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.

In a recent interview with Tracy Weslosky of Investor.News, Mark Chalmers, President, CEO, and Director of Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR), discusses their recently announced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Astron Corporation Ltd. (ASX: ATR) for the joint venture development of the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project in Victoria, Australia. This MOU, announced on December 27, 2023, is a key milestone in establishing a U.S.-centric rare earths supply chain, which is crucial for the country’s future needs.

The Donald Project promises to supply Energy Fuels with 7,000 to 14,000 metric tons of rare earth concentrate, using monazite sand from the deposit. Energy Fuels plans to process this at their White Mesa Mill in Utah, where they can handle the radioactive elements in monazite and extract valuable components like uranium. This positions them as a leader in the critical minerals.

Energy Fuels’ approach is cost-effective, leveraging existing infrastructure and skilled workforce in Utah. The initial phase of the project aims to produce 800 – 1,000 metric tons of the magnetic materials, Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) oxide by Q1 2024, with plans for future expansion.

The U.S. government’s policy, set to restrict critical minerals sourced from Foreign Entities of Concern from 2025, highlights the significance of Energy Fuels’ project. As a leading U.S. producer of uranium, vanadium, and rare earth elements, the company plays a vital role in reducing U.S. dependence on foreign sources, particularly China.

This venture is expected to have a major impact on the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors in the U.S., offering a sustainable, competitive, and independent supply chain for critical minerals, essential for national security and technological progress. To access the complete interview, click here

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About Energy Fuels Inc.

Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company. The Company, as the leading producer of uranium in the United States, mines uranium and produces natural uranium concentrates that are sold to major nuclear utilities for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy. Energy Fuels recently began production of advanced rare earth element (“REE“) materials, including mixed REE carbonate, and plans to produce commercial quantities of separated REE oxides in the future. Energy Fuels also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is evaluating the recovery of radionuclides needed for emerging cancer treatments. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, and substantially all its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds two of America’s key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah and the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery (“ISR“) Project in Wyoming. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the US today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U₃O₈ per year, and has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE products, from various uranium-bearing ores. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U₃O₈ per year. The Company recently acquired the Bahia Project in Brazil, which is believed to have significant quantities of titanium (ilmenite and rutile), zirconium (zircon) and REE (monazite) minerals. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the US and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development.

To learn more about Energy Fuels Inc., click here

Disclaimer: Energy Fuels 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.

For those following the critical metals space, there was some key U.S. news on December 1, 2023. The U.S. government announced their proposed policy for Foreign Entities of Concern (“FEOC”). The key part of the proposal effectively stated that starting from 2025 an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any critical minerals that were extracted, processed, or recycled by an FEOC. FEOCs were named to be China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

This means OEMs selling in the U.S. auto market are now in a mad scramble to source processed critical minerals from non-FEOC sources before 2025, otherwise, their customers can miss out on the US$7,500 clean vehicle subsidy (half of which is impacted by material sourcing). One of the hardest to source will be the magnet rare earths used in the permanent magnet motor of most electric vehicles and many wind turbines. This is because China dominates the rare earths industry.

Energy Fuels is making major moves to build a new rare earths supply chain in the USA

Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR) is a leading U.S.-based critical minerals producer. In fact, they are the ‘leading’ U.S. producer of uranium, vanadium, and rare earth elements. Energy Fuels White Mesa Mill is “the only existing facility in North America with the licenses and capabilities to process monazite and produce advanced rare earth element products.”

2023 has been a very prosperous year for Energy Fuels with rare earth concentrate production and a booming uranium price helping their large uranium business.

Energy Fuels plan is to grow their rare earths concentrate business to also include rare earths separation to produce rare earth oxides. Phase 1 plans to have a capacity of 800 – 1,000 MT of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide per year by Q1 2024 and Phase 2 a capacity of 1,500 – 3,000+ MT NdPr oxide per year by 2026/27. The Phase 3 plan is to produce heavy separated rare earths including dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) by 2027/28.

Energy Fuels is one of the leaders in the race to build up a U.S. rare earths supply chain independent of FEOC such as China

Source: Energy Fuels company presentation

To achieve their plan, Energy Fuels needs sufficient monazite ore as feed, hence their recent acquisitions. In February 2023, Energy Fuels acquired the Bahia heavy mineral sand (“HMS”) Project in Brazil that contains significant quantities of monazite (rare earths containing ore). But wait there’s more!

