developing a rare-earths mine in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.

From a personal vantage point, I recall my endeavors half a decade ago to bring LG Energy Systems into a partnership with the US Defence Department. The aim was for LG to manage rare earth permanent magnets for the Department of Defense. However, the looming threat of Chinese retaliation led to a withdrawal from LG, emphasizing the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding these minerals.

Now, representatives from Korean tech titans, including LG and Samsung, are traversing the globe in search of rare earths, with endeavors even in metallurgy and possibly magnet production. Additionally, ASM’s joint venture in Korea with Kiron — a domestic, Korean venture, funded by a significant Korean (rare earth permanent magnet end-user) corporation — underscores the collaborative nature of this industry.

To sum up, while the global discourse frequently orbits around China and the US, the Korean rare earth landscape is bustling. Their relentless quest to develop a comprehensive domestic supply chain for rare earth permanent magnets will invariably lead to a demand spike, which may catch many by surprise.

So, as the competition intensifies to secure these critical materials for the next generation of tech and transport, one thing’s clear: don’t underestimate Korea.

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 a recent interview between InvestorIntel’s Jack Lifton and Melissa Sanderson, President of North America and Director at American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF) (“ARR”), they discussed the exciting discovery in Wyoming of a potentially rich deposit of the magnetic materials, neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) and offered an update on the rare earths industry.

Melissa began with an explanation that while the exploration is still in its early stages, ARR plans to fast-track the analysis process with ALS Labs. Outlining the challenges in the development of such a project, Melissa was consistent in ARR’s commitment to start production at Halleck Creek within a 5-to-7-year timeframe, provided there are no significant objections during the permitting phase.

Jack and Melissa also discussed geopolitical elements in the rare earths’ landscape. Despite potential shifts in the White House and its policy approach to mining and natural resources, Melissa expressed optimism. She referenced an unprecedented bipartisan agreement on the Hill. On one side, the left is driven by the demands of climate change and the pursuit of a more sustainable economy. On the other, the right is focused on national security and the reduction of dependence on foreign entities like China.

plans to fast-track the analysis process with ALS Labs. Outlining the challenges in the development of such a project, Melissa was consistent in ARR’s commitment to start production at Halleck Creek within a 5-to-7-year timeframe, provided there are no significant objections during the permitting phase.

Jack and Melissa also discussed geopolitical elements in the rare earths’ landscape. Despite potential shifts in the White House and its policy approach to mining and natural resources, Melissa expressed optimism. She referenced an unprecedented bipartisan agreement on the Hill. On one side, the left is driven by the demands of climate change and the pursuit of a more sustainable economy. On the other, the right is focused on national security and the reduction of dependence on foreign entities like China.

Lifton concurred with Sanderson, noting that although the U.S. could never be entirely self-sufficient in these essential materials, they could rely on countries such as Australia and Canada for supply. He also voiced his belief that the U.S. market for rare earths would remain a sellers’ market due to the demand. To access the complete interview, click here

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

About American Rare Earths Limited

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF | FSE: 1BHA) is a leading explorer and developer of rare earth elements with a strong focus on developing sustainable and cost-effective extraction and processing methods. The company’s projects, including Halleck Creek in Wyoming, La Paz in Arizona, and Searchlight in Nevada, hold significant potential to become major rare earth production sites in North America.

To know more about American Rare Earths Limited, click here

Disclaimer: American Rare Earths Limited 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.

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].

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.

To access the full InvestorIntel interview, click here

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

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.

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].

American Rare Earths CEO thinks Halleck Creek “will be one of the most important rare earths projects in the United States, or even the world”

American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF) (“ARR”) is a leading developer of rare earth elements with a strong focus on developing sustainable and cost-effective extraction and processing methods. ARR’s 100% owned three rare earths projects are all located in the USA. ARR has recently decided to re-domicile to the USA in line with their projects’ location.

Their two key projects are Halleck Creek in Wyoming, and La Paz in Arizona. Both have the potential to be among North America’s largest rare earth deposits.

Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project’s latest developments

In March 2023, ARR announced a JORC Resource at Halleck Creek of 1.43 billion tonnes with an average TREO grade of 3,309 ppm, and an average NdPr grade of 734 ppm. That’s a huge resource and there is even more potential to grow it further. ARR states that “currently less than 25% of the Halleck Creek District has been drilled and the deposit remains open”.

As announced on June 28, 2023, ARR plans to drill a further ~2,400 meters at the Halleck Creek Project. The purpose of the drill program is to both upgrade the Resource and potentially grow it further. The upgrading goal is to “define a significant volume of measured and indicated resources“. Drilling is expected to commence later in Q3, 2023 subject to receiving permits.

ARR CEO and Managing Director, Chris Gibbs, commented:

“The outstanding results we achieved with the JORC Resource of 1.43 billion tonnes at Halleck Creek provides the foundation to build what we think will be one of the most important rare earths projects in the United States, or even the world. The 1.05 million tonnes of NdPr at Halleck Creek can unlock current boundaries of the electrification of the US economy.“

An overview of ARR’s 100% owned Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, USA

Source: American Rare Earths company presentation

In other news, on July 6, 2023, ARR announced that they are advancing new and potentially better processing methods for their Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project. This is a key development as processing rare earths is a complex and expensive process, mostly done in China. ARR state:

“…..the company is actively engaged in US Government-funded research aimed at developing cleaner and cheaper processing methods for rare earths, utilizing biological techniques. In collaboration with renowned institutions and laboratories, American Rare Earths is making significant strides towards this goal….the development of a new method that employs a protein isolated from bacteria to extract and separate rare earth elements in a more environmentally friendly manner. With the potential for scalability, this breakthrough could be instrumental in the development of a domestic supply of rare earth metals, reducing the ecological impact associated with traditional extraction methods.“

Note: Bold emphasis by the author.

A reduced ecological impact would also be potentially beneficial when it comes to project permitting.

ARR is collaborating with partners to develop new biological methods to extract and separate rare earth elements

Source: American Rare Earths company presentation

Also announced on June 2, 2023, Halleck Creek ore achieved very positive initial metallurgical test results using Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS) which yielded “72% recovery and rejected 77% of feed mass, an upgrade ratio of 3.1”. This was using a simple process flow sheet to produce a rare earth concentrate and maximize the recovery of magnet metals neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr).

ARR is studying using annualized ore processing of 10, 15 and 20 million tonnes per annum feed rate to the concentrator which would equate to a modeled production of 3,800 tonnes, 5,700 tonnes and 7,600 tonnes, respectively of the highly valuable NdPr oxides contained in mixed rare earth carbonate. At the upper end of these projections that would put ARR in the league of western market leaders such as Lynas Rare Earths Limited (ASX: LYC) and MP Materials Corp. (NYSE: MP), in terms of NdPr production volumes.

Near-term catalysts for the Company at Halleck Creek will be results of the detailed metallurgical testing, any results from baseline environmental test work, further drilling results and a possible resource upgrade, and any further news regarding their co-development work to produce new biological methods to extract rare earths. Beyond that the next large step is a Preliminary Economic Assessment, perhaps in H1, 2024.

Closing remarks

ARR continues to do the hard work to build a strong future for the Company. To date, results at Halleck Creek have been very encouraging. A huge resource, good recovery rates, and potential to one day achieve very significant volumes of NdPr. Any success with biological rare earths processing would be a nice bonus.

American Rare Earths trades on a market cap of A$74 million.

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.

