A further easing of China’s export restrictions on strategic raw materials marked the start of the week. However, many other minerals remain subject to controls, leaving the supply situation almost as critical as before. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also warned that the concentration of supply chains continues to pose one of the greatest risks to global energy security.
China Suspends Export Ban on Gallium and Germanium to the U.S.
China has suspended for one year the export ban imposed in December 2024 on several critical materials destined for the United States. The suspension covers gallium, germanium, antimony, and so-called superhard materials. Last Friday, Beijing had already postponed by one year the implementation of its most recent export controls announced in early October, which were primarily aimed at the rare-earth value chain.
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IEA: Resource Dependence Threatens Global Energy Security
The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global consumption of fossil fuels to rise through 2050, reversing its previous forecasts that had predicted a decline. In its World Energy Outlook 2025, released on Wednesday, the agency warns that the energy transition is losing momentum and that global climate targets are likely to be missed. At the same time, the IEA projects a sharp increase in global electricity demand and cautions that energy security faces growing risks, particularly due to the geographic concentration of critical minerals.
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Samarium, Dysprosium and More: Solvay Secures Supply Deals in the U.S.
Belgian chemical group Solvay has signed deals to supply rare earth materials to U.S. firms Permag and Noveon Magnetics. The partnership aims to strengthen an independent supply chain for high-performance magnets, a field where the United States is working to reduce its reliance on China.
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Tactical Resources Secures $140 Million to Advance Texas Rare Earths Project
Canadian exploration and development company Tactical Resources Corp. has secured up to $140 million in financing from Yorkville Advisors Global to accelerate development of its Peak rare earths project in Sierra Blanca, Texas. The company plans to recover and process rare earth elements from existing tailings, waste material left from previous mining operations, rather than developing new mines.
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Canada to Take Stakes in Critical Mineral Projects
Canada is set to take equity stakes in key mining and processing projects through its recently announced $1.6 billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund, aiming to secure supplies of rare earth elements and other critical minerals. The move would mirror recent efforts by the United States.
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