Shenghe Resources Acquires 100% Stake in Peak Rare Earth for Overseas Expansion

Peak Rare Earth

Shenghe Resources completed a strategic Shenghe Peak Rare Earth acquisition worth A$158 million ($729.86 million) to secure complete ownership of the Australian mining company and its Tanzanian assets. The Chinese rare earth producer's subsidiary Ganzhou Chenguang executed the purchase to accelerate overseas rare earth resource development beyond China's domestic market. This Shenghe Peak Rare Earth acquisition builds upon Shenghe's existing 19.9% shareholding established in early 2022 and strengthens China's global rare earth supply chain control.

Ngualla Project Anchors Tanzania Rare Earth Strategy

The Ngualla project represents the centerpiece of the Shenghe Peak Rare Earth acquisition, featuring 4.61 million tonnes of rare earth oxide (REO) resources and 887,000 tonnes of REO reserves. Peak Rare Earth holds an 84% stake in the Tanzanian project, with the government retaining the remaining ownership share. Meanwhile, the project maintains an impressive average grade of 4.8% and praseodymium-neodymium oxide content of 21.26%.

Construction completion and operational startup are scheduled for early 2026, with initial production targeting 18,000 tonnes REO of rare earth concentrate annually. This output will yield approximately 4,000 tonnes of praseodymium-neodymium oxide, critical materials for permanent magnet manufacturing. Therefore, the Ngualla project will significantly boost Shenghe's production capacity for high-value magnetic rare earth elements.

Heavy Mineral Sands Portfolio Expands Through Strategic Acquisitions

Shenghe diversified its Tanzanian operations through the Fungoni project, which commenced heavy mineral sands production in late 2024. The first production line achieved operational status, with additional lines expected online before September to reach 100,000 tonnes per year total capacity. As a result, Shenghe secured both rare earth and heavy mineral sands resources within Tanzania's mineral-rich regions.

The company acquired complete ownership of Strandline Resources UK Limited (SRUL) in May 2024, gaining control of the Fungoni project's operating subsidiary Tanzanian Nyati Mineral Sands. Furthermore, Shenghe purchased a 65% stake in Jiacheng Mining (Shanghai) and 100% of African Resources Company, adding 27 million tonnes of heavy mineral sands resources. However, these acquisitions require integration with existing operations to maximize synergies across the portfolio.

Shenghe's financial performance reflected these strategic investments, with revenues reaching 2.99 billion yuan ($415 million) in the first quarter, representing 3.66% year-over-year growth. Net profit surged to 168.22 million yuan from a previous year loss of 215.57 million yuan. Consequently, rising rare earth prices, tighter spot supplies, and increased sales volumes drove this remarkable financial turnaround for the expanding company.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Shenghe's aggressive overseas acquisition strategy demonstrates China's determination to secure critical rare earth supply chains beyond domestic borders, particularly in Africa's mineral-rich regions. The Peak Rare Earth acquisition provides strategic access to high-grade praseodymium-neodymium resources essential for permanent magnet production, while the Tanzanian portfolio diversification reduces supply concentration risks through geographic and commodity expansion.

Shenghe Resources Commences Heavy Mineral Sands Production in Tanzania

Shenghe

Shenghe Resources, a Chinese rare earths producer, has announced the commencement of heavy mineral sands production at line 1 of the Fungoni project in Tanzania.  The Fungoni project is owned by Nyati Mineral Sands, a subsidiary of Strandline Resources UK (SRUL), whose parent company is the Australian minerals producer Strandline Resources. In May 2024, Ganzhou Chenguang, a subsidiary of Shenghe Resources, entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of SRUL from Strandline Resources.

Expansion Plans and Resource Base

Additional production lines at the Fungoni project are expected to come online before September 2025, reaching a total production capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year of heavy mineral sands.  Shenghe stated that this project will expand its heavy mineral sand resources and secure its feedstock supplies. Ganzhou Chenguang has paid a total of A$43 million ($26.77 million) to Strandline Resources, with A$27.18 million for the stake acquisition and the remainder for loan repayment. 

SRUL holds an 84% stake in Nyati Mineral Sands, which operates the Fungoni, Tajiri, Sudi, and Bagamoyo heavy mineral sand mines in Tanzania. Nyati holds mining rights for Fungoni and Tajiri, while Sudi and Bagamoyo are still under exploration. The Tanzanian government owns the remaining 16% of Nyati. The Fungoni project boasts an ore resource of 22 million tonnes with an average heavy mineral sand grade of 2.8%, while the Tajiri project has an ore resource of 268 million tonnes with an average grade of 3.3%. Shenghe did not disclose details on construction schedules or launch dates for Nyati's other projects.

