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![St George Mining](https://investingnews.com/media-library/st-george-mining.png?id=53105287&width=1200&height=800)
St George to Acquire Advanced High-Grade Araxa Niobium Project in World’s Leading Niobium Producing Address
Acquisition propels St George onto global niobium stage
St George Mining Limited (ASX: SGQ) (“St George” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding conditional agreement to acquire all the issued capital of Itafos Araxá Mineracao E Fertilizantes S.A (“Itafos Araxá”) which owns 100% of the advanced niobium-REE Araxá Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil (“Araxá” or “the Project”). The closing of the transaction is subject to the completion (or waiver) of certain conditions by November 3, 2024.
Highlights
- Binding Agreement: St George has entered into a binding conditional agreement to acquire 100% of the Araxá niobium-REE Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil (the “Project”)
- World class location: The Project is immediately adjacent to, and within the same carbonatite complex as, the niobium mine of CBMM that produces approximately 80% of the world’s niobium
- High-grade mineralisation: Historical drilling at the Project has defined extensive high- grade niobium, REE and phosphate mineralisation with:
- More than 500 intercepts of high-grade niobium, >1% Nb2O5
- Ultra-high grades up to 8% Nb2O5, 33% TREO and 32% P2O5
- Mineralisation commencing from surface and open in all directions
- Strong foundation to deliver resource: Outstanding opportunity for St George to define a globally significant niobium-REE resource
- Enviable development potential: Located in an established mining district with existing infrastructure (roads and power), proven route to market and access to workforce
- Capital raising locked-in: St George has received firm commitments from investors to raise new funds of $21.25 million for application towards acquisition costs, exploration expenses and working capital
Drilling by previous explorers at the Project has confirmed significant niobium and rare earths element (REE) mineralisation – see Tables 1, 2 and 3.
Table 1: Historical high-grade niobium drill intercepts at Araxá include (cut-off grade of 1% Nb2O5)1:
The intercepts in Tables 1 and 2 have been selected to demonstrate, respectively, the outstanding prospectivity for near-surface high-grade niobium and TREO mineralisation at the Project. For a full list of significant historical drill results, see Table 3 at the end of this ASX Release.
The historical drill results use categories of mineralisation consistent with those defined in the 2012 JORC Code. These results confirm the presence of high-grade niobium and REE mineralisation, providing St George with a strong platform to expand the mineralised footprint at the Project with further drilling.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from St George Mining, 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.
Rare Earths Market Update: H1 2024 in Review
The rare earths market was punctuated by significant fluctuations during the first half of 2024.
Global supply continued to struggle to meet rising demand, particularly outside of China. Early stage projects in countries like the US, Korea and India are showing promise, but have so far been insufficient to close the growing supply gap.
Conversely, while rare earths demand across key end-use segments — electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies — started the year strong, some demand eroded during Q2, which was reflected in lower prices.
Geopolitical tensions also intensified toward the end of the quarter, and are likely to impact the market through H2.
China driving global rare earths supply with rising quotas
Global rare earths supply has been increasing annually since 2020, when total production topped 240,000 metric tons (MT). In 2023, global mine supply grew to 350,000 MT, with the majority of this fresh supply coming out of China.
In 2020, the Asian nation produced 140,000 MT of rare earths, with output ballooning to 240,000 MT in 2023.
“China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology raised 2023 quotas for rare-earth mining and separation to 240,000 tons and 230,000 tons of REO equivalent, respectively,” as per the US Geological Survey. “In 2023, mine production quotas were allocated to 220,850 tons of light rare earths and 19,150 tons of ion-adsorption clays.”
China accounts for 68.57 percent of all mined supply, and is likely to add to that number this year.
In February, the country issued its first round of 2024 quotas.
“A rare earth mining quota of 135,000 tonnes and a smelting and separation quota of 127,000 tonnes were unveiled for the first round of 2024, up by 12.50 percent from 120,000 and 10.43 percent from 115,000 tonnes respectively from 2023’s first round quotas,” a Fastmarkets report published that month states.