Energy Fuels announces a new rare earths sourcing MOU with Australian company Astron

As announced on December 27 Energy Fuels entered into an MOU to secure a near-term, large-scale Australian source of rare earth minerals. The announcement says this will supply a “new U.S.-based supply chain for decades” and that “most licenses and permits are in place (or at an advanced stage of completion)”. Energy Fuels proposed investment is ~A$180 million (~US$122 million) for a 49% interest in the new Joint Venture.

The MOU is with Astron Corporation Limited (ASX: ATR) (“Astron“) to jointly develop the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project in Victoria, Australia. The announcement states:

“The Donald Project is a world-class, world scale, ‘shovel-ready’ critical mineral deposit that Energy Fuels believes would provide it with another near-term, low-cost, and large-scale source of monazite sand in an REE concentrate (“REEC“) that would be transported to the Company’s White Mesa Mill in Utah, USA (the “Mill“) for processing into REE oxides and other advanced REE materials and recovery of the contained uranium…The Donald Project is expected to provide Energy Fuels with 7,000 to 14,000 metric tons (“tonnes“) of REEC per year, containing 4,000 to 8,200 tonnes of total REE oxides (“TREO“), with commissioning and ramp-up expected to begin in 2026. Most of Energy Fuels’ proposed investment is expected to be disbursed in 2025.”

Note: REEC is rare earth elements concentrate.

Energy Fuel’s masterplan for rare earths products and supply sources

Source: Energy Fuels company presentation

Closing remarks

Energy Fuels is steadily putting together all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle in order to create a new western supply chain of rare earths products, that will be needed to support the U.S. demand for their own electric vehicle and clean energy industry, independent of China.

The Bahia Project announced in early 2023 will provide near-term rare earth concentrate supply from Brazil, and all going to plan, the Donald Project will also provide a supply from 2026.

Meanwhile, Energy Fuels is currently doing very well from their U.S-based uranium production business, boosted by surging uranium prices in 2023 (now at US$91/lb at the time of writing).

Energy Fuels trades on a market cap of US$1.16 billion with the stock price up ~25% in the past year.

In an InvestorNews interview, Tracy Weslosky spoke with Curtis Moore, Senior VP of Marketing & Corporate Development at Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR). Curtis discussed Energy Fuels’ focus on monazite sand, highlighting its high neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) content, which provides a cost processing advantage over other rare earths bearing ores like bastnaesite. He explained that monazite’s value is enhanced by its higher concentration of NdPr, essential for permanent rare earth magnets used in EVs and wind turbines, and its higher concentration of heavy rare earths. Curtis noted that while monazite has higher uranium and thorium levels than bastnaesite, Energy Fuels can efficiently process these elements at their uranium mill. He emphasized Energy Fuels’ unique advantage in handling the naturally occurring uranium and thorium in rare earth bearing ores, a significant challenge for other companies. This capability allows them to potentially monetize these elements, especially as thorium markets mature.

Curtis also addressed a key question he wishes people would ask more often: why Energy Fuels is likely to succeed in the rare earth sector where many others have failed? He attributed their potential success to their inherent advantages in processing rare earth bearing ores and producing advanced materials. These advantages include their experience with solvent extraction, a technology crucial for producing separated rare earth oxides, and their existing infrastructure at the White Mesa Mill in Utah. Curtis highlighted their $25 million investment in a rare earth separation circuit at the mill, which is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2024, with a capacity to produce about 1000 metric tons of NdPr oxide per year, enough for 500,000 to 1,000,000 EVs annually. He expressed high confidence in their ability to succeed in the rare earth industry due to these factors.

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About Energy Fuels Inc.

Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company. The Company, as the leading producer of uranium in the United States, mines uranium and produces natural uranium concentrates that are sold to major nuclear utilities for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy. Energy Fuels recently began production of advanced rare earth element (“REE“) materials, including mixed REE carbonate, and plans to produce commercial quantities of separated REE oxides in the future. Energy Fuels also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is evaluating the recovery of radionuclides needed for emerging cancer treatments. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, and substantially all its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds two of America’s key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah and the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery (“ISR“) Project in Wyoming. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the US today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U₃O₈ per year, and has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE products, from various uranium-bearing ores. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U₃O₈ per year. The Company recently acquired the Bahia Project in Brazil, which is believed to have significant quantities of titanium (ilmenite and rutile), zirconium (zircon) and REE (monazite) minerals. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the US and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development.

