Venture Metals Expands US Footprint with Strategic Acquisitions

Venture Metals

Acquisition of Thalheimer Bros and Mega Metals Bolsters Nonferrous Capabilities

Venture Metals has acquired Thalheimer Brothers and its subsidiary, Mega Metals. This strategic move significantly expands Venture's nonferrous recycling operations. The acquisitions add processing facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Phoenix, Arizona. These locations complement Venture's existing plants in Texas, Illinois, and South Korea. Mega Metals, specializing in titanium scrap, brings a critical new capability. 

This acquisition includes titanium 6-4 turnings, approved for aerospace reuse. Thalheimer Brothers strengthens Venture's position in stainless steel, copper, and aluminum recycling. They also handle nickel-based alloys and high-temperature metals. Rich Reiner will continue as CEO of both Thalheimer and Mega. Venture Metals aims to enhance its market presence in the US.

Titanium Expertise and Market Expansion

Mega Metals' focus on titanium scrap is a key asset. They are approved to handle titanium 6-4 turnings for aerospace. This includes 6-4 bulk weldable and 6-4 feedstock. They also process "ferrous" grades for ferro-titanium production. This serves both US and European markets. This expansion signifies Venture Metals' commitment to specialized metal recycling.

Chalco rare metals joint venture targets integrated growth and supply security

Rare Metals Mining

China’s Chalco rare metals joint venture marks a strategic expansion across high-purity processing and downstream products. The Chalco rare metals joint venture will unite affiliates under Chinalco to scale gallium, germanium, indium, selenium, tellurium and rhenium. As a result, the Chalco rare metals joint venture strengthens China’s control across critical mineral supply chains.

JV structure and product scope

Chalco will hold a 20pc stake in the joint venture. Other investors include Chinalco Group, Yunnan Copper, Chihong Zinc-Germanium and China Aluminum Capital. The venture will handle high-purity processing, compounding, product development, production and sales. Therefore, the platform links base metals and rare metals into one industrial chain.

Capacity plans and policy backdrop

Chalco targets 16.81mn t of metallurgical alumina and 7.8mn t of primary aluminium in 2025. Meanwhile, Beijing is integrating critical minerals and tightening export controls on selected metals. China also consolidated rare earth assets into Northern Rare Earth and China Rare Earth. Consequently, the Chalco rare metals joint venture aligns capacity with policy and market needs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The JV formalizes a midstream hub that can stabilize feedstock and pricing. Buyers should watch contract terms for gallium and germanium as policy risk stays elevated. Partnerships may expand quickly if downstream magnet and semiconductor demand accelerates.

Critical Metals Tanbreez Acquisition Consolidates Greenland Rare Earth Control

Critical Metals

Critical Metals Tanbreez acquisition will give the US critical minerals developer full ownership of one of Greenland’s most closely watched rare earth projects. The company has agreed to acquire Australian mining firm European Lithium in an all-stock deal valued at $835mn.

The Critical Metals Tanbreez acquisition is designed to consolidate ownership of the Tanbreez rare earth project, where European Lithium currently holds a 7.5% stake. Completion of the transaction would give Critical Metals 100% ownership.

The Critical Metals Tanbreez acquisition strengthens the company’s position in the race to build rare earth supply chains outside China. Greenland is becoming strategically important because western governments and manufacturers want new sources of rare earth concentrate tied to secure processing and offtake routes.

European Lithium shareholders would receive 0.035 Critical Metals shares for each European Lithium share under the letter of intent. The proposed transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Tanbreez Ownership Supports Mine-to-Market Strategy

Full ownership of Tanbreez would give Critical Metals greater control over project development, financing, offtake and downstream strategy. This matters because rare earth projects often struggle when ownership, processing and customer structures are fragmented.

Critical Metals plans to invest $30mn to fast-track development of Tanbreez. That investment signals an effort to move the project beyond resource positioning and toward a more commercial supply-chain role.

Tanbreez could become an important source of rare earth concentrate for non-China buyers. However, concentrate alone is not enough to secure the rare earth value chain. Material must still be separated, refined, converted into metals or alloys, and qualified by downstream users.

The company’s offtake agreements provide early commercial direction. Critical Metals has an agreement with Ucore Rare Earths for as much as 10,000 t/yr of rare earth concentrate and another with REalloy for 15% of Tanbreez’s annual output.

These agreements help anchor future sales channels. They also show that buyers are willing to secure upstream access before full project development is complete.

Saudi Processing Plan Adds Downstream Dimension

Critical Metals also plans to form a joint venture in Saudi Arabia to build a rare earth processing facility. This is strategically important because processing capacity remains the key bottleneck in ex-China rare earth supply chains.

A Greenland-to-Saudi processing route would add a new geopolitical configuration to the rare earth market. It would connect western-controlled resources with Middle Eastern industrial investment and processing ambitions.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking a larger role in critical minerals, downstream processing and industrial diversification. A rare earth processing venture would fit that strategy while giving Critical Metals another route to move beyond concentrate sales.

For global rare earth buyers, the key issue will be reliability. They need traceable feedstock, qualified processing, stable offtake and predictable geopolitical access.

The transaction also reflects a wider industry trend. Rare earth companies are consolidating ownership and building downstream partnerships because customers no longer want isolated mining assets. They want integrated supply chains that can deliver usable material.

Critical Metals’ strategy is therefore not only about acquiring European Lithium. It is about controlling Tanbreez, securing offtake, adding processing optionality and positioning the project as part of an ex-China rare earth supply network.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Critical Metals Tanbreez acquisition shows that rare earth strategy is shifting from exploration ownership to full supply-chain control. The real test will be whether Greenland feedstock, Saudi processing and offtake agreements can become a bankable alternative to China-dominated rare earth flows.

US Defense Stake in Trilogy Metals Signals Strategic Copper Push

Trilogy Metals

US defense stake in Trilogy Metals marks a new phase in American critical minerals policy. The US Department of Defense will acquire a 10pc equity position in Trilogy Metals through a $35.6mn investment, directly supporting the Upper Kobuk Minerals Projects in Alaska. This US defense stake in Trilogy Metals aligns with Washington’s broader effort to secure domestic supplies of copper, zinc, lead and cobalt for energy transition and defense applications. The funding targets early-stage exploration and development, giving the government a financial foothold in a key North American resource district.