“Neo Performance Materials’ organization today is the closest that North America has yet come to a totally vertically integrated rare earth permanent magnet supplier. Now, the company has acquired and is moving to bring a significant rare earth deposit in Greenland into production. When that occurs, it will be the first company outside of China, ever, to be a totally vertically integrated manufacturer of rare earth permanent magnets. We should all be watching Neo Performance as if our (self-sufficient and secure) independent economic lives depend on it.” — Jack Lifton, Co-Chairman, Critical Minerals Institute

Neo Performance Materials Inc. (TSX: NEO) (“Neo”) produces specialty materials that incorporate specialty materials that are mostly rare earth based, but also include other technology metals, such as gallium and cobalt, all of which are necessary in its feature product, bonded rare earth permanent magnets. Neo is the only company in the world that operates dual supply chains inside and outside of China for rare earth elements (REE) separation and REE advanced materials. Neo owns the only operating commercial rare earth separation facility in Europe, located in Estonia. Neo operates globally with sales and production across 10 countries.

Neo’s advanced materials are essential components of many of the world’s fastest growing cleantech applications

Source: Neo company presentation

Neo’s growth plans and acquisitions

Neo continues to grow and expand its business and now has several projects in the pipeline.

These include the following:

1. Growth of Neo’s existing operations – Magnequench (a global leader in bonded neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnetic powders and magnets), Chemicals and Oxides, and Rare Metals (gallium, indium, rhenium, tantalum, niobium, and hafnium).
2. An EU Magnet Manufacturing Plant with ground breaking in June 2023 and planned production of sintered rare earth magnets in Estonia to begin in 2025.
3. Controlling interest (90%) in newly acquired SG Technologies Group Limited (“SGTec“), one of Europe’s leading advanced, specialty manufacturers of rare-earth-based and other high-performance magnets.
4. Various rare earths supply chain projects and agreements – Sarfartoq Project exploration license in Greenland, Yangibana Project in Australia (the owner Hastings Technology Metals Limited (ASX: HAS) is Neo’s largest shareholder so a supply arrangement looks highly probable, Koppamurra Project in Australia non-binding MOU for off-take of potentially 50% of the planned production of mixed rare earth carbonate, supply agreement with Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR) (from USA) of mixed REE carbonate.

Q1 2023 Financials weaker due to weaker pricing dynamics

Some investors may have been disappointed that Neo’s Q1, 2023 financials were weaker than a year earlier. Consolidated revenue was US$135.5 million in Q1, 2023, compared to US$166.3 million for the same period in the prior year.

However, it needs to be factored in that the key magnet rare earths prices have fallen heavily over the past year (neodymium is down 50.21%).

Looking on the positive side Neo still has a very healthy balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of US$145.7 million (as of March 31, 2023) and Neo generated positive net cash of US$12.2 million in Q1, 2023.

The fall in neodymium prices in the past year is fairly similar to the lithium price fall. Both had a huge run-up, then slower China EV sales in early 2023 sent prices crashing as manufacturers chose to wind down inventory and delay purchases until prices were back at low levels. All of this bodes well for some stabilization of prices now and potential to move higher from here if demand accelerated in H2, 2023.

Investors can listen to the Neo Q1, 2023 earnings call here. Neo’s President & CEO Constantine Karayannopoulos discusses the causes for lower magnet rare earths demand (China property slowdown, higher interest rates impacting negatively on wind farms, China EV sales slowdown) and the impact of lower rare earths pricing and the Company’s growth plans. He says “I believe we are nearing the end of that restabilisation” in rare earth prices. Meaning the rare earth price falls are near the end.

Neodymium 10 year price chart

Source: Trading Economics

Closing remarks

Neo has just weathered a challenging past few quarters caused mostly by rare earths price declines as China EV sales slowed and manufacturers reduced inventory. Despite this Neo finished Q1, 2023 in a very strong cash position and continues to make progress on their growth plans.

As the macro picture hopefully starts to improve in H2 2023, especially for China EV sales, Neo should once again be a winner of the macro trend of increased global use of the magnet rare earth products and the specialty rare metals, that are all needed to drive the cleantech revolution.

Neo Performance Materials trades on a market cap of C$377 million.