To learn more about Energy Fuels Inc., click here

Disclaimer: Energy Fuels 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.

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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, host Brandon Colwell sat down with Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.‘s (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) CEO and Director Tom Drivas, to discuss the exceptional drilling results from Appia’s PCH Ionic Clay Project in Brazil. Discussing the consistency and high-grade rare earths mineralization at the project, Tom highlights that the average grades of Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) is comparable to, or surpasses, other well-known international deposits.

Tom emphasized that Appia’s ionic clay project in Brazil offers a more environmentally friendly and easily processable source of rare earths. Tom explained that Appia’s PCH Ionic clay project has a distinct advantage with its high concentrations of both heavy and light rare earths, a rarity in the industry. Appia also the Alces Lake Project in Northern Saskatchewan. With high-grade monazite mineralization, Tom shares that the Alces Lake Project is also rich in light and heavy rare earths.

With uranium in demand and high-tech and electric vehicles industries relying heavily on rare earths, Appia’s dual focus on uranium and rare earths sets the company apart in the critical minerals industry. Tom clarified that while the rare earth projects have gained significant attention, the company remains committed to uranium exploration.

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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 12,545 hectares (31,000 acres), with rare earth elements 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 Ionic Adsorption Clay Project which is 17,551.07 ha. in size and located within the Goiás State of Brazil. (See June 9th, 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 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.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. (ASX: LYC), the Australian mining giant, recently breathed a sigh of relief. Malaysia’s government granted the firm a pivotal extension on their operating license, allowing them to continue importing and processing raw materials laden with naturally occurring radioactive elements until March 2026.

Previously, Malaysia had stringent reservations due to radiation concerns stemming from the cracking and leaching procedures in processing these materials. The facility in Pahang, Malaysia, has been mired in controversies surrounding radioactive waste, specifically thorium, since 2012. Malaysia had gone to the extent of instructing Lynas to shift certain radioactive waste-producing operations out of the country, even enforcing a ban on imports of raw materials with these elements.

The game-changer was Lynas’s innovative proposal: a technology that could extract thorium not just from the raw materials but also from the accumulated waste. If Lynas can effectively commercialize this method, the waste can be rapidly disposed of, while the extracted thorium might find buyers in nuclear plants worldwide.

But why is this decision so monumental for Lynas?

For starters, had Lynas not been granted this extension, the company would be staring at a gaping hole in their supply chain. Their Kalgoorlie plant in Australia would not start processing any carbonate product until the next year, and ramping up to their nameplate capacity would take potentially another nine months. This scenario would have crippled their Malaysian production for nearly three-quarters of the year, slashing their annual output by half.

Historically, Lynas imported its monazite concentrate from Mount Weld in Australia. This concentrate would then journey to Malaysia, undergoing a sulfation bake. In simpler terms, it would be combined with sulfuric acid, processed in a kiln, and subsequently undergo a water leach and purification process. But one of the waste streams from this method, which contained higher radiation levels, proved problematic.

Lynas’s ambitious plans include expanding its Magnetic Materials (Neodymium and Praseodymium) production in Malaysia, a crucial component in various modern applications ranging from magnets in wind turbines to motors in electric vehicles. With expansion plans in the pipeline and a new facility in Texas, the extended operating license in Malaysia ensures that Lynas has a consistent supply to meet global demands.

The strategic decision by the Malaysian government underscores the importance of Lynas in the global rare earth industry. With news of other major players facing operational hiccups, the industry needed a win. And this decision, undoubtedly, is a significant one. It not only secures Lynas’s position but also sends a positive signal for the rare earth industry at large.

In essence, this development underscores a harmonizing synergy of economic ambitions and environmental prudence. While the decision spells robust business prospects for Lynas, it’s also a nod to Malaysia’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The future, it seems, is both green and bright for Lynas and rare earths.

In a recent InvestorNews interview, Tracy Weslosky sat down with American Rare Earths Limited‘s (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF) CEO Donald Swartz to discuss the recent drilling results from their Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming, USA. Discussing the potential for a much larger, higher-grade rare earths resource, Donald explains how Halleck Creek signifies the largest rare earths opportunity in the USA.

With a 1.43 billion tonne JORC Resource at Halleck Creek, Donald says that recent assay results with over 5,000 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) far exceeds the previous average of 3,300 ppm TREO, affirming the project’s vast potential.

