In this articleMPA stack of old mobile phones are seen before recycling process in Kocaeli, Turkiye on October 14, 2024. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesAs the U.S. and China vie for economic, technological and geopolitical supremacy, the critical elements and metals embedded in technology from consumer to industrial and military markets have become a pawn in the wider conflict. That's nowhere more so the case than in China's leverage over the rare earth metals supply chain. This past week, the Department o ...

Shares of TMC the Metals Company (TMC 8.29%) are jumping on Thursday, up 8.6% as of 2:46 p.m. ET. The rise comes as the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.35%) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 0.19%) gained 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively.TMC's stock is getting a boost from a major deal announced this morning between the Pentagon and another mining company.The Trump administration is backing rare earthsLast week, President Trump mused about the possibility of the federal government investing in domestic rare earth mining. The U.S. is ...

Highlights High Light Rare Earths Leach Recoveries Praseodymium (“Pr”) leach recoveries of 85% at optimal conditionsNeodymium (“Nd”) leach recoveries of 84% at optimal conditions Encouraging Heavy Rare Earths Leach Recoveries Terbium (“Tb”) leach recoveries of 52% at optimal conditionsDysprosium (“Dy”) leach recoveries of 46% at optimal conditions Significantly lower impurity elements of iron and aluminum Concentrations of iron and aluminum impurities post leach are approximately 5.0x and 2.9x, respectively ...

Core Viewpoint - Mustang Energy Corp. has received exploration permits from the Saskatchewan Government for the 914W Uranium Project, enabling ground-based exploration activities until April 30, 2028 [1][2]. Group 1: Exploration Permits - The permits include Crown Land Work Authorization, Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit, Forest Product Permit, and Temporary Work Camp Permit, allowing for activities such as trail construction, line-cutting, ground geophysical surveys, and diamond drilling [2]. - Mustang is committed to engaging with local communities to address concerns and ensure sustainable project implementation, prioritizing consultation and environmental stewardship [3]. Group 2: Project Details - The 914W Uranium Project covers 1,260 hectares and is located approximately 48 km southwest of Cameco's Key Lake Operation, providing favorable logistics via Highway 914 [5]. - The project is situated within the Western Wollaston Domain, known for uranium mineralization, and has shown promising geological features, including local graphite-bearing assemblages [5]. - Historical exploration has indicated significant uranium presence, with drill hole ML-1 encountering up to 1,288 ppm U and surface prospecting revealing up to 0.64% U3O8 at Don Lake Zone E [5]. Group 3: Company Background - Mustang Energy Corp. is focused on discovering and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets, holding a portfolio of 147,153 hectares in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin [8]. - The company employs modern exploration techniques and a disciplined, data-driven approach to advance early-stage exploration [8].

China dominates the global supply of several critical minerals, and for some years the country has been restricting exports slowly at first. Then quickly, in April 2024, the problem came to a head. China all but completely cut off access to several crucial materials in its trade dispute with the United States.At the center of it is a class of minerals called rare earth elements. They're used in a wide array of products, anything from airplanes to electronics, even sports equipment. It is hitting our defense ...

Group 1 - Ramaco Resources, Inc. is a low-cost metallurgical coal producer with operations in Appalachia [1] - The company plans to expand into rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals through its Brook Mine in Wyoming [1] - Ramaco Resources is noted for its cost-efficiency in the metallurgical coal sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Donald Project, a joint venture between Energy Fuels and Astron Corporation, is recognized as a significant near-term source of rare earth minerals, with plans for processing at Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah [1][2][11]. Project Approval and Financing - The Government of Victoria, Australia has approved the Work Plan for the Donald Project, marking the final major regulatory approval needed for construction and operation [2][3]. - This approval allows for the finalization of financing arrangements before a final investment decision (FID) can be made [3]. Joint Venture Details - Energy Fuels has the right to invest a total of AU$183 million (approximately US$119 million) and issue US$17.5 million in common shares to earn up to a 49% interest in the Donald Project [4]. - The project is expected to provide a low-cost, long-term supply of rare earth mineral concentrate, which will be processed into high-purity separated rare earth elements (REEs) at the White Mesa Mill [4][5]. Production Capacity and Phases - Phase 1 of the Donald Project is anticipated to supply approximately 7,000 to 8,000 metric tons of rare earth mineral concentrate per year, starting as early as 2026 [6]. - This phase is expected to yield around 4,700 tonnes of total rare earth oxides (TREO), including 990 tonnes of separated neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) [6]. - Following Phase 1, a Phase 2 expansion is planned, which could increase production to approximately 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes per year of rare earth mineral concentrate [7]. Processing and Market Potential - The White Mesa Mill is equipped to process the Phase 1 quantities of rare earth mineral concentrate into separated NdPr and other REEs [6][8]. - The Donald Project's output could fulfill about 22% to 23% of the planned capacity of the Phase 2 Mill Expansion [8]. Strategic Importance - The Donald Project is viewed as a critical link between the U.S. and Australia for rare earths and critical minerals, essential for various commercial and defense technologies [5][11]. - The project is expected to provide a significant and consistent source of REE feedstock for Energy Fuels for decades [7].

