Recent Rare Earth Price Increases Continue to Enhance Ucore's Refining Strategy

Core Insights - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is experiencing significant price increases for rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earths, due to export controls imposed by China, which have created a bifurcation in pricing between China and the rest of the world [1][2][3]. Pricing Dynamics - Dysprosium oxide prices in China have risen to over $200 per kg, while ex-China prices exceed $1,000 per kg. Terbium oxide has increased to $900 per kg in China, with prices over $4,500 per kg outside of China [3]. - Light rare earth oxides, such as praseodymium-neodymium oxide, have seen prices increase to around $120 per kg in China and as high as $140 per kg in North America [4]. Strategic Positioning - The price differentials for heavy rare earth elements highlight the importance of developing a North American supply chain, which Ucore is focusing on with support from the US Department of War [5]. - Ucore is advancing its RapidSX™ separation technology and plans to establish commercial processing facilities in North America, targeting both heavy and light rare earths, as well as Samarium and Gadolinium, which currently have negligible supply outside of China [5]. Company Performance - Ucore has been ranked second overall on the 2026 TSX Venture 50, reflecting a 1,109% increase in market capitalization, indicating heightened investor recognition of the company's advancements in rare earth separation and refining capacity [6][7]. - Ucore also ranked number 1 on the OTCQX Best Market's list of top-performing companies based on total return and average daily dollar volume growth, showcasing increased trading activity and market capitalization growth [9]. Future Development Plans - Ucore aims to disrupt China's control over the North American rare earth supply chain by developing processing facilities in Louisiana and subsequent sites in Canada and Alaska, along with the Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project in Alaska [11].