The Conversation (0)
July 14, 2024
Pearl Gull is pleased to advise that it has entered into a binding term sheet to acquire 100% of the fully paid ordinary shares in Huemul which in turn has signed an agreement and is negotiating a further agreement for it to have a right to earn up to 80% of the equity in a privately held Chilean-company, NeoRe SpA (NeoRe).
Highlights:
- Pearl Gull Iron Limited (ASX: PLG) (Pearl Gull, PLG or the Company) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Huemul Holdings Pty Ltd (ACN 665 254 491) (Huemul) (the Acquisition). Huemul has signed an agreement and is negotiating a further agreement to have the right to earn up to an 80% interest in NeoRe SpA.
- NeoRe SpA is a Chilean company that holds tenements and tenement applications in Chile that are highly prospective for Ionic Adsorption Clay (IAC) Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – the La Marigen Project
- The La Marigen Project consists of 5 tenement/tenement application areas covering a combined area of ~22,800ha along the coastal belt of Chile, an emerging IAC REE province
- The coastal belt of Chile is underexplored; however, the belt has numerous analogies with respect to the geology and weathering profile of the prolific southern China ionic rare earth province that spans from Yunnan in the southwest to Zhejiang in the southeast
- Following the acquisition of Huemul, the Company proposes an exploration programme at the La Marigen Project, drawing on leading geochemical and geophysical methodologies to identify priority drill targets
- The region is known to host mineralised clay horizons that are highly enriched in REE elements such as (Nd+Pr & Dy+Tb) as demonstrated at the nearby advanced IAC REE project, Penco, owned by TSX-listed Aclara Resources Inc (TSX: ARA) (Aclara)
- Importantly, the style of REE enrichment in this coastal belt frequently results in a mineral assemblage skewed towards heavy rare earth elements (HREE)
- NeoRe SpA's in-country team has extensive knowledge and experience operating in the region and was instrumental in the development of the target generation of rare earth resources, that led to resources that underpin Aclara’s Penco Project
- The Company will also assess further complementary mineral exploration opportunities in the region to assess value accretive opportunities in this IAC REE district
- Experienced minerals industry Executive, Dr John Mair, to join the Board and oversee the Company’s REE strategy. Dr Mair has over a decade of experience in the rare earth sector through his integral role in resource development, and metallurgical and feasibility studies of the Kvanefjeld project in Greenland
NeoRe holds 4 granted tenements and is the applicant pursuant to tenement applications that are considered to be highly prospective for IAC REEs, collectively covering a surface area of ~22,800ha and which comprise the La Marigen Project. Further details are provided in the Tenement Schedule in Appendix 5.
In parallel with the Acquisition, experienced Rare Earth industry executive Dr John Mair will join the Board of Pearl Gull and will provide guidance and oversight to the exploration activities in relation to the La Marigen Project.
The NeoRe in-country exploration team is highly credentialed and has extensive knowledge and experience operating in the region. They have a robust track record of delineating and developing REE resources and following this transaction will be well positioned to progress the La Marigen Project.
The Acquisition and proposed farm-in to the La Marigen Project would further strengthen the asset portfolio of Pearl Gull with the Company seeking to leverage its network in the resources industry to provide new opportunities for its shareholders while still seeking to realise value from the Cockatoo Island Project, located on Cockatoo Island, situated off the Northwest coast of Western Australia.
Chairman Russell Clark commented:
“The farm-in to the La Marigen Project provides the Company with an opportunity to potentially acquire an interest in an emerging ionic adsorption clay rare earth elements region, known to host high grades. Importantly the project area is located in close proximity to Concepción, which is a major industrial city on the coast of Chile.
The limited surface sampling programme within the project area returned results commensurate with reported occurrences of IAC REE deposits in the region. Additionally, our partners at NeoRe conducted (un-certified) bulk sample testing (200kg sample) at the University of Concepción, which returned preliminary results suggesting that the project areas are reasonably likely to host disorbable IAC REE.
This demonstrates the potential that the region is prospective to host IAC REE and provides the Company with an exciting opportunity within an emerging region."
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Pearl Gull Iron Limited , licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
PLG:AU
22h
Australian Strategic Reports Bump in Rare Earths Sales Enquiries
Australian Strategic Materials (ASX:ASM,OTC Pink:ASMMF) has confirmed the sale of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) metal and neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) alloy to its key partners.