Core Insights - Energy Fuels Inc. (UUUU) and NexGen Energy (NXE) are positioned to benefit from the global shift towards nuclear energy as a clean power source [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Energy Fuels has a market capitalization of $1.28 billion and is a leading U.S. producer of natural uranium concentrate [2] - NexGen Energy, valued at $3.86 billion, is an exploration and development stage company focused on uranium properties in Canada [2] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Uranium prices have rebounded after earlier declines due to oversupply and uncertain demand, driven by Sprott Physical Uranium Trust's plan to purchase $200 million worth of uranium and U.S. government initiatives to increase nuclear energy capacity by 2050 [3] - Rising energy needs from AI data centers are also contributing to long-term demand expectations for uranium [3] Group 3: Energy Fuels Analysis - Energy Fuels has produced two-thirds of all uranium in the U.S. since 2017 and aims to produce 6 million pounds of uranium annually [5] - The company owns the White Mesa Mill, the only operating conventional uranium mill in the U.S., and is also processing rare earth elements and vanadium oxide [6] - Energy Fuels reported a 33.5% year-over-year revenue decline to $16.9 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to deferred uranium sales [8] - The company expects to mine 55,000-80,000 tons of ore containing 875,000-1,435,000 pounds of uranium in 2025, a 22% increase from previous guidance [10] Group 4: NexGen Energy Analysis - NexGen Energy's Rook I project could triple Canada's uranium output, delivering up to 30 million pounds of high-grade uranium annually at a low cost [15] - The Arrow Deposit within the Rook I Project has significant measured and indicated resources totaling 257 million pounds of uranium [16] - NexGen has secured contracts to supply 1 million pounds of uranium annually from 2029 to 2033, providing financial stability [17] - In Q1 2025, NexGen reported an adjusted loss of four cents per share, reflecting ongoing operational costs [18] Group 5: Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Energy Fuels' 2025 earnings is a loss of 28 cents per share, with a projected revenue surge of 232.4% in 2026 [20] - NexGen Energy's 2025 earnings estimate is a loss of 13 cents per share, with no expected improvement in 2026 [21] Group 6: Price Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, UUUU shares have decreased by 3.4%, while NXE shares have dipped by 1.2% [24] - Energy Fuels is trading at a forward price-to-book multiple of 2.07X, while NexGen's multiple is at 5.02X [25] Group 7: Conclusion - Both companies are positioned to support the expansion of nuclear energy, with Energy Fuels diversifying into rare earth elements and NexGen focusing on a high-grade asset with strong margin potential [27][28]

Financing Transaction - Integral Metals Corp. has entered into a secured convertible debt financing transaction with a strategic investor, receiving loan proceeds of US$1,000,000 [1][2] - The loan is set to mature on May 31, 2027, with an interest rate of 12% per annum and is secured by the Company's interests in the Burntwood Property in north Manitoba [2] Conversion Terms - The Lender has the right to convert all or a portion of the principal amount of the outstanding loan into the Company's common shares at a price of $0.94 per share, subject to regulatory approvals [2] Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the loan will be used for the development of the Company's business and for general working capital purposes [3] Company Overview - Integral Metals Corp. is engaged in mineral exploration for critical minerals, including gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements, aiming to contribute to a domestic supply chain for these minerals [5] - The Company holds properties in mining-friendly jurisdictions in Canada and the United States, including the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and Montana [5]

Core Viewpoint - Leading Edge Materials Corp. is positioning itself as a significant player in the European critical raw materials (CRM) sector, focusing on heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and natural graphite amidst increasing geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain challenges [2][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Context - The G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan emphasizes the need for diversifying the production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments, and promoting innovation to protect economic and national security [3]. - Geopolitical tensions and reliance on China for HREE imports highlight the urgency for Europe to establish a secure and independent supply chain for critical minerals [12][13]. Group 2: Company Developments - Leading Edge Materials is advancing its Norra Kärr project, a globally significant source of HREEs, with production expected to start within 3-4 years [5]. - The company has received ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine in Romania, enhancing its operational autonomy and recognition of its investments in the region [6][7]. - The application for a new 25-year mining lease in Sweden is under consultation, with the company addressing feedback from County Administrative Boards regarding environmental impact assessments [9][10]. Group 3: Environmental and Community Engagement - The company is committed to sustainable mining practices, reducing the land area of its new application by 65% compared to the previous one, and ensuring chemical processing occurs off-site to mitigate pollution risks [13][14]. - Social acceptance and transparency towards the local community are prioritized in the development of the Norra Kärr project [13]. Group 4: Future Prospects - Pre-feasibility studies for Norra Kärr are underway, with promising results from testwork on mineralogy and chemical composition expected to inform market strategies [16]. - The Woxna Graphite mine is being evaluated for a potential restart, with ongoing tests aimed at optimizing graphite production [17][18]. - Exploration at the Bihor Sud project is progressing, with a focus on defining a large-scale, mineable mineral resource, particularly in promising areas for zinc-lead-copper-silver mineralization [19][20].