US defense stake in Trilogy Metals reshapes project governance

The share deal will significantly reshape the ownership and governance structure around the Ambler district assets. Trilogy, South32 and their joint venture vehicle Ambler Metals have agreed that the DOD will purchase 16.4mn Trilogy shares, split evenly between new issuance and stock sold by South32. As a result, the US defense stake in Trilogy Metals will include a 10pc holding in the company plus a transferred 10-year call option over an additional 6.2mn shares. In parallel, the DOD gains the right to appoint an independent director to Trilogy’s board for three years, embedding strategic oversight at the governance level. This board presence reinforces how the US defense stake in Trilogy Metals goes beyond financing and moves into influence over long-term project direction.

Ambler Access road and permitting move to the forefront

The investment also targets the bottlenecks that have slowed development of the Ambler district. The partners and the US government plan to collaborate on permitting, financing and construction of the Ambler Access road, linking the remote Upper Kobuk Minerals Projects to the Dalton Highway. As a result, the package couples capital with political support for a key piece of Arctic infrastructure. The parties also intend to pursue expedited mine permitting, although environmental and community scrutiny in Alaska remains intense. If successful, the integrated approach could shave years off the path to first production and turn the Ambler district into a meaningful copper and zinc supplier for North American smelters.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This transaction shows how security concerns are pulling US government capital directly into junior mining equity, not just downstream refining. For Trilogy and South32, the partnership de-risks infrastructure and permitting, but it will likely raise expectations on ESG performance and project transparency. The Ambler district could become a test case for whether state-backed critical minerals strategies can overcome the permitting gridlock that has stalled many US copper projects.

Chifeng Gold Laos Rare Earth Output Plan Targets Medium and Heavy Rare Earth Growth

Chifeng Gold

Chifeng Gold Laos rare earth output plans are moving into a faster ramp-up phase as the Chinese diversified mining firm targets higher production from its Mengkang mine this year. The company plans to reach designed output capacity of 3,675t of mixed rare earth oxide at the Laos site.

The Chifeng Gold Laos rare earth output strategy is focused on meeting rising demand from upstream oxide plants. The plan also strengthens China-linked access to medium and heavy rare earth resources outside China’s domestic mining base.

The company produced 998t of rare earth ores at Mengkang in 2025, with sales of 853t and inventories of 145t. The mine only started operating in the third quarter of 2025, meaning 2026 will be an important test of its ramp-up capability.

Chifeng Gold also plans to build a 3,000 t/yr rare earth separation plant in Savannakhet province with Xiamen Tungsten. This would move the Laos platform beyond mining and into early-stage processing, improving value capture and supply-chain control.

Mengkang Ramp-Up Strengthens Medium and Heavy Rare Earth Supply

The Mengkang rare earth project is strategically important because it contains medium and heavy rare earth oxides. These materials remain among the most sensitive parts of the rare earth supply chain because they are essential for high-performance magnets, defense systems, electric vehicles, robotics, wind turbines and advanced electronics.

Chifeng Gold had total proven rare earth resource reserves of 60,000t by the end of 2025. The Mengkang site accounts for 25,500t of medium and heavy rare earth oxide resources, with an average grade of 0.025%.

Some market participants expect the Mengkang project to meet 8-10% of global demand for medium and heavy rare earths once fully operational. If achieved, that would give Laos a more important role in global rare earth supply and strengthen Chifeng Gold’s position in a high-value segment.

Chifeng Gold also holds the Saipan rare earth mining site in Laos. Saipan has proven resources of 32,000t of medium and heavy rare earth oxide, with an average grade of 0.045%.

The presence of both Mengkang and Saipan gives Chifeng Gold a broader Laos rare earth platform. This matters because medium and heavy rare earth supply is difficult to expand quickly, and new projects face technical, environmental and permitting challenges.

The Chifeng Gold Laos rare earth output plan therefore comes at a sensitive time. Global consumers are looking for supply diversification, while Chinese companies are also trying to secure more overseas resources to support oxide separation, metals production and magnet manufacturing.

Xiamen Tungsten Partnership Links Laos Ore to Separation Capacity

Chifeng Gold’s partnership with Xiamen Tungsten gives the Laos rare earth strategy more downstream depth. The two companies signed an agreement in September 2022 to establish Chijin Xiamen Tungsten, a joint venture focused on developing rare earth minerals in Laos.

The joint venture has registered capital of 60mn yuan, or about $8.79mn. Chifeng Gold holds 51%, while Xiamen Tungsten holds 49%.

Chijin Xiamen Tungsten completed its acquisition of the Mengkang project in March 2024 and obtained mining rights from the Laos government in March 2025. This sequence shows that the project has moved from acquisition into operational development within a relatively short period.

Under the partnership, Xiamen Tungsten and its subsidiaries receive priority access to rare earth minerals in Laos. Chifeng Gold will support the joint venture’s registration, launch and policy coordination in Laos.

This arrangement is commercially important because Xiamen Tungsten brings downstream rare earth processing and metals experience. Chifeng Gold brings resource ownership and project development. Together, they can connect mining, separation and downstream supply more effectively.

The planned 3,000 t/yr separation plant in Savannakhet would further strengthen that connection. If delivered, the plant would reduce dependence on exporting raw or semi-processed material and allow more value to remain in the regional processing chain.

Chifeng Gold is also active in other metals. The company holds 583t of gold resources, 590,000t of copper resources, 560,000t of zinc and lead resources, and 80,000t of molybdenum resources.

Its cathode copper output rose by 9.07% on the year to 6,754t in 2025, while sales increased by 9.5% to 6,869t. Copper concentrate output more than doubled to 3,160t, with sales rising to 3,122t.

However, performance across other metals was mixed. Lead concentrate output fell by 9% to 3,680t, while molybdenum concentrate production slipped by 1.6% to 675t.

This broader metals base gives Chifeng Gold diversification, but the rare earth strategy is likely to receive more attention because of its strategic value. Medium and heavy rare earths carry stronger supply-chain importance than most conventional base metal outputs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chifeng Gold’s Laos rare earth push shows how Chinese companies are building overseas control in medium and heavy rare earths before supply pressure intensifies. The key issue is whether Laos can move from ore production into reliable separation capacity without becoming only another upstream resource base.

