Our preference among the Western mines due to the heavy rare earth resource/reserves.
From Nikkei Asia, January 21:
Growing demand for non-China rare earths provides tailwind, CEO says
Australia's Lynas Rare Earths reported a rise of 43% in second-quarter revenue compared to the same period last year, as increased demand for rare earths outside of China pushed prices higher.
Sales revenue for the quarter ending Dec. 31 came to 201.9 million Australian dollars ($135.9 million), despite a shortfall in production due to two power disruptions at its Kalgoorlie processing facility in Western Australia during November and planned maintenance at its facility in Malaysia. Lynas' Australia-listed shares jumped as much as 8% in morning trading on Wednesday.
Prices of rare earths have been rising as the U.S. and other countries try to reduce dependence on China, which produces the vast majority of the world's rare earth materials. The average selling price for Lynas' products was AU$85.6 per kilogram, and the company said positive market sentiment is expected to continue this month.
Its total rare earth output was 2,382 metric tons, a 40% drop from the previous quarter.
Lynas CEO and Managing Director Amanda Lacaze said prices for the company's products will continue to strengthen in January.
"Frankly, geopolitics continue to be our friend," she said in an earnings call on Wednesday, Australia time. "Although we are yet to finalize various agreements with governments, the policies which have been particularly implemented by the U.S. government have already fostered more functional market dynamics."
Lacaze will step down in June after more than a decade in her role. The company did not share any details on the search for a replacement.
Lynas mines rare earth ore from its Mt Weld mine in Australia and processes it at its Kuantan facility in Malaysia. The company expects to have its first production of samarium, which is used in magnets for defense applications and green-technology, out of Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2026. It expects to bring online new capacity to separate up to 5,000 ton a year of heavy rare-earth feedstock....
....MUCH MORE