Lynas Rare Earths Limited (ASX: LYC) (“Lynas”) recently announced some positive news that the Malaysian authorities have advised that their license to import and process lanthanide concentrate is now valid until 1 January 2024, effectively a 6-month extension to get their Malaysian rare earths unit in line with environmental requirements.

Meanwhile, Lynas continues to oppose the Malaysian government’s ‘new’ rules and is working on alternate facilities in Western Australia. Should the Malaysian situation not be resolved then Lynas has a backup plan. The announcement stated:

“The licence variation allows the Lynas Malaysia cracking and leaching plant to continue to operate until 1 January 2024 and will remove the requirement for a shutdown at the Lynas Malaysia plant prior to 1 January 2024.”

At the heart of the issue is that the Malaysian authorities say the cracking and leaching plant generates radioactive waste. Lynas argues that they are meeting the conditions as per their original agreement with the Malaysian government. Lynas stated:

“Lynas had applied to the MOSTI Minister for the removal of the conditions which limit operations at the Lynas Malaysia facility as they represent a significant variation from the conditions under which Lynas made the initial decision to invest in Malaysia.“

We will have to wait until January 1, 2024, to see what happens next regarding Lynas operating its cracking and leaching plant in Malaysia.

Lynas’ Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility is in the final stages of construction, feed to start this quarter (Q4/FY23 – Ending June 30)

Lynas has been rapidly building a backup rare earths processing facility in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Lynas stated that the facility “has now entered the final phase of major construction activities, dry commissioning activities have commenced in certain parts of the plant, target feed on date for the Facility in Q4 FY23.”

Lynas plans to use rare earths carbonate feed from their Mt Weld Mine to feed the new Kalgoorlie rare earths processing facility once complete (noting a ramp-up period applies). The product would then be shipped to Malaysia for final processing.

FIGURE 1: Lynas’ under construction rare earths processing facility in Kalgoorlie Western Australia

Lynas achieved record NdPr production in Q3/FY23 (Ending March 31)

In Q3/FY23 Lynas produced 4,348 tonnes of total rare earths oxide and a record 1,725 tonnes of Neodymium-Praseodymium (“NdPr”). This resulted in A$237.1 million of revenue for the quarter. The chart below shows Lynas’ revenue trending slightly higher over the past 2 years on the back of solid production and prices.

FIGURE 2: Lynas’ last 2 years Total Rare Earth Oxides (“TREO”) production volumes and sales revenues

USA LRE and HRE facilities update

The USA Light Rare Earth (“LRE”) and Heavy Rare Earth (“HRE”) facilities plan to be able to process both light and heavy rare earths.

Lynas has secured a greenfield site in an existing industrial zone in Texas, further progressed the detailed engineering design, and engaged a preferred U.S. Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management (“EPCM’) contractor.

Tesla plans to use non-rare earths motors in their next generation vehicle

Lynas CEO, Amanda Lacaze, stated in the Q3, FY 2023 earnings call:

“The neodymium iron boron [NbFe] magnet technology is the most energy efficient, because it is the lightest motor, and over the life time of the vehicle it gives you the best efficiency… …and it has the lowest CO2 emissions… …more are choosing NbFe technology than the alternative… …today we find that demand still is ahead of our ability to service everyone who would like to buy Lynas NdPr… …the current (price) softness is very much about internal China dynamics… …but we at Lynas remain very confident of the long term trend and we know that the Chinese rare earth firms share that confidence. We remain committed to growing to meet the market and that’s one of the reasons why our ambitious capital investment plan continues.”

Closing remarks

Lynas is very well positioned in 2023 with A$1.12 billion in cash (as of March 31, 2023) and is on target with its expansion plans.

The 6-month Malaysian extension also means that Lynas’ rare earths production can continue uninterrupted, at least until January 1, 2024. At that point, the Kalgoorlie facility should hopefully be operating smoothly and ramping up production and offer an alternative should the Malaysia cracking and leaching plant need to be shut down on January 1, 2024.

Lynas Rare Earths trades at a market cap of A$6.82 billion and a PE ratio (TTM) of 12.39.