The quotas were targeted at China’s two major rare earths companies. “China North Rare Earth Corp has been allocated a mining quota for light rare earth of 94,580 tonnes and a smelting quota of 88,010 tonnes, China Rare Earth Group received a total mining quota of 40,420 tonnes including 30,280 tonnes for light rare earth, and 10,140 for ion-absorbed rare earth (medium and heavy rare earth), and a total smelting quota of 38,990 tonnes,” Fastmarkets explains.
In terms of top-producing mines, China’s Bayan Obo mines in Inner Mongolia make up the majority of market supply, followed by Mount Weld in Australia and Mountain Pass in the US.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), since 2015, Myanmar's share of global rare earths production has surged from 0.2 percent to 14 percent, and the US has increased its share from 1 percent to 9 percent.
Looking ahead to 2030, China is expected to remain the top producer of magnet rare earths, while Australia's share of global production is projected to rise to 18 percent, and the US is anticipated to maintain a 7 percent share.
As noted in the IEA’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook, the primary issue for the rare earths sector is supply concentration.
“The major concern for magnet rare earths is not a huge gap between demand and supply like in the case of copper or lithium, but rather an extremely important level of geographical concentration of today’s as well as future mining and refining projects that expose this market significantly to supply disruptions,” it reads.
Geopolitical tensions impacting rare earths supply and trade policies
Such rare earths supply disruptions could come from China implementing export bans similar to those issued in 2019, when the US and China engaged in a tit-for-tat trade war.
Limited rare earths exports from China were also the catalyst behind Australia-listed Lynas (ASX:LYC,OTC Pink:LYSCF), which was born when China limited rare earths exports to Japan in the early 2000s.
Now Lynas controls 15 percent of the rare earths market and is planning on expanding its presence in the space.
Currently Lynas operates the Mount Weld rare earths mine in Western Australia, and is a major global producer of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, a key material for neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets.
In late June, Lynas announced plans to begin producing separated heavy rare earths products at its Kuantan refinery in Malaysia, with commissioning and ramp-up expected by mid-2025. The facility will have an estimated annual throughput of 1,500 MT of a mixed heavy rare earths compound, which includes samarium, europium, gadolinium and holmium. Initial estimates for dysprosium and terbium production capacity haven't been provided.
“This circuit reconfiguration at Lynas Malaysia provides a pathway to accelerate our commitment to processing all of the elements in the Mt Weld ore body,” said Amanda Lacaze, CEO and managing director of Lynas.
In an effort to increase domestic supply, the US government has announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on rare earth magnet imports from China. “The tariff rate on natural graphite and permanent magnets will increase from zero to 25 percent in 2026. The tariff rate for certain other critical minerals will increase from zero to 25 percent in 2024,” as per a May statement from the White House. “Concentration of critical minerals mining and refining capacity in China leaves our supply chains vulnerable and our national security and clean energy goals at risk.”
The announcement was welcome news to MP Materials (NYSE:MP), which owns and operates Mountain Pass in California, “America’s only scaled and operational rare earth mine and separations facility.”
Jim Litinsky, chief executive of MP Materials, told Fastmarkets in mid-May that the new tariffs will "help to level the playing field for domestic producers," giving the US market time to scale and develop.
Prior to the Biden administration's decision, MP Materials was awarded US$58.5 million by the US Department of Energy “to advance its construction of America’s first fully-integrated rare earth magnet manufacturing facility.”
Similarly, E-Vac, the US subsidiary of German magnet manufacturer VAC Group, was given US$111.9 million in US tax credits to advance the construction of its first US rare earth magnet manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina.
The funding will facilitate the construction of a sintered NdFeB rare earth magnet plant in an American city. It is expected to be operational by late fall 2025.
The project, which began in March, is supported by the US Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C) under the Inflation Reduction Act). In its first phase, this initiative allocated US$10 billion in funding, with US$800 million in tax credits, to select projects focused on critical materials recycling, processing and refining.