Supply came from the company's critical metals facility in South Korea's Ochang Foreign Investment Zone. Located 115 kilometres south of Seoul, the plant opened in May 2022 and is Australian Strategic's flagship metallisation plant.
According to Australian Strategic, it is the only ASX-listed company capable of producing rare earth metals and alloys commercially. The plant is one of the few facilities outside of China capable of producing the high-tech metals and alloys needed for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, defence and aerospace.
Australian Strategic shared that recent work carried out at the plant, together with ongoing trade and geopolitical uncertainty, has resulted in numerous sales enquiries and customer discussions.
“As rare earth supply chains face increasing vulnerability due to China’s export restrictions, ASM is continuing to develop existing and potential customer relationships, positioned to deliver an alternative supply to the rest of world," the company explains in a press release issued on June 6.
Its customers include big and small permanent magnet manufacturers in South Korea, the US and Europe
Australian Strategic also revealed that it will use existing stock and oxides from an Australian supplier to meet demand, and is currently in discussions with Canada-based Ucore Rare Metals (TSXV:UCU,OTCQX:UURAF) for more oxide supply.
In Australia, rare earths have increasingly been in demand, with the government looking to secure rare earths independence using various tactics. These include project investments, strategic partnerships and tax incentives.
Australian Strategic received AU$5 million for its Dubbo rare earths project under the Australian government’s International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program in October 2024.
As of 2025, Australia ranks fourth in both rare earths reserves and output.
Recently, Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC,OTC Pink:LYSCF), the world’s only producer of separated rare earths outside of China, became the first producer of heavy rare earths outside China after starting production at its Malaysian facility.
Australian Strategic will continue to work with relevant partners and update the market as further sales occur.
“In recent months, ASM’s position as one of the leading ex-China producers of NdPr metal and NdFeB alloy has been cemented,” Managing Director and CEO Rowena Smith commented.
“Having navigated rigorous validation processes with existing and potential customers, proving our capability and product quality, we are now in a position to leverage our growing experience and reputation in the industry.”
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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11 June
Change of Director's Interest Notice (T Sage)
11 June
Widespread Natural Rutile Observed Throughout the Central Rutile Tenement Package
DY6 Metals Ltd (ASX: DY6, “DY6” or “Company”) is pleased to announce the initial results from the reconnaissance exploration program at the Central Rutile Project, Cameroon. Desktop studies incorporating detailed geological mapping, geophysics, and known mineral occurrences, were used to define initial, high priority targets for ground-truthing. The reconnaissance programme, which consisted of auger sampling, road-cutting channel sampling, soil sampling and stream sediment sampling, was successful in identifying heavy mineral (HM) and natural rutile mineralisation across all five tenements that make up the Central Rutile project. Rutile nuggets, ranging in size from 1mm+ to 2cm+, were observed in alluvial and eluvial (residual) sources. Samples collected from the initial exploration programme are currently being prepped for dispatch to the Company’s laboratory for analysis in South Africa, with results expected in August 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Reconnaissance auger and grab sampling programme nearing completion at the Central Rutile Project, with a detailed soil sampling programme to commence shortly
- Soil sampling programme will be used to rapidly identify areas of higher grade HM and rutile mineralisation, which will be followed up on with a large auger drilling campaign in the September quarter
- Reconnaissance sampling undertaken across the 5 Central Rutile Project tenements has identified visible natural rutile from both alluvial and eluvial (residual) sources
- The identification of rutile across the entire tenement package is highly encouraging and reaffirms the Company’s belief that the region is an emerging, globally significant rutile province
- Samples collected from the reconnaissance program are due to be submitted for laboratory analysis in the coming weeks, with results expected in the September quarter
- The Company’s reconnaissance program at the Douala Basin HMS Project is ongoing, with initial results expected in the coming weeks
Non-executive Chairman, Dan Smith, commented:
“The in-country team has done a great job of mobilising to site so quickly. We are pleased with the initial results from the reconnaissance program at the Central Rutile project and the confirmation of widespread, natural rutile across the licences from both residual and alluvial sources. I look forward to the receipt of the assays in the coming months, as well as results from the ongoing exploration at the Douala Basin project.”