Shenghe's Global Expansion and Financial Performance

Shenghe has been actively pursuing overseas resource expansion to develop global supply chains and improve profitability.  The company recently acquired an 18.2% stake in Australian rare earths exploration firm Vital Metals, which owns two rare earth resource projects: the Nechalacho bastnaesite mine in Canada and the Wigu Hill deposit in Tanzania. Shenghe's Q3 2024 revenue was 2.8 billion yuan ($381 million), down 38% year-on-year, while net profit rose 118% to 161 million yuan.  

From January to September 2024, revenue reached 8.24 billion yuan, a 37% decrease year-on-year, and net profit fell 41% to 92.87 million yuan. Shenghe attributed these declines to lower rare earth prices caused by ample spot supplies and weaker-than-expected consumer demand. Average praseodymium-neodymium metal prices fell 28% to 477 yuan/kg ex-works during this period. Despite the price pressures, Shenghe reported increased output and sales of rare earth oxides and metals in the first nine months of 2024, driven by stronger demand from the NEV, wind turbine, energy-saving appliance, and consumer electronics sectors.

Shenghe Resources Expands Rare Earth Capacity with Jiahua Acquisitions

Shenghe Resources

Chinese rare earth giant Shenghe Resources has announced its acquisition of significant stakes in rare earth separation plants Jiangyin Jiahua and Zibo Jiahua, aiming to boost its production capacity and strengthen market competitiveness. The move underscores Shenghe's strategic commitment to enhancing its global footprint and securing supply chains amid fluctuating market conditions.

Strategic Acquisitions in Rare Earth Separation

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ganzhou Chenguang Rare Earth New Materials, Shenghe Resources will acquire an 86% stake in Jiangyin Jiahua for 182.71 million yuan ($25.61 million) and 95% of Zibo Jiahua for 29.38 million yuan from Canadian-based Neo Performance Materials. Shenghe will gain full ownership of Zibo Jiahua by purchasing the remaining 5% stake from Zibo Shijia Industrial and Trading.

• Jiangyin Jiahua, based in Jiangsu, has an annual separation capacity of 3,800 tonnes of high-purity rare earth oxide (REO).
• Zibo Jiahua, located in Shandong, can process 5,500 tonnes per year of bastnaesite rare earth ores.

Zibo Jiahua has also invested 500 million yuan to construct an 8,000 t/yr plant for high-performance rare earth catalytic materials, vital for reducing emissions from internal combustion engines. Upon completion, this facility is expected to dominate 30-35% of the global market for catalytic materials.

A Focus on Global Expansion

Shenghe Resources continues to expand its international presence:

1. Ngualla Project: Shenghe increased its stake in the Tanzanian rare earth mining company Ngualla Group UK Limited, co-owned by Peak Rare Earths (PRR), to develop the Ngualla project.
2. Vital Metals: Shenghe acquired an 18.2% stake in the Australian rare earth exploration firm Vital Metals, which holds assets like the Nechalacho mine in Canada and the Wigu Hill deposit in Tanzania.
3. Vietnam Rare Earth Partnership: Shenghe's subsidiary reached an agreement with Blackstone Minerals to establish a fully-integrated rare earth value chain in Vietnam.

Market Challenges and Financial Outlook

Despite aggressive expansion, Shenghe expects a net loss of 48-72 million yuan for the first half of 2024, citing reduced sales prices and falling gross profit margins. This contrasts sharply with the company’s 83.97 million yuan net profit in the same period last year. The drop is attributed to the slump in rare earth and zirconium-titanium prices and increased raw material costs.

Shenghe remains optimistic, highlighting firm downstream demand and increased output of rare earth oxides, salts, and metals in 2023. These expansions position Shenghe as a key player in securing a resilient and diversified rare earth supply chain.

China’s Shenghe Resources Acquires Jiahua Plants to Boost Rare Earth Production Capacity

In a strategic move to enhance its market presence, Shenghe Resources, a leading Chinese rare earth producer, announced its acquisition of significant stakes in Jiangyin Jiahua and Zibo Jiahua, two major rare earth separation plants. The acquisition, made through Shenghe’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Ganzhou Chenguang Rare Earth New Materials, is expected to bolster Shenghe's production capacity of rare earth oxides (REO) and improve its competitiveness in the global market.

Ganzhou Chenguang will purchase an 86 percent stake in Jiangyin Jiahua for 182.71 million yuan ($25.61 million) and a 95 percent stake in Zibo Jiahua for 29.38 million yuan ($4.11 million) from Toronto-based Neo Performance Materials. Following the transaction, Ganzhou Chenguang will fully own Zibo Jiahua after acquiring the remaining 5 percent stake from Zibo Shijia Industrial and Trading.

