Rare Earth Element (REE) metals and alloys
Search documents
Energy Fuels signs SID to acquire Australian Strategic Materials
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-21 11:16
Core Viewpoint - Energy Fuels has signed a scheme implementation deed to fully acquire Australian Strategic Materials for approximately $299 million, aiming to establish a significant rare earth element producer outside China [1][5] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will follow a scheme of arrangement under Australian law [1] - The deal values ASM at nearly A$447 million, with ASM shareholders set to receive shares in Energy Fuels or CHESS Depository Interests, along with a special dividend per share [5] - Post-acquisition, ASM shareholders will own around 5.8% of Energy Fuels [5] Group 2: Strategic Integration - The acquisition will integrate ASM's Korean Metals Plant and the planned American Metals Plant with Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah [2] - ASM's KMP produces various REE metals and alloys, including neodymium-praseodymium and dysprosium [2] - The transaction aims to enhance vertical integration across the REE value chain by combining scalable separation processes with downstream conversion capabilities [2] Group 3: Supply Chain and Project Development - The acquisition addresses global supply chain vulnerabilities related to downstream REE refining outside China [3] - ASM's Dubbo REE Project in New South Wales is seen as a vital part of Energy Fuels' development pipeline, alongside projects in Victoria, Madagascar, and Brazil [3] - The upcoming American Metals Plant will utilize technology from ASM's KMP to produce 2,000 tonnes per annum of alloys in the US [3] Group 4: Company Strategy and Vision - Energy Fuels aims to create the largest fully integrated producer of REE materials outside of China, including REE oxides, metals, and alloys [4] - The acquisition is part of Energy Fuels' strategic efforts in Australia, following collaborations with Base Resources and Astron Corporation [4] - CEO Mark Chalmers emphasized that the acquisition brings the company closer to its goal, benefiting shareholders and customers [5] Group 5: Regulatory and Advisory Aspects - Completion of the deal requires approvals from shareholders, the Federal Court of Australia, the Foreign Investment Review Board, and relevant stock exchanges [6] - Financial advisory for Energy Fuels is provided by Goldman Sachs, with legal advice from Herbert Smith Freehills [6] - Moelis Australia and Moelis & Company offered financial advice to ASM, with A&O Shearman handling legal matters [6]