Technical Consultant, Cliff Fitzhenry, commented:
“The Central Rutile project covers a large (2,140km2) area, so this initial reconnaissance programme has only just scratched the surface of the potential for this area. We always knew the licences were in the right address, having the correct underlying geology, deep in-situ weathering profile, and known, historic rutile occurrences. The solid work of the in-country team, in conjunction with our Senior Exploration Geologist, Troth Saindi, is already paying dividends. Having achieved our initial goals, exploration at the Central Rutile project will shift from reconnaissance in nature to that of a detailed soil sampling programme. This will allow us to achieve greater coverage over the tenement package and will help to rapidly define zones of higher grade heavy mineral occurrences, which will be followed up with a large-scale auger sampling programme.
I am excited to get on the ground as soon as possible to help drive the exploration work as the project story unfolds.”
Reconnaissance exploration at the Central Rutile Project
As announced on 5 June 2025, the Company has commenced reconnaissance auger and grab sampling programmes at the Central Rutile and Douala Basin HMS projects, Cameroon. To date, at the Central Rutile Project the Company has completed 3 auger drill holes (refer Figure 1), collecting 10 samples in the process, as well as collected 42 channel samples from 7 road cutting exposures, 1 surface grab sample and 2 stream sediment samples for analysis (refer Tables 1-4).
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from DY6 Metals, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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10 June
Hyundai Builds Rare Earths Stockpile to Offset Supply Risks
As global automakers brace for fallout from China’s tightening grip on rare earths exports, Hyundai Motor (KRX:005380,OTC Pink:HYMTF) appears to have quietly positioned itself ahead of the curve.
According to Reuters, a source familiar with the matter said on a recent investor call that the auto giant has stockpiled enough rare earth materials to maintain uninterrupted electric and hybrid vehicle production for about a year. The strategic stockpile should buy Hyundai critical time as supply chains buckle under mounting geopolitical tension.
China’s April decision to restrict exports of seven rare earths — a move requiring producers to obtain government licenses — has sent shockwaves through the auto, aerospace and semiconductor industries, particularly in the west.
But Hyundai, the world’s third largest automaker alongside affiliate Kia (KRX:000270), reportedly boosted its reserves during a brief window of relaxed Chinese controls, as per the source quoted by Reuters.
The Hyundai investor relations official reportedly told call participants that the company has “far more wiggle room” than rivals, citing successful procurement diversification and proactive inventory buildup.
Hyundai declined to confirm on inventory specifics in a public statement, but told Reuters, “We continuously evaluate market conditions to ensure operational stability and maintain a diversified global supply chain.”
Hyundai’s preparedness stands in contrast to the scramble now engulfing US and European manufacturers. Several major European suppliers have already reported production disruptions linked to delayed rare earths deliveries.
“We’re gradually coming into a very, very critical moment whereby those stocks are now being exhausted,” said Jonathan O’Riordan, international trade director at the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, in a Monday (June 9) interview with CNBC. “We are potentially going to see production stoppages.”
The rare earths crunch has become a central issue in US-China trade negotiations, which resumed on Monday in London and were set to continue Tuesday (June 10) morning, with Washington pushing for firmer guarantees.
Delegations led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US officials — including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer — convened at Lancaster House in a bid to stabilize relations that have deteriorated beyond tariffs into critical minerals and tech controls.
The talks follow a May 12 truce that paused most of the 100-percent-plus tariffs both countries had imposed. However, since then, the US has accused China of “slow-walking” commitments, particularly regarding rare earths shipments.
US President Donald Trump, who last week spoke directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, appeared optimistic on Monday, telling reporters at the White House, “We're doing well with China. China's not easy.”
He added, “We're going to see,” when asked about lifting rare earths restrictions.
Kevin Hassett, Trump’s economic advisor, said the US is seeking a “handshake” agreement on resumed rare earths shipments, signaling that the mineral supply chain has now taken center stage in the global trade war.
For its part, China over the weekend appeared to open a narrow diplomatic path, announcing a “green channel” to fast track rare earths export licenses to select European Union firms. The country's Ministry of Commerce also confirmed that it has quietly granted licenses to Chinese suppliers servicing major US automakers.