Critical Metals Saudi rare earth processing facility targets a $1.5bn mine-to-processing JV

Critical Metals

Critical Metals Saudi rare earth processing facility plans take shape through a new joint venture. The company signed a non-binding term sheet with Saudi group TQB for a 50-50 venture. The partners target an integrated mine-to-processing build valued at up to $1.5bn.

Deal structure links Tanbreez feedstock to Saudi processing

The deal reserves a life-of-mine offtake for 25% of Tanbreez concentrate from Greenland. However, the term sheet leaves volumes and commissioning timelines open for final agreements. Meanwhile, TQB brings Saudi execution capacity across manufacturing, infrastructure, and strategic materials.

Critical Metals Saudi rare earth processing facility would complete Tanbreez allocation under long-term contracts. The company also signed an offtake with Ucore for up to 10,000 t/yr of concentrate. It also committed 15% of annual output to REalloy, as it targets 75,000 t/yr of total production.

US defense demand shapes the downstream strategy

The partnership routes finished rare earth materials to the US for defense-sector use. Therefore, the JV frames Saudi processing as a friendly-node step in a wider allied supply chain. This structure can appeal to buyers seeking traceability and diversified separation outside China.

Critical Metals Saudi rare earth processing facility arrives as gallium and rare earth controls reshape industrial planning. As a result, developers now bundle offtake, processing, and finance to de-risk first-of-kind projects. However, success will depend on permitting, metallurgy, and bankable project terms beyond the term sheet.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This JV signals a shift from raw concentrate deals toward controlled, geopolitically aligned processing capacity. Meanwhile, full allocation of Tanbreez output raises execution pressure to deliver consistent quality at scale. If timelines slip, customers may still pay premiums for diversified supply, but they will demand stronger guarantees.

Zambia and US Launch Copper Mine Joint Venture

Zambia Copper Mine

The Zambia copper mine joint venture between US-based Metalex and Zambia’s Terra Metals marks a significant step in bilateral mining cooperation. The two companies launched Lunda Resources, a partnership aimed at developing the Mwinilunga Copper Mine, which is set to become a key contributor to global copper and cobalt supply chains.

Zambia Copper Mine Joint Venture Targets 100,000t Output

The new Zambia copper mine joint venture will process up to 2mn tonnes of ore annually, producing 100,000 tonnes of copper concentrates, copper cement, and cobalt precipitate. Lunda Resources has already invested ZMW 270mn ($1.2bn) in early-stage development. The full project build-out is expected to reach ZMW 2.7bn, including advanced ore processing systems.

Strengthening Zambia-US Mining Cooperation

This partnership reflects a strategic alignment between Zambia and the US at a time when global copper and cobalt demand is surging. Copper remains central to the global energy transition, while cobalt is vital for battery manufacturing. The collaboration between Metalex and Terra Metals sets a new benchmark for cross-border mining partnerships, combining Zambia’s resource wealth with US investment and technology.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Zambia copper mine joint venture highlights how resource-rich African nations are leveraging foreign partnerships to expand mining capacity. By aligning with US firms, Zambia strengthens its position in global supply chains while diversifying investment sources beyond China. This project underscores copper’s critical role in electrification and positions Zambia as a key growth hub in Africa’s mining sector.

European Metals Expands Lithium Production at Cinovec, Aiming to Meet Growing Demand

European Metals

European Metals has announced a significant increase in the production capacity of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate at its Cinovec project, located on the Czech-German border near Dresden. This expansion underscores the project's strategic importance as Europe's largest hard rock lithium venture.

Enhanced Production Capacity

The planned production capacity at Cinovec has been revised upward to 41,658 tons per year, a 42% increase from the initial capacity of 29,385 tons per year. This adjustment equates to approximately 36,670 tons per year of lithium carbonate, positioning the project to better address the burgeoning demand for lithium, a critical component in battery production for electric vehicles and other technologies.

Strategic Developments and Future Plans

Cinovec, a joint venture between European Metals and the Czech state-controlled utility Cez, is strategically located close to significant automotive and manufacturing hubs in Germany. With a definitive feasibility study expected to be completed by mid-2025, the project is moving swiftly towards becoming a key player in Europe's push towards electrification and renewable energy resources.

This expansion is not just a response to current market demands but also a proactive measure to cement European Metals' role in the global lithium market, particularly at a time when the European Union is keenly focusing on enhancing local mineral resources and reducing dependency on imported critical materials.

US Antimony Processing Plant in Idaho Strengthens North American Sb Supply Chain

Americas Gold and Silver

The US antimony processing plant planned in Idaho marks a significant step for North American critical minerals security. US Antimony and Americas Gold and Silver formed a joint venture to develop a hydrometallurgical antimony facility at the Galena complex in Idaho. The project links local feedstock, processing capacity, and downstream marketing. As a result, the US antimony processing plant could strengthen domestic supply for both industry and defense.

This matters because antimony remains a strategically sensitive metal with limited western processing capacity. Americas will sell antimony feedstock from Galena to the joint venture for processing. US Antimony will then purchase the antimony produced at the plant. Therefore, the US antimony processing plant creates a more integrated domestic flow from mine to refined product.

The structure of the partnership also looks deliberate. Americas will own 51pc of the venture, while USAC will hold 49pc. Feed from the Galena site will receive priority, although the facility may also accept other sources later. Consequently, Idaho antimony processing could become a flexible platform rather than a single-mine solution.

Idaho Antimony Processing Builds on Existing USAC Expertise

Idaho antimony processing gains credibility because USAC already has operating experience in this market. The company runs the only two antimony smelters in North America, including the Thompson Falls facility in Montana. It also said earlier this year that it helped develop a hydrometallurgical antimony facility in Bolivia. As a result, the joint venture starts with more technical depth than a typical greenfield concept.

That expertise matters because hydrometallurgical processing is not just a construction task. It requires operating knowledge, feed handling discipline, and product quality control. USAC said it will contribute knowledge and technical expertise to the venture. Therefore, the project has a stronger chance of moving from concept to workable industrial asset.

