China released detailed export data for January and February this week, offering insight into trade flows after no report was issued in February due to the Chinese New Year holiday. Meanwhile, Australia’s Lynas announced a major agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, while the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $500 million investment in domestic critical mineral supply chains.
China: Export Data on Critical Raw Materials for January and February
The Chinese customs authorities this week released export data on the foreign trade of critical raw materials and components derived from them.
To the article
Lynas Announces Supply Agreement with the Pentagon
Australian mining company Lynas Corporation and the U.S. Department of Defense have signed a memorandum of understanding. Over the next four years, the Pentagon is set to invest around $96 million in the purchase of light and heavy rare earth oxides. The deal also establishes a minimum price for neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), a key precursor used in the production of industrially critical permanent magnets.
To the article
U.S. Department of Energy: $500 Million for Critical Mineral Supply Chains
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $500 million in funding to expand domestic processing of critical minerals and strengthen the U.S. battery supply chain. The funding will support projects focused on mineral processing, battery materials manufacturing, and recycling. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the program aims to reinforce industries linked to national security, transportation, manufacturing, and power infrastructure, while helping the United States meet rising energy demand and compete in emerging technologies.
To the article
Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Joins JOGMEC in Developing Namibia Rare Earth Project
Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the trading arm of the Toyota Group, said on Wednesday it will participate as a joint development partner in a rare earth project in Namibia led by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), as Japan moves to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals. The project, located in Namibia’s Lofdal region, focuses on heavy rare earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium.
To the article