There was a lot going on this week in critical raw materials. However, the high-level meeting between the US and Chinese presidents produced surprisingly few tangible results. Read more in our roundup.
China: Data on Exports of Critical Raw Materials for April
On Wednesday, Chinese customs authorities released a series of data on foreign trade involving critical raw materials and components made from them. A sharp decline can be observed in gallium and germanium.
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No Clear Breakthrough on Rare Earths After US–China Talks
The summit between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, last week was described as positive by both sides. However, few details or concrete outcomes have been released so far. There is also no new information regarding the restrictions on rare earth exports that have been in place since April 2025. A White House statement nevertheless said that China would address US concerns about potential supply bottlenecks in rare earths and other critical minerals. China, however, has not yet confirmed the White House’s account and is remaining tight-lipped.
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Arafura Greenlights Nolans Project – Construction to Begin in September?
Arafura Rare Earths has made the final investment decision for its Nolans Project rare earths project in Australia’s Northern Territory. The company will now move into the construction preparation phase, with building work expected to begin from September 2026. Nolans is set to become Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths facility capable of processing material from ore through to oxide production at a single site.
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Platinum Group Metals Face a Year of Divergence and Disruption
The five platinum group metals, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium, are often discussed as a group, but their outlook for 2026 is anything but uniform. Platinum is set to record its fourth consecutive annual deficit, according to both Johnson Matthey’s annual PGM Market Report and the World Platinum Investment Council’s latest Platinum Quarterly. The WPIC warns that above-ground platinum stocks could fall below three months of demand by year-end. Palladium and rhodium, by contrast, are both forecast to tip into modest surplus as declining output of petrol and diesel vehicles weighs on autocatalyst demand, the single largest use of both metals.
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Rare Earths: Mkango Acquires Heraeus Recycling Facility in Germany
Canadian rare earth company Mkango expands its rare earth recycling footprint in Germany through the acquisition of Heraeus’ Remloy facility in Bitterfeld, strengthening its position across the magnet value chain
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