Rare earths prices hurting as demand slumps
Along with oversupply, 2024 has brought weaker rare earths demand in key end-use segments, like the EV sector, due to lower consumer buying. In turn, that has caused prices to trend lower.
In an April article, Caroline Messecar, Fastmarkets' strategic markets editor for technology metals, points to several factors that she thinks have helped push rare earths prices down close to 70 percent in two years.
She identifies weak EV demand, a global economic downturn, previous volatility and geopolitics as culprits.
Looking ahead, the rare earths market outside of China could face supply disruptions as the Asian nation announced new regulations to protect rare earths supply for national security in early July.
These rules, covering the mining, smelting and trade of these crucial materials, emphasize that rare earth resources belong to the state. The government will oversee the development of China's rare earths industry, where the country has become the leading producer, accounting for nearly 90 percent of global refined output.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Quarterly Activities Report for 30 June 2024
Pearl Gull Iron Limited (ASX: PLG) (Pearl Gull or the Company) is pleased to report on activities for the June 2024 quarter, which included executing a binding agreement to farm-in to the La Marigen Project located in Chile.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pearl Gull Iron Limited entered into a binding agreement to acquire Huemul Holdings Pty Ltd (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) (Earn-in Agreement).
- NeoRe 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.
- 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.
- With the support of ERM Sustainable Mining, a field mapping exercise on Cockatoo Island was completed during the quarter to assist with the development of a 3D structural understanding of the relationship between the Switch Pit and Magazine areas. Final report is now being completed to assist with development of a drilling program.
- Care and maintenance activities continued on the island with receipt of weed management plan recommendations which are currently being implemented.
- Upcoming General Meeting to be held on 13 August 2024 to approve resolutions relating to the Acquisition.
The Acquisition and proposed farm-in to the La Marigen Project will 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.
The entry into Chile, and specifically the ionic REE sector, has been considered following extensive due diligence, that has investigated the potential quality of genuine ionic adsorption REE-enriched clays, accessibility to key areas of resource definition, in-country support from operational logistics, and technical support from locally based and highly reputed institutions that already have over a decade of experience in the metallurgical processing of ionic REE clays.
Collectively, the proposition is the acquisition of the experience and in-country skill-set that presents both a value opportunity and a point of difference to other companies entering the REE sector, in addition to NeoRe’s existing tenure and extensive license applications.
Huemul, via many years in the REE sector, brings extensive connectivity to international operators, downstream processes and end-users on the rapidly advancing REE sector
NeoRe brings both international mining experience, strong knowledge of central Chile’s ionic REE belt, and importantly brings strong connectivity across all levels of stakeholders.
Pearl Gull’s Non-Executive Chairman, Russell Clark, commented:
“Following a substantial due diligence process we are excited to have executed a binding agreement to farmin to the La Marigen Project, which we believe provides the Company with a significant opportunity to acquire an interest in an emerging ionic adsorption clay rare earth elements region, known to host high grades. Based on a limited surface sampling programme within the project area, which returned results commensurate with reported occurrences of IAC REE deposits in the region, and with the project areas being located in close proximity to Concepción, a major industrial city on the coast of Chile, we look forward to completing the acquisition and commencing initial exploration programs as soon as possible.”
Acquisition and Farm-in to the La Marigen Project
During the quarter, the Company announced that it 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.
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.
In parallel with the Acquisition, experienced Rare Earth industry executive Dr John Mair will join the Board of Pearl Gull and brings a wealth of experience in the development of REE assets. Dr Mair will provide guidance and oversight to the exploration and development activities in relation to the La Marigen Project.
Dr Mair is an economic geologist with extensive international experience across technical, managerial and corporate fields.
Dr Mair was previously Managing Director of Energy Transition Minerals Ltd (ASX:ETM – formerly Greenland Minerals Limited) and played a central role in the Kvanefjeld Project’stechnical evolution from a historically investigated uranium resource to one of the worlds most significant emerging REE projects. This included resource development, establishment of a globally-leading mining reserve, and playing a key role in Greenland (and Denmark) becoming a signatory of the IAEA. He maintains strong relationships with industry participants in China, Europe and North America.