These acquisitions will significantly increase Shenghe Resources’ rare earth separation output. Jiangyin Jiahua, based in Jiangsu, specializes in the production of high-purity rare earth oxide and co-sediment products, with a current separation capacity of 3,800 tons per year of REO. Meanwhile, Zibo Jiahua, located in Shandong, boasts an output capacity of 5,500 tons per year for bastnaesite rare earth ores. Zibo Jiahua recently halted its light rare earth separation operations to optimize capital return, reduce earnings volatility, and mitigate concentration risk within China.

Furthermore, Zibo Jiahua has invested 500 million yuan to construct an 8,000 tons per year plant for producing high-performance rare earth catalytic materials used in exhaust catalysts to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines. If this plant reaches full operational capacity, Zibo Jiahua will become the largest producer of catalytic materials in China and globally, commanding 30-35 percent of the world market.

Shenghe Resources has also been actively pursuing global expansion to secure resources and enhance its supply chain resilience. The company recently announced plans to acquire an additional 50 percent interest in the Tanzanian rare earth mining company Ngualla Group UK Limited, in partnership with Australian firm Peak Rare Earths. Shenghe has also expanded its influence in Australia, acquiring an 18.2 percent stake in Vital Metal, an Australian rare earth exploration firm, and has reached a preliminary agreement with Blackstone Minerals to build an integrated rare earth value chain in Vietnam.

Despite these expansions, Shenghe Resources has forecasted a net loss of 48-72 million yuan in the first half of 2024, attributing the downturn to declining prices of rare earth and zirconium-titanium products, alongside increased costs of raw materials such as imported ore concentrates.

Shenghe Rare Earth Expansion Targets Higher Capacity and Overseas Resources

Shenghe Resources

Shenghe rare earth expansion plans for 2026-28 show the Chinese producer moving to strengthen its position across rare earth processing, recycling, overseas mining and heavy mineral supply. The company aims to raise revenue, expand capacity and secure more seaborne resource reserves over the next three years.

Shenghe rare earth expansion will be supported by stronger market conditions. The company expects 2025 profits of 790mn-910mn yuan, sharply higher than a year earlier, helped by higher rare earth prices and increased sales volumes.

Shenghe rare earth expansion also reflects China’s broader strategy to deepen control across rare earth value chains. The company already operates across oxide separation, metal processing and scrap recycling, while also extending into polishing powders, catalysts and magnetic materials.

Rare Earth Capacity Growth Anchors the 2026-28 Plan

Shenghe aims to lift rare earth oxide output capacity to more than 30,000 t/yr. It also plans to keep operating rates above 95% across its rare earth processing and recycling businesses.

The company plans to raise rare earth scrap recycling capacity to 15,000 t/yr during 2026-28. This is strategically important because recycling can improve feedstock security and reduce dependence on primary mined supply.

The Ngualla rare earth project in Tanzania is central to Shenghe’s overseas growth plan. Shenghe acquired the project in 2025, gaining access to 4.62mn t of rare earth oxide resources and 887,000t of rare earth oxide reserves.

Construction at Ngualla is targeted for completion in 2027, with commercial production expected in 2028. If delivered, the project could strengthen Shenghe’s access to non-domestic rare earth concentrate and support its long-term processing growth.

Heavy Minerals Add Zircon and Titanium Growth Platform

Shenghe is also expanding beyond rare earths into zircon-titanium heavy minerals. The company aims to increase zircon-titanium heavy mineral capacity to more than 1.5mn t/yr and raise domestic beneficiation plant utilisation above 80%.

Revenue from zirconium and titanium businesses is targeted to exceed 30% of total revenue. This gives Shenghe a broader industrial minerals platform linked to ceramics, refractories, titanium feedstocks, zirconium chemicals and mineral sands processing.

The company is advancing overseas heavy mineral projects in Tanzania and Madagascar. It plans to expand Nyati capacity to 300,000 t/yr in 2026 and 500,000 t/yr in 2028, while the Jiacheng plant in Madagascar is expected to produce its first heavy mineral concentrate in 2027 and reach 1mn t/yr by 2028.

Shenghe also plans to invest at least 3bn yuan over the next three years in overseas resources, domestic rare earth deep-processing, and zirconium and titanium businesses. This underlines its ambition to become a more integrated rare earth and heavy minerals supplier.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Shenghe’s plan shows that China’s rare earth leaders are no longer focused only on separation capacity. The next stage is securing overseas ores, scaling recycling, and building downstream materials exposure before global supply chains diversify further.

