Hostilities in the Middle East kept news from the critical minerals sector relatively sparse this week. However, several notable developments emerged, including the EU and Australia finalizing their long-awaited trade agreement and a U.S. rare-earth company announcing a major milestone.
EU and Australia Move Closer, Free Trade Deal Moves Forward
Since the summer of 2018, the EU and Australia have been negotiating a free trade agreement. On Tuesday, both sides announced the conclusion of the talks, clearing the way for the next steps toward implementation. In practical terms, the agreement will give Australia significantly easier access to the European market. Europe, in turn, expects improved security of supply for critical raw materials such as lithium, manganese, and aluminium. Australia is also home to the rare earth producer Lynas.
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Rare Earths: Energy Fuels Successfully Produces Terbium
Energy Fuels has produced the first high-purity terbium oxide at the White Mesa Mill in Utah as the first U.S.-based company in decades, according to the company. The milestone comes as Chinese export controls introduced in 2025 continue to limit overseas shipments of many heavy rare earth elements.
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Rare Earth Metals: Lynas and LS Eco Energy Plan Cooperation
The Australian mining company Lynas, the largest producer of rare earths outside China, plans to cooperate with the South Korean company LS Eco Energy Ltd. Rare-earth oxides supplied by Lynas will be further processed into metals at a facility planned by LS Eco Energy in Vietnam. The objective is to meet the growing demand for rare earth materials originating from non-Chinese production.
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