It remains unclear whether Hyundai’s buffer includes inventory held by its suppliers, or how the company may choose to ration usage in the event of further disruptions. Nonetheless, the South Korean firm’s ability to maintain stable production offers temporary reassurance for a jittery global auto market.
As trade talks continue in London, the question isn’t whether China will remain central to rare earths — it’s whether any other nations can afford to remain dependent.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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10 June
Recycling Rare Earths: Path to Securing North American Supply Chains
Recycling materials has been a widely established process to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint. Now, thanks to both technology innovation and an increasing global sentiment toward resource resilience and security, this well-known process is carving a niche in the critical minerals space.
The global shift toward clean energy and advanced technologies is driving unprecedented demand for rare earth elements (REEs), yet the US remains almost entirely dependent on foreign sources, particularly China, for its supply. As the risks of this reliance grow more apparent, both industry and government are turning to recycling as a scalable, lower-impact solution to secure domestic access to these strategic materials.
Supply challenges
The rare earth supply chain is one of the most geopolitically concentrated in the world.
As of 2023, China accounted for nearly 90 percent of the global refined output of rare earth elements and dominates downstream magnet manufacturing capacity. This dominance poses significant supply chain and national security risks. According to the US Department of Energy, a disruption in REE supply would have a disproportionate impact on high-tech and defense sectors that rely on materials like neodymium and dysprosium.
Rare earth magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) types, are central to an increasingly wide array of technologies. In addition to their well-known applications in electric vehicles, wind turbines and military systems, they are also vital to the high-performance motors and cooling systems used in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
As demand for AI models and cloud computing surges, so does the need for hard disk drives as well as more efficient data centers, which rely on REE-powered components for energy efficiency and reliability. Consumer electronics, robotics, medical imaging devices and industrial automation systems also depend on these magnets to operate at high precision and speed. This broad dependency underscores why rare earths are not only an industrial necessity but also a strategic economic asset.
Recognizing the REE supply imbalance, the US government has prioritized rare earths as part of its critical minerals strategy, with policy initiatives aimed at supporting domestic production, recycling and innovation.
Beyond mining: Resilience through recycling
While new rare earth mining projects are in development across North America, they face well-known challenges: long permitting timelines, high capital costs and environmental concerns.
A report from the Harvard International Review indicates traditional mining of REEs often produces up to 2,000 tons of toxic waste per ton of extracted material. Recycling mitigates these impacts by reducing the need for new mining operations, thereby preserving ecosystems and decreasing carbon emissions. Innovative recycling methods have emerged as more sustainable alternatives, not only recovering valuable materials but also minimizing environmental harm.
Recycling and recovery of rare earths from end-of-life products offer a faster, more sustainable route to building domestic capacity. Establishing domestic recycling facilities enhances economic resilience by reducing reliance on imported REEs, particularly from dominant suppliers like China. Such initiatives contribute to job creation and stimulate local economies. Moreover, recycling supports a circular economy by reintroducing materials into the supply chain, reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource utilization.
Recent technological developments have made rare earth magnet recycling more viable. For instance, the use of copper salts in leaching processes has achieved recovery rates of up to 98 percent for certain REEs. Additionally, the selective extraction-evaporation-electrolysis process offers efficient separation and recycling of REEs from end-of-life magnets. The magnet-to-magnet approach — where spent magnets are processed into new ones without reverting to individual metal oxides — has gained traction due to its efficiency and lower carbon footprint. These advancements facilitate scalability, enabling broader adoption of recycling practices.
Several companies in North America and Europe are currently in various stages of advancing rare earth magnet recycling technologies, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.
Supporting American critical minerals independence
One company gaining investor attention in this space is Vancouver-based CoTec Holdings (TSXV:CTH).
Through a joint venture with HyProMag USA, CoTec is bringing to market an innovative recycling method for rare earth magnets. The technology, known as Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap (HPMS), was originally developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham.
This process uses hydrogen to break down and extract rare earth magnet alloy powders from end-of-life products, such as hard drives and electric motors, without the need for high-temperature smelting or acid-based leaching. Compared to traditional recycling methods, HPMS is energy-efficient, low-emission and scalable, enabling recovery of high-purity metalized magnet material while significantly reducing environmental impact. Because the extracted powder can be directly reused to produce new magnets — entirely within the US — the technology also eliminates the need to ship materials overseas for refining and metallization, cutting costs and reducing supply chain vulnerability.
