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Export Finance Australia issues Conditional Letter of Support for the Donald Project
Prnewswire· 2025-10-21 00:22
Core Insights - Energy Fuels Inc. and Astron Limited have received a non-binding and conditional Letter of Support from Export Finance Australia for up to A$80 million in senior debt project financing for the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, which has a total funding requirement of A$520 million [1][12]. Project Financing - The Donald Project aims for a 50% debt-to-equity gearing ratio and is collaborating with other Export Credit Agencies and senior lenders to finalize the financing syndicate [1][3]. - The Letter of Support is contingent upon satisfactory completion of due diligence, including financial, technical, environmental, and social assessments [2]. Project Overview - The Donald Project is one of Australia's most advanced critical mineral projects, targeting the production of rare earth elements (REEs) to be processed at Energy Fuels' facility in the U.S. [4]. - Production is expected to commence as early as the second half of 2027, pending project financing and a positive final investment decision (FID) [4]. Production Capacity - Phase 1 of the Donald Project is projected to produce an average of 7.2 thousand tonnes per annum of Rare Earth Element Concentrate (REEC), including up to 1,000 tonnes of Neodymium-Praseodymium oxides, 92 tonnes of Dysprosium oxide, and 16 tonnes of Terbium oxides annually [6]. - The White Mesa Mill in Utah has the capacity to process all of the Phase 1 REEC production and produce separated rare earth oxides [6]. Market Impact - The heavy rare earths produced from the Donald Project are expected to meet approximately one-third of U.S. demand for Dysprosium and a quarter of U.S. demand for Terbium, which are critical for clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries [7]. Broader Financing Strategy - The financing strategy includes advanced engagement with government agencies and commercial banks to secure the remaining debt financing [9]. - A staged equity investment of up to A$183 million from Energy Fuels is planned, with A$45 million expected prior to FID and A$138 million post-FID [10]. Project Significance - The Donald Project features a total mineral resource of 1.81 billion tonnes and is expected to be a globally significant source of critical minerals, supporting technologies vital to clean energy and advanced manufacturing [14].
Metalite Secures Renewal of Antimony-Rich Arthurs Seat Project in NSW
Thenewswire· 2025-07-29 13:10
Core Insights - The Government of New South Wales has approved the renewal of Exploration Licence EL 9144 for Metalite Resources, extending the licence for two years from July 25, 2025, to April 30, 2027 [1][2] - The Arthurs Seat Project is recognized for its high-grade mineralization, including silver, gold, and antimony, positioning the company favorably in the critical minerals market [2] Company Overview - Metalite Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company focused on precious metals projects in New South Wales, Australia [3]