North American Antimony Supply Gains a Stronger Defense Link

North American antimony supply also gains a clear defense connection through this project. USAC said it can provide the joint venture access to its marketing network, including the US government. That creates a direct link between new processing capacity and strategic buyers. Consequently, the Idaho project could matter well beyond commercial metals trade.

That defense angle is already real. USAC secured a five-year fixed-price contract worth up to $245mn to supply antimony ingots to the US Defense Logistics Agency. The new joint venture has also prepared paperwork to pursue government funding. Therefore, the US antimony processing plant fits directly into a larger effort to rebuild critical mineral capacity in North America.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This project matters because it connects mine feed, processing, and defense demand in one structure. Antimony supply security will not improve through mining alone. It needs real domestic processing, and Idaho now looks like one of the more serious new steps in that direction.

Sherritt Cuba Sanctions Risk Clouds Moa Nickel-Cobalt Supply Chain

Sherritt

Sherritt Cuba sanctions risk has become a new uncertainty for Canadian metals miner and refiner Sherritt International after the US expanded its sanctions framework targeting Cuba. The company is consulting advisers and stakeholders to assess possible implications for its Cuban mining and refining exposure.

Sherritt Cuba sanctions risk centres on the company’s Moa joint venture with the General Nickel Company of Cuba. The operation mines and processes nickel and cobalt ore in Cuba before shipping mixed sulphide precipitate to Sherritt’s refinery in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Sherritt Cuba sanctions risk has increased after US president Donald Trump issued an executive order on 1 May broadening existing Cuba-related restrictions. The order allows the US to sanction entities operating in Cuba’s metals and mining sector, as well as energy, defence, financial services, security and other parts of the Cuban economy.

The development matters because Moa is not only a Cuban mining asset. It is part of a cross-border nickel and cobalt processing chain that links Cuban ore production with Canadian refining capacity.

Moa Joint Venture Faces Sanctions and Fuel Supply Pressure

The Moa joint venture produces mixed sulphide precipitate containing nickel and cobalt. Ore is mined and processed at the Moa site in Cuba, then shipped to Alberta for refining.

This structure gives Sherritt exposure to two different risks. The first is sanctions policy. The second is physical supply continuity from Cuba.

The company had already suspended mining operations at Moa in February because of fuel supply problems in Cuba. That disruption reduced upstream feed availability and raised concerns over refinery inventory in Canada.

Sherritt said in February that its Fort Saskatchewan refinery feed inventory was expected to last until mid-April. The new sanctions uncertainty adds another layer of pressure to an already fragile supply chain.

Nickel and cobalt remain important materials for batteries, stainless steel, superalloys, industrial chemicals and defence-related supply chains. Any disruption to feedstock or refining routes can affect customers that rely on qualified supply.

The Moa operation is therefore strategically important despite its geopolitical complexity. It supplies intermediate material that can be refined into products serving North American industrial demand.

US Policy Adds Complexity to Critical Minerals Trade

The executive order broadens the list of possible sanctions targets linked to Cuba. Metals and mining are now explicitly included, raising compliance risk for companies with Cuban operations or Cuban-linked material flows.

For Sherritt, the immediate issue is clarity. The company must determine whether its ownership structure, product flows, financing relationships, logistics providers or customers could be affected by the expanded sanctions framework.

This matters because sanctions risk can affect more than direct operations. It can influence shipping, banking, insurance, payment processing, customer contracts and counterparty willingness to handle material.

The case also highlights a difficult reality in critical minerals policy. Western governments want secure nickel and cobalt supply, but some existing supply chains run through politically sensitive jurisdictions.

Canada’s refining capacity at Fort Saskatchewan is valuable, but its feedstock connection to Cuba creates exposure to US policy decisions. That makes Sherritt’s position more complicated than a conventional mining or refining business.

The outcome will depend on how broadly Washington applies the new order and whether Sherritt’s activities become directly targeted. Until then, customers and investors are likely to watch for guidance on operational continuity, legal exposure and feedstock availability.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Sherritt’s situation shows that critical minerals security is not only about mine reserves or refining capacity. Political jurisdiction, sanctions exposure and feedstock logistics can determine whether a nickel-cobalt supply chain remains bankable.

Rapid Lithium Expands into Canada with Strategic Acquisition of Ga, Ge Mineral Claims

Rapid Lithium

Australia-based Rapid Lithium is set to enhance its portfolio by acquiring several mineral claims in British Columbia, a move orchestrated through a deal with Canada-based Broadstone Resources. This acquisition, part of the Prophet River project, is aimed at tapping into the rich deposits of zinc, gallium (Ga), and germanium (Ge) — metals of increasing strategic importance due to their applications in high-tech industries.

Strategic Metals in the Spotlight

The Prophet River project has garnered attention due to its remarkably high germanium values, some of the highest recorded globally, according to Rapid Lithium. This positions the project as a potentially significant source of germanium and gallium, metals crucial for military and communication technologies in the US and Europe.

These metals have recently been thrust into the limelight following China’s decision to ban all exports of gallium and germanium to the US at the beginning of December, escalating tensions within global technology supply chains. This geopolitical move has underscored the critical need for diversified sources of these metals to secure technological and defense capabilities.

Market Dynamics and Price Fluctuations

The acquisition comes at a time when the market for these metals is experiencing volatility. Following China’s export ban, prices for gallium in Europe surged from $490-550 per kilogram at the beginning of the month to $550-600 per kilogram, as reported by Metalnomist on 19 December. Similarly, germanium prices have seen a sharp increase, climbing to $2,950-3,350 per kilogram from $2,950-3,100. This price hike is a direct consequence of US buyers rushing to secure supplies from non-Chinese sources, highlighting the strategic nature of Rapid Lithium's new venture into gallium and germanium production.

US Rare Earths Supply Gains Momentum as Traxys Partners With Phoenix Tailings

Traxys & Phoenix

US rare earths supply is gaining a stronger commercial platform after Traxys North America partnered with Phoenix Tailings on feedstock sourcing, offtake, and strategic support. The agreement links Phoenix’s rare earth metallization capacity with Traxys’ global trading network at a time when Western buyers are seeking alternatives to China-dominated rare earth supply chains.

The partnership will allow Traxys to provide global feedstock sourcing and downstream metal sales for Phoenix. This is strategically important because rare earth supply security depends not only on mining, but also on conversion into usable metals for magnets, electronics, defence systems, and advanced manufacturing.