HyProMag USA completed an independent feasibility study and ISO study of its carbon impact last year. The feasibility study, released in November 2024, is targeting a total annual production capacity of 1,041 tons of recycled NdFeB magnets over a 40 year operating life, post-tax net present value of US$262 million at current market prices, increasing to US$503 million at independent forecast prices. HyProMag USA is eyeing 10 percent of USA’s domestic demand for NdFeB magnets within five years of commissioning, with three plants targeting ~3,000 tons of recycled NdFeB magnets, which is three times what was contemplated in the November 2024 feasibility study.
CoTec owns 60.3 percent of HyProMag USA, including a 50 percent direct stake and an indirect interest through its 20.6 percent ownership in Maginito, HyProMag’s other JV partner. The company is building a rare earth magnet recycling facility in the Texas Dallas-Fort Worth area, positioning it to serve US manufacturing and defense industries.
This recycling-based approach not only supports US supply chain resilience but also provides investors with exposure to a lower-risk, ESG-aligned critical minerals strategy.
Investor takeaway
As demand for clean energy and digital technologies accelerates, rare earth materials will remain a strategic priority. While domestic mining plays a role, recycling technologies like HPMS offer near-term solutions to build secure, sustainable and traceable supply chains. Companies innovating in this space — particularly those that can scale effectively in North America — may benefit from rising demand, policy support and long-term structural tailwinds.
For investors, understanding the rare earth ecosystem, including its geopolitical risks and technical innovation pathways, will be essential in identifying resilient opportunities amid the energy transition.
This INNspired article is sponsored by CoTec (TSXV:CTH,OTCQB:CTHCF) This INNspired article provides information which was sourced by the Investing News Network (INN) and approved by CoTecin order to help investors learn more about the company. CoTec is a client of INN. The company’s campaign fees pay for INN to create and update this INNspired article.
This INNspired article was written according to INN editorial standards to educate investors.
INN does not provide investment advice and the information on this profile should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. INN does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company profiled.
The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with CoTec and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.
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10 June
Eclipse Metals Completes $2M Oversubscribed Placement at Market Price to Advance 89Mt Grønnedal Rare Earth Project
Eclipse Metals Limited (ASX: EPM) (Eclipse or the Company) is pleased to advise that it has received firm commitments to raise $2 million (before costs) through a placement to institutional, professional, and sophisticated investors (Placement). The Placement was strongly supported, and the Company has accepted $2 million in line with its strategic funding objectives. Allocations were scaled back accordingly.
Highlights
- Firm commitments received to raise $2 million via an oversubscribed Placement conducted at no discount to the last traded price of $0.015
- Placement was cornerstoned by an existing shareholder with a $500,000 commitment
- Proceeds to advance environmental and exploration programs at Ivigtût and Grønnedal
- Supports evaluation of historical drill core and definition of new drill targets
- Reinforces Eclipse’s strategic role in the global rare earth supply chain
The Placement was cornerstoned by a supportive existing shareholder, who subscribed for $500,000, reflecting continued confidence in Eclipse’s long-term strategy and the potential of its Greenland assets.
The Placement follows the Company’s recent announcement of an 89 million tonne Mineral Resource Estimate at the Grønnedal rare earth element (REE) deposit in southwest Greenland. Investor interest reflects recognition of the scale and quality of this resource, as well as the broader critical minerals potential of the project.
Under the Placement, Eclipse will issue 133,333,333 fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.015 per share. In addition, 33 million unlisted options (Options) will be issued to the Lead Manager, exercisable at $0.03 each and expiring two years from the date of issue.
Placement funds raised will be used for the following:
- Exploration and resource expansion drilling at the Grønnedal rare earth element (REE) prospect
- Environmental baseline and remediation planning at the historic Ivigtût pit
- Assessment and mineralogical analysis of historical drill core to enhance geological understanding
- General working capital and costs associated with the Placement
The Placement will be undertaken within the Company’s existing placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A and will not require shareholder approval.
Peak Asset Management acted as Lead Manager to the Placement.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Eclipse Metals, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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