The NeoRe in-country exploration team is highly credentialed and has extensive knowledge and experience operating in the region. The team has a robust track record of delineating and developing REE resources and following this transaction will be well positioned to progress the La Marigen Project.
Click here for the full ASX Release
Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report
CuFe Ltd (ASX: CUF) (CuFe or the Company) is pleased to provide its Quarterly Activities Report and Appendix 5B for the three-month period ended 30 June 2024.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Significant decrease in JWD mining strip ratio during the quarter and significant improvement in crush and screen and haulage volumes.
- Increased sales volumes from JWD due to improved crusher and haulage performance.
- Iron Ore hedge book has provided significant protection against prices which continued to fall during the Quarter, with cash margin of $13.52 per tonne shipped inclusive of hedge impact and negative provisional pricing adjustments.
- North Dam Heritage Survey completed during the quarter and ground disturbance monitoring completed in July in preparation for maiden drilling campaign in August.
- Tennant Creek technical review commenced over the quarter with results announced post quarter end.
- West Arunta geophysical review complete leading to the acquisition of additional tenure.
- Crossroads Gold Royalty with Northern Star (2% NSR) progressing towards production.
- Completed capital raising via placement for $3.0m (before costs).
CuFe Executive Director Mark Hancock commented on the quarter: “It’s been pleasing quarter operationally at our JWD iron ore mine. Iron ore pricing has fallen over the quarter which has impacted margin but our hedge position has provided good protection so overall we achieved a positive margin on operations. Sales prices have continued to weaken post quarter end so we are monitoring the situation carefully and considering options for the way forward.
On the exploration projects we have continued to progress drilling preparation at our North Dam Project, located in close proximity to the Mt Marion Lithium mine. We have recently completed the heritage clearance of the drill lines with representatives of the Traditional Owners which now allows us to finalise arrangements with a drilling contractor with a view to commencing drilling in August. We have also continued to progress Access Agreements negotiations for our projects in the West Arunta region, an area which has continued to see exciting progress made by other players such as WA1 and Encounter.
On our evaluation stage projects we have completed a technical review of our Tennant Creek projects with the assistance of experienced geologist John Dobe. We see the Copper thematic as very positive in coming years and this review gives us a clear pathway to grow our existing copper resource.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from CuFe Ltd., 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.
June 2024 Quarterly Activities Report
ChemX Materials (ASX:CMX) (ChemX or the Company), an Australian high purity critical materials company, is pleased to present its June 2024 quarterly report. The Company is developing its 100%-owned, HiPurA® process to produce High Purity Alumina (HPA) in Perth, Western Australia along with its High Purity Manganese (HPM) Project on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
- HiPurA® Pilot Plant construction advanced, early-stage commissioning commenced.
- $500,000 Share Purchase Plan (SPP) Completed
- Ongoing Government and Stakeholder Engagement for grant funding and support, including visit from Member for South Metropolitan Region, Hon. Klara Andric MLC.
- Launch of ChemX Materials’New Website
- Commercialisation of South Australian Manganese Assets
Chief Executive Officer, Peter Lee commented:
“Early stage commissioning of the HiPurA® Leach Circuit has been an important milestone achieved by the ChemX Team. This has enabled our internal high purity laboratory to commence optimisation studies ahead of the delivery of the solvent extraction module commissioning.”
“ChemX has been well supported in closing out it’s Share Purchase Plan (SPP) and also Director support via placement, both completed during the quarter.”
“Our HPA Pilot Plant is advancing well and we look forward to turning the key on this game-changing technology. Commensurate with our Pilot Plant progress and advanced material ethos, ChemX has also launched a refreshed website (www.chemxmaterials.com.au), showcasing the many applications and increasing demand for HPA in today’s technology driven society.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from ChemX Materials, 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.