US rare earths capacity remains limited, especially in heavy rare earth metals such as dysprosium and terbium. Phoenix produces samarium, yttrium, dysprosium, terbium, and other rare earth elements. These materials are critical for high-performance magnets, aerospace systems, clean energy technologies, and defence-linked applications.

Phoenix Tailings Expands the US Rare Earth Metals Platform

Phoenix Tailings operates a rare earth metallization facility in Exeter, New Hampshire, with current capacity of 200 t/yr of light and heavy rare earth metals. The facility has the potential to expand to 1,000 t/yr, giving the company a meaningful growth pathway in a market where Western metallization capacity remains scarce.

The Traxys Phoenix Tailings partnership also follows Traxys’ investment in Phoenix’s recent $40.2mn financing round. That funding included $30.2mn in equity and $10mn in venture debt from investors including Eni Next, Geodesic Alliance Fund, and Traxys. The investment shows that rare earth processing is attracting capital from both strategic and financial backers.

This matters because US rare earths development has often focused on mining and separation. However, metallization is a key downstream step. Without metal production capacity, rare earth oxides and intermediates still need further processing before they can enter magnet and advanced materials supply chains.

Traxys Strengthens Rare Earth Offtake and Feedstock Reach

Traxys brings commercial reach to Phoenix through feedstock procurement and downstream metal sales. That role can help reduce one of the biggest challenges for emerging rare earth producers: matching reliable input supply with long-term customer demand.

The partnership also fits Traxys’ broader rare earth strategy. Traxys Europe has a binding offtake agreement with Arafura Rare Earths for up to 300 t/yr of neodymium-praseodymium oxide from the Nolans project in Australia. Arafura has also received a letter of interest for up to $300mn from the US Export-Import Bank to support the project.

Together, these moves show how rare earth supply chains are being built through financing, offtake, trading networks, and processing partnerships. For the US rare earths market, the Phoenix agreement is important because it supports domestic metal production rather than only upstream resource development.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Traxys-Phoenix partnership shows that rare earth competitiveness will be decided in processing and commercialization, not only in mining. Western supply chains need companies that can secure feedstock, produce metals, and place material into qualified industrial channels.

Shidai Ruixiang Launches LMFP Battery Material Plant in Gansu

Baiyin Nonferrous Group

China’s Shidai Ruixiang has launched a new LMFP battery material plant with a production capacity of 20,000 tonnes per year. Located in Baiyin city, Gansu province, this marks the first phase of what will become the world’s largest LMFP facility. Once complete, the site will scale to 100,000 t/yr in lithium ferro-manganese phosphate production for next-generation EV battery applications.

The LMFP battery material plant is operated by Shidai Ruixiang, a joint venture between Gansu Elephent Energy and Baiyin Nonferrous Group, a major Chinese state-owned metals producer. The full project will be developed in three phases, although details for the next stages remain undisclosed. This launch reinforces China’s dominant position in advanced battery cathode material (CAM) supply chains.

China Expands LMFP Footprint in Global EV Market

LMFP materials offer higher energy density and longer driving range than traditional LFP cathodes, while keeping manufacturing costs low. However, they have shorter life cycles and reduced charge-discharge capacity, making them more suitable for mid-range EVs or power tools. Despite this, China’s battery sector is accelerating investment in LMFP research and production.

Other major CAM players such as Hunan Yuneng and Ningbo Ronbay are also expanding LMFP production. Ronbay announced a dual LMFP and sodium-ion CAM plant in Xiantao, Hubei, while Yuneng is constructing a dedicated LMFP facility. These efforts position LMFP as a potential mainstream solution for future battery platforms balancing cost, safety, and range.

Strategic Role of State-Backed Metals Companies in CAM Expansion

The Shidai Ruixiang LMFP battery material plant highlights growing integration between state-backed metals enterprises and energy storage innovation. Baiyin Nonferrous brings decades of expertise in copper and zinc processing—critical metals for battery infrastructure—into the cathode materials space. The partnership reflects China's strategy to leverage existing industrial assets for clean tech scalability.

As battery chemistries diversify in response to cost and performance demands, China’s control over both upstream raw materials and downstream manufacturing provides a distinct competitive edge in the global energy transition economy.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The LMFP battery material plant in Gansu represents a strategic shift toward diversified CAM solutions for scalable EV deployment. As Chinese producers push LMFP into the mainstream, global automakers and battery buyers will need to weigh performance trade-offs against cost and availability.

Korea Zinc Tennessee Smelter Gains FAST-41 Support for Critical Minerals Refining

Korea Zinc

Korea Zinc Tennessee smelter plans have gained federal permitting support after the US Permitting Council added Project Crucible to FAST-41 coverage. The designation is intended to speed permitting for the proposed smelting and refining facility in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The Korea Zinc Tennessee smelter would produce 12 non-ferrous metals, including zinc, copper, lead, antimony, gallium and germanium. It would also produce semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, making the project strategically relevant to metals, chemicals and semiconductor supply chains.

The Korea Zinc Tennessee smelter is significant because it would be the first large-scale domestic zinc refinery built in the US since the 1970s. It also reflects Washington’s effort to rebuild domestic refining capacity for critical minerals and reduce dependence on overseas processing.

Project Crucible is planned as a $7.4bn investment. Korea Zinc announced the project in December in a joint venture with the US commerce and defense departments after acquiring the adjacent East Tennessee and Mid Tennessee mining complexes and the Clarksville smelter from Trafigura-owned Nyrstar.

Project Crucible Targets a Multi-Metal Refining Gap

Project Crucible is designed to process 1.1mn t/yr of raw materials and produce 540,000 t/yr of finished products. Korea Zinc expects to source feedstock mainly from the US and other North American sources.

This feedstock strategy matters because the US has mine supply and scrap flows, but lacks enough large-scale refining and separation capacity for several strategic materials. Project Crucible could help close that midstream gap.

The product mix is especially important. Zinc, copper and lead provide scale, while antimony, gallium and germanium add critical minerals value.

Gallium and germanium are strategically sensitive because they are used in semiconductors, fibre optics, infrared systems, defence electronics and advanced manufacturing. Antimony is also important for flame retardants, ammunition, lead alloys and military applications.