Donald goes on to say that American Rare Earths is focused on key magnet rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium which constitute approximately 20% of the project’s TREO content.

To access the complete interview, click here

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About American Rare Earths Limited

American Rare Earths is committed to becoming a top supplier of critical minerals. The company is a leading explorer of rare earth projects, with a strong focus on developing sustainable and cost-effective extraction and processing methods. To meet the rapidly increasing demand for resources essential to the clean energy transition and US national security, American Rare Earths is engaged in advanced study and continued exploration of its 100% owned rare earth element projects rich in the magnet elements of neodymium and praseodymium at Halleck Creek in Albany County, Wyoming and La Paz, Arizona. Both projects have the potential to be among North America’s largest rare earth deposits. The Halleck Creek deposit was recently identified by Mining.com as fifth in the world’s top rare earth projects. A recently released maiden JORC Resource report for Halleck Creek shows 1.43 billion tonnes of in-place TREO, 4.73 million tonnes TREO containing approximately 1.05 million tonnes of the highly desirable magnet metals neodymium and praseodymium. The Halleck Creek deposit is located approximately 70km north-east of Laramie encompassing portions of Albany and Platte Counties in Wyoming. The Company continues to evaluate other exploration opportunities and is collaborating with US Government-supported R&D to develop efficient processing and separation techniques of rare earth elements to help ensure a renewable future.

To know more about American Rare Earths Limited, click here

Disclaimer: American Rare Earths Limited 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.

Jack Lifton, host of InvestorNews, recently sat down with Donald Swartz, the new CEO of American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF), to delve deeper into the company’s exciting developments in the rare earth sector. Here’s a brief recap of their conversation:

Swartz shed light on the recent activity in the company’s stock, attributing the upward momentum to the drilling results just released. Spotlighting the Halleck Creek project in Wyoming, Donald touted as the company’s flagship project. Additionally, under Swartz’s leadership and with CFO Jose Rico, the company has explored new prospects, most notably Beaver Creek, which has already yielded high-grade assay results of up to 13.9% TREO.

While the current work is based on grab samples, Swartz confirmed that drilling is next on the agenda. Engagements with service landowners are underway, with drilling scheduled to begin before winter.

Asked about the business’s operating plan, Swartz revealed that results from the drilling at Halleck Creek will be available around October-November, with additional resource exploration planned for both sites. A JORC report for Beaver Creek is anticipated this fall, and the drilling results from Halleck Creek will contribute to a PEA or PFS in early next year.

Neodymium and praseodymium, vital magnet metals, are the predominant rare earths in both deposits. Swartz aims to integrate these findings into a thorough economic analysis to determine the extent of metal concentration.

Swartz also addressed potential logistical challenges. Despite the high altitude of the deposits, Swartz remains optimistic. The advantageous location near major infrastructure—like power grids, water sources, and transport networks—positions American Rare Earths Limited for success. As the coal industry faces decline, Swartz hopes to leverage Wyoming’s rich mining expertise for their projects.

This interview paints a bright future for American Rare Earths and Wyoming’s mining landscape. As the company advances, all eyes will be on its promising developments in the rare earths sector.

To access the complete interview, click here

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

About American Rare Earths Limited

American Rare Earths is committed to becoming a top supplier of critical minerals. The company is a leading explorer of rare earth projects, with a strong focus on developing sustainable and cost-effective extraction and processing methods. To meet the rapidly increasing demand for resources essential to the clean energy transition and US national security, American Rare Earths is engaged in advanced study and continued exploration of its 100% owned rare earth element projects rich in the magnet elements of neodymium and praseodymium at Halleck Creek in Albany County, Wyoming and La Paz, Arizona. Both projects have the potential to be among North America’s largest rare earth deposits. The Halleck Creek deposit was recently identified by Mining.com as fifth in the world’s top rare earth projects. A recently released maiden JORC Resource report for Halleck Creek shows 1.43 billion tonnes of in-place TREO, 4.73 million tonnes TREO containing approximately 1.05 million tonnes of the highly desirable magnet metals neodymium and praseodymium. The Halleck Creek deposit is located approximately 70km north-east of Laramie encompassing portions of Albany and Platte Counties in Wyoming. The Company continues to evaluate other exploration opportunities and is collaborating with US Government-supported R&D to develop efficient processing and separation techniques of rare earth elements to help ensure a renewable future.

To know more about American Rare Earths Limited, click here

Disclaimer: American Rare Earths Limited 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.