PVW Resources to Acquire High Potential Ionic Clay Rare Earth Element (REE) Portfolio in Brazil
Landmark acquisition sees PVW secure a major position in ionic clayrare earths in one of the world’s fastest growing REE jurisdictions
PVW Resources (ASX:PVW) (“PVW”, “the Company”), is pleased to advise that it has secured a significant position in the rapidly emerging Brazilian rare earths industry after signing a binding agreement to acquire Brazil-registered Scanty Mineracao Ltda (“Scanty”), the holder of strategically important and highly prospective portfolio of Rare Earth Element (“REE”) projects across four different areas in Brazil.
Highlights
- PVW Resources (PVW) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a major portfolio of highly prospective ionic clay Rare Earth Element (REE) projects in Brazil.
- The acquisition of Scanty Mineracao Ltda, the holder of 11 Projects totaling 952km2, provides an exciting pipeline of opportunities to explore for REE in strategically prospective regions of Brazil.
- As a world-renowned mining jurisdiction, Brazil has geological conditions highly prospective for ionic rare earths with many advanced REE projects. Emerging Brazilian producers are setting the pace globally in the race for REE self-sufficiency and the development of major new independent supply sources.
- Commencement of due diligence provides proof of concept with REE anomalism confirmed using a portable X-Ray fluorescence analyser (pXRF) at the Sguario and Capáo Bonito Projects. Early exploration by Scanty will continue to be verified and validated with the view to release historical results once confirmed.
- Exploration will include surface sampling, and auger drilling to validate existing targets and test for further REE mineralisation in saprolite clay, while confirming the extent of the ionic clay hosted mineralisation.
- Luis Azevedo, vendor and experienced Brazilian mining expert to join the board of PVW Resources as a non-executive Director on completion of the transaction.
- Celeste Queiroz, 28-year experienced Brazilian geologist with 23 years with Vale to join the team as Country Manager - Brazil
- PVW Resources to leverage the expertise experience of its team in rare earths exploration, development and operations with the aim of building a substantial new rare earths business.
PVW’s move into Brazil gives the Company exposure to the rapidly growing Brazilian resources industry, in particular the strategically vital rare earths industry.
Figure 1: Location of Brazilian Scanty Projects, subdivided into four geographically separate areas and encompassing a total of 952km2 of tenure.
Non-Executive Chairman, Mr George Bauk said:
“The PVW Board see these projects as an exceptional opportunity to grow our presence in the rapidly evolving critical minerals landscape globally. The acquisition of strategically located rare earth element projects in Brazil allows us to gain a foothold in a highly prospective and stable region which has recently established itself at the forefront of the rare earth industry globally.”
“We are delighted in the appointment of Mr Luis Azevedo as a Non-Executive Director, a major shareholder of Scanty following the completion of the transaction. Mr Azevedo is an experienced Brazilian mining and legal professional who began his career with WMC Resources, a company I also worked for over a decade.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from PVW Resources, 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.
Top 3 Canadian Rare Earths Stocks in 2024
Rare earths are important for many of today's technologies and tomorrow's carbon-free economy.
Investors may not be very familiar with the metals individually, but the group of elements is found in technology all around us, commonly in the form of rare earth magnets, which are used in everything from electric vehicles to smartphones to wind turbines. As technology continues to advance, they are expected to remain in high demand.
"Rare earth-based magnets offer the simplest approach to powerful and compact electric motors, so continued sales of electric vehicles should bring growing demand for these materials,” Jon Hykawy, president and director of Stormcrow Capital, told the Investing News Network in an interview.
Another long-term story in the rare earth element (REE) market is China's dominance of the overall industry. With geopolitics at the forefront, countries are focusing more and more on attaining domestic sources of critical metals, and companies are working to find new sources in diverse locations to meet this growing demand.