The facility’s semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid output adds another layer of industrial importance. High-purity sulfuric acid is a key chemical input for semiconductor manufacturing and advanced electronics.

Korea Zinc plans to base the facility on its Onsan smelter in South Korea. That gives the project an established technical reference point and strengthens its credibility as a complex multi-metal refining platform.

FAST-41 Status Supports US Industrial Supply Security

FAST-41 coverage gives Project Crucible a more coordinated federal permitting path. The Permitting Council also signed a memorandum of understanding with Tennessee to align federal and state permitting efforts.

The US Department of Defense will primarily oversee permitting for the project. That role underlines the national security importance of domestic critical minerals refining.

Korea Zinc expects construction to begin in 2027. Phased operations are scheduled to start in 2029 with zinc, lead and copper production.

Finished products are expected to move to US customers by rail. This gives the project a domestic logistics route and supports the broader goal of building mine-to-market North American supply chains.

The project fits a wider US strategy. Washington is trying to accelerate permitting, use defence-linked financing and support domestic refining capacity for materials used in semiconductors, defence, energy infrastructure and manufacturing.

For Korea Zinc, the project offers a major entry into US critical minerals processing. For the US, it provides a rare chance to add large-scale refining capacity across both base metals and strategic minor metals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Project Crucible shows that the US critical minerals challenge is increasingly about refining, not only mining. If Korea Zinc can execute the Tennessee smelter on schedule, it could become one of the most important non-Chinese multi-metal refining assets in North America.

Shyam Metalics Wagon Plant in West Bengal Targets 4,800 Annual Production Capacity

Shyam Metalics

Shyam Metalics wagon plant development advances with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility planned for Kharagpur, West Bengal. The Indian metals producer's Shyam Metalics wagon plant will achieve 4,800 wagons annual production capacity through its step-down subsidiary Ramsarup Industries, representing a significant expansion into railway infrastructure manufacturing that aligns with government self-reliance initiatives.

Phased Development Strategy Ensures Operational Efficiency

Shyam Metalics wagon plant construction follows a strategic two-phase development approach targeting March 2026 operations commencement. Phase one establishes 2,400 wagons annual capacity, equivalent to approximately 8 wagons daily production throughput. Phase two doubles output to the full 4,800 wagons annually, providing scalable growth aligned with market demand evolution.

Meanwhile, the facility will manufacture diverse wagon types including flat, open, box, covered, tank, and specialized configurations. Company director Sheetij Agarwal emphasized the adoption of "Uni-Flow" manufacturing layout conforming to international standards for optimal production efficiency. This comprehensive product portfolio positions Shyam Metalics to serve varied railway transportation requirements across industrial sectors.

Strategic Alignment with National Infrastructure Initiatives

However, the wagon manufacturing venture represents more than industrial diversification for Shyam Metalics. The project forms a cornerstone of the company's defined five-year capital expenditure plan while directly supporting government "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" self-reliance initiatives. This alignment demonstrates Shyam Metalics' commitment to domestic infrastructure development and reduced import dependence.

Therefore, the West Bengal location provides strategic advantages including proximity to steel production centers and established transportation networks. Kharagpur's industrial infrastructure supports efficient raw material sourcing while facilitating finished product distribution across India's extensive railway network. The location choice reflects careful consideration of supply chain optimization and market access requirements.

Market Positioning in Growing Railway Sector

Furthermore, India's railway modernization efforts create substantial demand for advanced wagon technologies and increased freight capacity. The government's infrastructure investment priorities include railway expansion and rolling stock upgrades to support economic growth objectives. Shyam Metalics' entry into wagon manufacturing positions the company to capture these expanding market opportunities.

As a result, the facility reflects broader trends toward integrated metals companies expanding into value-added manufacturing segments. Shyam Metalics leverages its metallurgical expertise while diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional steel production. This vertical integration strategy enhances profitability while reducing dependence on commodity price volatility in base metals markets.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Shyam Metalics' wagon plant investment exemplifies how Indian metals companies strategically expand into infrastructure manufacturing to support national self-reliance objectives while diversifying beyond volatile commodity markets. The phased development approach and comprehensive product portfolio demonstrate sophisticated planning that positions the company advantageously within India's rapidly modernizing railway transportation sector.

Volkswagen Secures Long-Term Lithium Supply with Patriot Battery Metals

Patriot Battery Metals

Volkswagen, through its battery subsidiary PowerCo, has sealed a decade-long offtake agreement with Patriot Battery Metals, a Canadian lithium explorer, to source 100,000 metric tonnes per year (t/yr) of spodumene concentrate (SC). This deal is a strategic move to secure critical lithium resources as Volkswagen continues to expand its electric vehicle (EV) and battery production globally.

Patriot’s Shaakichiuwaanaan Asset Powers the Deal

The spodumene concentrate will be supplied from Patriot's Shaakichiuwaanaan Mineral Resources in Quebec, Canada. Notably, this resource is the largest lithium pegmatite deposit in the Americas and the eighth-largest globally, making it a vital supply chain asset for lithium-ion battery production. The concentrate will have a target grade of 5.5% lithium oxide, ideal for battery applications.

PowerCo plans to use the raw materials to fuel its gigafactories in Europe and North America, including its St. Thomas, Canada facility, which is set to be its largest cell factory, boasting a production capacity of up to 90 GWh per year.

Volkswagen Invests in Patriot and Future Lithium Conversion

As part of the partnership, Volkswagen has invested $48 million for a 9.9% stake in Patriot Battery Metals, signaling its commitment to long-term lithium sourcing. The deal also hints at future collaborations, including the potential development of a lithium conversion facility to ensure supply chain resilience and further vertical integration.

Volkswagen’s EV Push Faces Challenges

Volkswagen has delivered 506,500 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally from January to September 2024, a 4.7% decline year on year. Despite overall growth in North America, BEV deliveries in the US fell by 26%, reflecting competitive challenges in the region.

In Europe, Volkswagen remains dominant with a 19% market share in the BEV segment, reaffirming its stronghold. To bolster its EV ecosystem, the German automaker also formed a $5.8 billion joint venture with Rivian in November 2024 to advance software and electronics architectures for scalable EV platforms.