Shenghe Resources Reports Increased Rare Earths Output and Sales for First Half of 2024

Rising demand from various sectors drives revenue growth despite net loss

Chinese rare earths producer Shenghe Resources has reported a significant rise in output and sales of rare earth oxides and metals for the first half of 2024. The company achieved a 36% year-on-year revenue increase, reaching 5.43 billion yuan ($764.86 million). However, Shenghe posted a net loss of 68.51 million yuan, a sharp contrast to the net profit of 83.97 million yuan recorded in the same period last year. This loss was attributed to declining sales prices and gross profit margins, driven by a steep drop in rare earth and zirconium-titanium product prices and rising costs of raw materials.

Expansion and Investments

Shenghe Resources is actively expanding its global footprint by accelerating overseas resource acquisitions and enhancing its supply chains. In late July, the company announced plans to acquire a 50% additional stake in the Tanzanian rare earth mining company Ngualla Group UK Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peak Rare Earth. Additionally, Shenghe acquired an 18.2% stake in Vital Metal, an Australian rare earths exploration firm with projects in Canada and Tanzania. Shenghe’s Vietnamese subsidiary, Vietnam Rare Earth, is also partnering with Blackstone Minerals to develop a fully-integrated rare earths value chain in Vietnam.

The company has made substantial investments to secure its resource base and feedstock supply, including a A$43 million investment to acquire Strandline Resources UK from its parent firm. Shenghe also operates several production facilities across China and Vietnam, with ongoing projects such as a 2,000-ton-per-year rare earth metal facility and a 3,300-ton-per-year rare earth oxide project expected to start production in the coming months.

Shenghe Resources Acquires Significant Interest in Ngualla Rare Earth Project

Chinese rare earth producer Shenghe Resources is set to acquire an additional 50% interest in the Tanzanian rare earth mining company Ngualla Group UK Limited (NGUK), aiming to further develop the Ngualla project in Tanzania. This acquisition, valued at A$96 million (approximately $63.38 million), will enhance Shenghe's cooperation with Australian mining company Peak Rare Earth (PRE), which currently owns NGUK and holds an 84% stake in the Ngualla project.

This strategic move will significantly increase Shenghe's equity in the Ngualla project, accelerating its development and anticipated start-up. Upon the project's commencement of commercial production, Shenghe will be entitled to 55% of net profits or losses after taxes within the first five years, due to its technical expertise and financial contributions.

Shenghe had previously acquired a 19.9% stake in PRE in early 2022, becoming its largest shareholder. In August 2023, Shenghe and PRE signed a binding offtake agreement, securing Shenghe's access to 100% of the rare earth concentrate or at least 50% of intermediate and final rare earth products from Ngualla.

Construction of the Ngualla project began at the end of May, with completion expected by early 2026. The project is designed to produce 37,200 tons per year of rare earth oxide equivalent from 800,000 tons of processed rare earth ores annually. The Ngualla site boasts rare earth resources of 4.61 million tons of rare earth oxide (REO) and reserves of 887,000 tons of REO, with an average grade of 4.8% and a praseodymium-neodymium oxide content of 21.26%.

Shenghe has been actively expanding its global resource base to enhance its supply chains and profitability. The company recently acquired an 18.2% stake in Australian rare earth exploration firm Vital Metal, which operates the Nechalacho bastnaesite mine in Canada and the Wigu Hill deposit in Tanzania. Additionally, Shenghe's holding company, Vietnam Rare Earth, has reached a preliminary agreement with Australian developer Blackstone Minerals to establish a fully-integrated rare earth value chain in Vietnam.

Vital Metals rare earths study backs 11-year Canadian output

Vital Metals

Vital Metals rare earths study supports a long-life Canadian project. The Vital Metals rare earths study outlines 11 years of concentrate output. This Vital Metals rare earths study centers on NdPr-rich material at Nechalacho.

Project scope and outputs

Vital Metals plans average output of 56,000 t/yr of concentrate. The grade is 26.4pc total rare earth oxides. The initial mine life is 11 years at Tardiff, near-surface. Contained volumes include 2,900t neodymium and 900t praseodymium. Dysprosium and terbium each remain under 100t. The deposit is light rare earth enriched to about 100 metres.

Capex, costs and strategy

Vital Metals estimates $291mn in upfront capital. Operating cost is $24 per dry tonne mined. The company will target higher recoveries and grades. It will also improve payability for key products. Vital Metals pivoted after its Canadian processing arm bankruptcy in 2023. Shenghe Resources owns 9.99pc after a 2023 share purchase.

The project seeks resilient supply for magnets and niobium. Therefore, it aligns with North American critical mineral priorities. Market demand for NdPr magnets underpins the development case.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The study’s economics hinge on recovery improvements and payability terms. Offtake structure and downstream partnerships will drive financing options. Watch for pilot results that validate the grade-recovery balance.