Here the Investing News Network looks at the Canadian rare earth mining companies on the TSX and TSXV that have had the biggest gains over the past year. CSE-listed companies were considered, but did not make the cut this time around. This top Canadian rare earth stocks list was compiled using TradingView’s stock screener, and data was gathered on July 18, 2024.
1. Resouro Strategic Metals (TSXV:RSM)
Yearly gain: 95.65 percent; market cap: C$31.97 million; current share price: C$0.45
Resouro Strategic Metals is an exploration and development company with mineral projects in Brazil, including the Tiros rare earths and titanium project in Minas Gerais and the Novo Mundo gold project in Mato Grosso. The company has an earn-in agreement to take a 90 percent stake in the Tiros asset.
In recent months, Resouro's drilling and metallurgical testwork at Tiros has yielded high rare earths and titanium dioxide grades. This work culminated in the release of a JORC-complaint maiden resource estimate for the Tiros project on July 17. The estimate includes a combined measured and indicated resources representing 1 billion metric tons at 4,050 parts per million total rare earth oxides (TREO) containing 1,120 ppm magnetic rare earth oxides and 12 percent titanium dioxide.
"The MRE places the Tiros Project as one of the largest undeveloped titanium and rare earth resource globally and in Brazil," stated the company's press release.
2. Aclara Resources (TSX:ARA)
Yearly gain: 44.44 percent; market cap: C$88.2 million; current share price: C$0.52
Aclara Resources is a development-stage heavy rare earths company developing its ionic clays deposits, including the Penco module in Southern Chile and the Carina module in Central Brazil.
The company’s patented, award-winning Circular Mineral Harvesting closed-circuit rare earths extraction process eliminates the need for a tailings dam and conditions spent clays for future revegetation with native forests.
Aclara's Penco module semi-industrial pilot plant program was completed in September 2023, producing samples of high-purity rare earths concentrate. The plant processed 120 metric tons of ionic clays to produce approximately 107 kilograms of wet high-purity heavy REE concentrate. The company is targeting Q2 2027 for commencing production at the Penco module.
More recently, Aclara announced it submitted a new environmental impact assessment for its Penco module project that features an improved design addressing environmental and social concerns.
3. Commerce Resources (TSXV:CCE)
Yearly gain: 18.18 percent; market cap: C$25.48 million; current share price: C$0.13
Commerce Resources is developing the Ashram rare earth and fluorspar deposit located in Québec, Canada. The company believes the project has the potential to become a low-cost producer of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide.
Commerce has made steady progress over the past year in meeting that object for the Ashram deposit. In March, the company shared significant advancements in optimizing the mineral processing and hydrometallurgical flowsheets for the project, resulting in 30 to 35+ percent rare earth oxide monazite mineral concentrates at recoveries of between 60 percent to 70 percent produced using only flotation.
The company released a resource estimate update for Ashram in May, which has the indicated category tonnage increase by 164 percent following nearly 28,800 meters of diamond drilling. The updated resource estimate now shows an indicated 73.2 million metric tons at 1.89 percent TREO and 6.6 percent calcium fluoride, and an inferred 131.1 million metric tons at 1.91 percent TREO and 4 percent calcium fluoride.
FAQs for rare earth investing
What are rare earth minerals?
Rare earths are a category of elements that share many chemical properties. In fact, all but two — yttrium and scandium — are also called lanthanides. These elements are commonly found in the same deposits and are necessary for diverse technological applications such as rare earth magnets.
How many rare earth elements are there?
In total there are 17 elements that make up the rare earths category, and they are split into light and heavy rare earths. On the light side, there are cerium, lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, europium, gadolinium and samarium, and on the heavy side there are dysprosium, yttrium, terbium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, yttrium and lutetium.
Where are rare earth metals found?
In terms of both reserves and production, China is the frontrunner for rare earth metals by a long shot, with 44 million metric tons of reserves and 240,000 metric tons of production in 2023. However, Vietnam and Brazil also have significant reserves above 20 million MT. With regards to rare earth production, the US is in second place at 43,000 metric tons due to the Mountain Pass mine in California.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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