Strategic Significance

This agreement underscores the importance of securing stable, long-term access to critical minerals like lithium as automakers ramp up EV production. It also highlights Canada’s growing role as a key player in the global battery supply chain, thanks to its abundant natural resources and strategic partnerships with major manufacturers like Volkswagen.

Qatalum Shutdown Raises Aluminium Supply Risk After Qatar LNG Disruption

Hydro LNG

Qatalum shutdown plans have raised fresh aluminium supply concerns after Hydro said its Qatar-based joint venture had started a controlled closure of aluminium operations. The decision followed the shutdown of LNG production by its energy supplier, QatarEnergy, after disruption at the Ras Laffan industrial complex.

Hydro said the Qatalum shutdown is expected to be completed by the end of March. If the smelter is fully closed, restarting operations could take 6-12 months, making the event a potentially significant supply-side shock for primary aluminium and value-added products.

Qatalum is a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro and Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing. The operation has 636,000 t/yr of primary aluminium capacity and a 664,000 t/yr casthouse, making it an important producer in the Gulf aluminium supply chain.

Energy Disruption Exposes Smelter Vulnerability

Aluminium smelting is highly exposed to power and energy reliability because production depends on continuous electricity supply. A controlled shutdown can protect equipment and safety, but a full closure creates major restart complexity.

Hydro has issued a force majeure notice to Qatalum customers. This signals that supply commitments may be affected as the company manages the operational impact of the energy disruption.

The wider industrial effect could extend beyond aluminium. Production of some downstream products, including urea, polymers, and methanol, has also been disrupted, showing how energy infrastructure risks can spread across multiple industrial value chains.

Hormuz Risk Supports Demand for Aluminium Value-Added Products

Concerns over prolonged shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz are already affecting aluminium buying behavior. Demand for aluminium value-added products from Asian consumers has increased over the past two days as buyers assess supply risk from the Middle East.

This matters because the Gulf is a major hub for energy-intensive aluminium production. Any prolonged disruption could tighten availability of billets, slabs, foundry alloys, and other value-added aluminium products used in extrusion, rolling, casting, construction, transport, and packaging.

The Qatalum shutdown also highlights the strategic link between energy security and metals supply. Aluminium producers with stable power access may gain stronger pricing power if Middle East logistics and production risks persist.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Qatalum shutdown shows how quickly energy conflict can become a metals supply event. Aluminium markets should watch not only smelter capacity, but also LNG infrastructure, power reliability, and Hormuz shipping risk.

Magellan Aerospace Signs MoU for Sand Casting Joint Venture in India

Magellan Aerospace

Partnership with Aequs targets aerospace demand growth and localized metal casting capabilities in South Asia.

Magellan Aerospace, a Canada-based aerospace components manufacturer, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aequs, an Indian aerospace parts producer, to explore a joint venture for establishing a sand casting facility in Karnataka, India.

The proposed plant would be located in the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster, a fast-growing manufacturing hub in southern India. The project aims to support both commercial aerospace and defense sectors, though production capacity and investment figures have not been disclosed.

Sand Casting to Serve Global and Domestic Aerospace Demand

Magellan currently operates sand casting facilities in North America, producing aluminum and magnesium alloy components used in aircraft engines and structural parts. This casting method is ideal for complex aerospace shapes, allowing molten metal to set in sand molds before undergoing machining and finishing.

The collaboration would bring Magellan’s casting expertise to India, while leveraging Aequs’s established capabilities in forging, machining, and structural assemblies. Aequs counts Boeing, Airbus, and Safran among its global customers and has operations in Texas and France, in addition to India.

India’s Aerospace Ambitions Drive Investment in Metals and Manufacturing

This partnership reflects India’s rising importance in the global aerospace supply chain, with Boeing and Airbus forecasting the region’s fastest air traffic growth. India’s government continues to incentivize domestic manufacturing, making it a strategic location for metal-intensive aerospace component production.

In a related development, PTC Industries added titanium ingot capacity in January and announced plans for a titanium sponge facility, reinforcing India's push to become a vertically integrated aerospace metals hub.

As global OEMs seek regional supply resilience, ventures like Magellan-Aequs signal a shift toward localized, high-value manufacturing of critical components.

Enduring Reliance Amid Sanctions: Europe’s Russian Titanium Dilemma

VSMPO Titanium

Introduction: A Supply Chain Unbroken in Wartime

Despite sweeping economic sanctions imposed by the West following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, one supply chain has proved remarkably resilient: Russian titanium sponge. Europe’s quandary over this advanced material—indispensable to aerospace, defense, and medical-device manufacturing—has only deepened.

Russia’s Command of Titanium

Russia ranks among the world’s largest titanium producers. VSMPO-AVISMA, the country’s flagship producer, accounts for 90% of Russia’s titanium output and exports to some 50 countries. The company is estimated to control up to 30% of the global titanium market and nearly half of aerospace-grade supply.

Russia’s dominance rests on abundant raw-material reserves and comparatively low energy costs. Because titanium smelting is energy-intensive, commercial viability depends on cheap power and gas—conditions Russia has historically met.

Airbus A380

Trade that Continues Despite Sanctions

On 7 March 2022, Boeing announced it would halt purchases of Russian titanium used in aircraft manufacturing. Rolls-Royce and Boeing subsequently suspended procurement from VSMPO-AVISMA indefinitely.

Europe, however, charted a different course. Airbus urged the European Union to keep Russian titanium outside future sanctions packages. As Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury argued, titanium represents a small share of Russia’s total exports, so sanctions would inflict little pain on Moscow while dealing a heavy blow to Europe’s aerospace industry.

Today, Airbus still sources roughly half of its titanium from VSMPO-AVISMA. Boeing, by contrast, once relied on Russia for about one-third of its titanium but has since stopped buying Russian material.

The Limits—and Exceptions—of EU Sanctions

Notably, while the EU has restricted imports of Russian steel and coal, titanium has not been sanctioned. The metal remains a strategic material used in fuselages, turbine blades, satellites, and other critical systems.

Dependence on Russian metals endures in other segments as well. From March to June 2022, combined EU-US imports of Russian aluminum and nickel rose to $1.98 billion—more than 70% above the prior-year period.

Washington and Brussels have generally refrained from designating industrial metals as sanction targets. Europe continues to import large volumes of Russian natural gas, and Russia supplies about 40% of global palladium—vital for semiconductors—implicating everything from automobiles to smartphones.

CBAM

CBAM: A New Variable

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), introduced in October 2023, adds another layer of complexity. CBAM initially covers cement, electricity, fertilizers, iron and steel, aluminum, hydrogen, and certain downstream products in steel and aluminum. After a transition phase through 2025, full implementation begins in 2026, imposing carbon costs on imports equivalent to those borne by EU producers.

While fertilizers, cement, hydrogen, and non-exported electricity may see limited near-term impact, aluminum stands out as a key target sector. Most exports to the EU beyond steel and aluminum are not yet covered, though the European Commission has signaled possible expansion to high-leakage categories such as organic chemicals and plastics.

Russia is structurally disadvantaged under CBAM. Steel production in Russia, Ukraine, and Türkiye tends to be more carbon-intensive, implying higher embedded-carbon costs at the border.

Ambiguities in Sanctions and Industry’s Dilemma

The United States placed VSMPO-AVISMA on its “military end-user” list, restricting access to advanced technologies, but stopped short of a direct ban on titanium sales—an acknowledgment of global industry’s reliance on the material.

Indeed, during the early stages of the war, VSMPO-AVISMA avoided sweeping US and European sanctions. Although Washington temporarily listed the company in December 2020, the measure was later rescinded.

Recent moves, however, suggest a tightening environment. In April 2024, a joint US-UK action prompted the CME and LME to prohibit trade in newly produced Russian aluminum, copper, and nickel dated after 13 April—an effort widely read as constraining Russia’s influence in metals markets.

Ukraine Titanium Mine

Ukraine: A Viable Alternative?

Against this backdrop, Ukraine has emerged as a potential alternative. Until 2020, the country supplied 90% of Russia’s ilmenite—the feedstock for titanium sponge. With that supply chain severed by war, Ukrainian resources could help challenge Russia’s dominance.

US companies have begun talks with Kyiv on a joint venture anchored by the Zaporizhzhia Titanium-Magnesium Plant (ZTMP). Such partnerships could forge a new titanium hub in Eastern Europe, strengthening Ukraine’s economic footing for decades.

The risks are significant. Ongoing conflict and occupation threaten both Donbas deposits and the ZTMP facilities, which remain exposed to shelling and sabotage.

Aviation’s Growth—and Its Dilemma

The aerospace-titanium market was valued at roughly $100 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 5% from 2023 to 2032—reflecting the rebound in air travel and a pipeline of commercial aircraft programs.

Despite supply-chain turbulence from war, energy constraints, and labor shortages, passenger traffic continues to recover, lifting titanium demand. In October 2022, Airbus announced plans to deliver more than one aircraft per week to India, persisting with expansion despite engine-supply challenges and domestic carrier capacity constraints—developments that further complicate titanium sourcing.

The Reality of Diversification

Boeing reportedly began diversifying away from Russian titanium after the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Airbus, by contrast, remains heavily reliant on Russian supply.

Globally, China produced around 100,000 t of titanium in 2013—twice the combined output of Russia and Japan at the time—making it the world’s largest producer. Japan ranked third, with Osaka Titanium Technologies standing as the world’s second-largest producer of titanium sponge.

The Metalnomist Commentary: An Unfinished Dilemma

Europe’s struggle over Russian titanium sponge epitomizes the knotty realities of modern supply chains. Between economic sanctions and security imperatives, between industrial competitiveness and moral principle, Europe has yet to find a definitive answer.

With CBAM’s full force arriving in 2026, higher carbon-cost pass-throughs on Russian metals seem likely, intensifying pressure to rewire supply. Yet, as Airbus’s position illustrates, displacing Russian titanium in the short term remains daunting.

The gap between industrial necessity and political sanction endures—witness VSMPO-AVISMA’s August 2025 statement that it stands ready to resume cooperation with Boeing. For now, Europe must navigate this dilemma with prudence: balancing sanction principles, industrial realities, and emergent environmental rules—while accelerating the use of recycled titanium wherever feasible.

Lifezone PGM Recovery Advances US Autocatalyst Recycling Strategy

Lifezone

Lifezone PGM recovery has reached an important pilot milestone after Lifezone Metals produced platinum, palladium and rhodium from US-sourced automotive catalytic converters. The result supports the company’s plan to build a US-based precious metals refinery using hydrometallurgical technology.

Lifezone PGM recovery is designed to reduce US dependence on imported platinum group metals. The US imports around 2mn oz/yr of PGMs, mainly from South Africa and Russia, creating strategic exposure for automotive, defense and aerospace supply chains.

Lifezone PGM recovery could become especially important for rhodium, which carries one of the highest supply chain risk ratings in the US. Rhodium is critical for emissions control systems and remains highly concentrated in global mine supply.

Hydrometallurgy Targets Cleaner PGM Recycling

Lifezone completed 1,179 domestic pilot batch tests over two years, using 1t of US-sourced autocatalyst material. The company recovered platinum and palladium at more than 99% purity, while rhodium reached 95%.

Further refining is still underway. Lifezone is targeting more than 99.95% purity for platinum and palladium and 99.9% purity for rhodium.

The hydrometallurgical route is strategically relevant because it can produce lower CO2 and sulphur dioxide emissions than traditional pyrometallurgical smelting and refining. This gives the project both supply-chain and environmental value.

Glencore Support Adds Scale to US Refinery Plan

Glencore continues to support the project after forming a joint venture with Lifezone at the end of 2023. The Swiss mining group invested $1.5mn for a 6% stake and has the option to fund 50% of the project capital.

Lifezone said its pilot plant work and feasibility study are close to completion. The company expects to reach a final investment decision in the first half of 2026 for a commercial US autocatalyst recycling plant.

The project could give the US a stronger domestic route to recover PGMs from end-of-life catalytic converters. If scaled, it would support circular supply for automotive emissions systems, aerospace manufacturing, defense components and high-value industrial applications.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Lifezone’s pilot milestone shows that recycling can become a strategic source of PGMs, not only an environmental solution. The decisive test will be whether the company can scale rhodium recovery to commercial purity and volume in a US-based refinery.