Australian Rare Earths

Australian Alternative Energy Forum


Not Really a Forum, more of my memory aid.


Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.


Go Back   Alternative Energy Forums > Alternative Energy Discussion > Australian Rare Earths

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-11-2024, 07:53 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default Lynas ASX: LYC opens Australia's first REE processing plant

Australia's first rare earths processing plant opens in Kalgoorlie
8 November 2024

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has officially opened the Lynas Rare Earths processing plant in Kalgoorlie, which will create jobs and boost Australia’s ability to diversify the global supply of critical minerals.

The new Lynas plant will create around 115 direct jobs in the Goldfields region by processing ores from the nearby Mt Weld mine to create a mixed rare earth carbonate.

This facility is globally significant. It will be the first rare earths processing facility in Australia, and the largest outside of China.

Minister King congratulated Lynas on the milestone and said the plant opening was an important step for Australia’s critical minerals industry and the Albanese Government’s ambitions of growing the nation’s downstream processing capabilities.

“This opening is a big deal for Kalgoorlie, a huge deal for Western Australia and a massive step for Australia,” Minister King said.

“Processing more of our critical minerals and rare earths here in this country is a big part of the Albanese Government’s plans for Building Australia’s Future.

“Projects like the Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility will deliver direct economic benefits to Australia while strengthening our sovereign capability.”

Critical minerals and rare earths elements are essential for the clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines, as well as advanced electronics, the defence industry and medical devices.

It has been a long and winding road: www.AustralianRareEarths.com

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:17 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default World's Largest REE Processing Facility ex China

This is a significant development in the global rare earths industry. A few key points stand out about this facility:

Strategic Importance: As the first rare earths processing facility in Australia and the largest outside China, this represents a major step in diversifying the global rare earths supply chain.


China has historically dominated rare earths processing, so having significant capacity elsewhere is strategically important.

Economic Benefits:

Direct creation of 115 jobs in the Goldfields region
$800 million investment in local infrastructure
Strengthens Australia's position in the critical minerals sector


Supply Chain Integration:

Sources ore from the nearby Mt Weld mine
Processes it into mixed rare earth carbonate
Ships to Malaysia for separation into individual products
Will eventually supply Lynas' planned US facility


Critical Applications: The rare earth elements processed here are essential for:

Clean energy technologies (EVs, solar panels, wind turbines)
Advanced electronics
Defense industry
Medical devices

The rapid construction timeline (less than 2.5 years from approvals to completion) is particularly impressive for a facility of this scale and complexity. This suggests strong government and industry cooperation to expedite the project, likely driven by the strategic importance of rare earth elements.

Mining & Initial Processing:

Ore is mined at Mt Weld in Western Australia
Initial concentration happens at Mt Weld


Primary Processing:

Concentrate from Mt Weld is sent to the new Kalgoorlie facility
The $800 million Kalgoorlie plant processes this into mixed rare earth carbonate
This represents a crucial intermediate processing step


Advanced Processing:


The mixed rare earth carbonate from Kalgoorlie is shipped to the Lynas Malaysia plant in Kuantan
At Kuantan, the material undergoes separation into individual rare earth products


Future Expansion:

A new processing facility is under construction in Texas, USA
The Texas plant will focus on separating pre-processed mixed rare earths
This will give Lynas processing capabilities across three continents

This global footprint is strategically significant because:

It diversifies processing locations across multiple countries
Reduces dependency on any single region
Creates redundancy in the supply chain
Positions Lynas closer to key markets in Asia and North America
Strengthens the non-Chinese rare earths supply chain

The Texas facility, once operational, will be particularly important for U.S. customers and could help meet growing demand from American clean technology and defense sectors.

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:21 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default Comparison Of ASX - LYC : ASM

The key differences in metallization approaches between Lynas (ASX: LYC) and Australian Strategic Materials (ASX: ASM).

The most significant difference is their technological approach:

LYNAS:

Uses conventional solvent extraction technology for separation
Processes concentrate through to mixed rare earth carbonate
Further separates into individual rare earth products
Has proven commercial-scale operations
Does not currently produce rare earth metals directly

ASM:

Uses proprietary metallization technology developed with ZIRON Technology
Claims their process can produce metals and alloys directly
Their technology reportedly reduces energy consumption and environmental impact
Has demonstrated capability at pilot plant in South Korea
Plans to produce high-purity metals and alloys at commercial scale

The key innovation claimed by ASM is their "mine to metal" approach using their proprietary metallization process, while Lynas focuses on producing separated rare earth products but not metals.

Please fact check the above as it is a fast moving field....

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:22 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default Break down of ASM's "mine to metal" approach:

break down ASM's "mine to metal" approach:
Resource Base:

Centered on the Dubbo Project in NSW
Polymetallic deposit containing REEs, zirconium, niobium, hafnium
Long mine life (20+ years) planned

Key Process Components:

Mining & Initial Processing:

Open pit mining at Dubbo
Crushing and grinding
Initial concentration


Metallization Technology:

Uses the Korean-developed ZIRON technology
Claims to be a cleaner, more efficient process
Developed at their Korean Metals Plant
Produces high-purity metals (reportedly 99.9%+)


Commercial Implementation:

Korean Metals Plant serves as proof of commercial capability
Plans for integrated operations from Dubbo to final metals
Aims to produce metals and alloys for:

Permanent magnets
Clean energy applications
Advanced manufacturing
Defense applications



Key Claimed Advantages:

Lower energy consumption than traditional processes
Reduced environmental footprint
More direct path from ore to metal
Ability to produce high-purity metals and alloys
Lower production costs (as claimed by company)

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:30 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default LYC - ASM competitive landscape

Market Position Analysis:

Lynas (LYC):

Clear Current Leadership Outside China

Only fully integrated mine-to-magnet producer outside China
Mt Weld is one of the highest-grade deposits globally
New Kalgoorlie facility strengthens domestic processing
Malaysian plant gives access to Asian markets
Future US plant will serve critical North American market
Strong relationships with Japanese industry and government
Established customer base in automotive and electronics



ASM:

Emerging Technological Challenger

Dubbo deposit offers multi-decade resource
Innovative metallization technology could be game-changing
Korean metals plant demonstrates proof of concept
Lower environmental impact claims if validated at scale
Potential cost advantages through direct metallization
Still needs to prove full commercial viability




Critical Success Factors:



Supply Chain Security

Both companies have Australian-based primary resources
Processing capabilities in multiple jurisdictions
Reduced geopolitical risk compared to Chinese supply


Technology

Lynas: Proven conventional processing at scale
ASM: Potentially disruptive new technology
Both offer alternatives to Chinese processing methods


Market Access

Lynas: Established global customer network
ASM: Building relationships, particularly in Korea
Both positioned to serve key markets (Japan, Korea, US)




Future Growth Potential:


Lynas:

Expanding through Kalgoorlie and planned US facilities
Increasing processing capacity
Strengthening position in key markets
Focus on high-value magnetic materials


ASM:

Scaling up operations
Validating technology at commercial scale
Building market presence
Potential to disrupt traditional processing methods




Competitive Advantages:

Lynas:

Proven track record
Established customer base
Scale of operations
First-mover advantage outside China
Strong government relationships
Integrated supply chain

ASM:

Innovative technology
Potential cost advantages
Environmental benefits
Multi-metal capability
Strategic Korean partnership
Shorter path to metal production


Market Implications:

Growing non-Chinese supply options
Increased supply chain security for Western nations
Potential for price competition
Technological innovation in processing
Reduced environmental impact
Greater market choice for end users


Future Challenges:

Maintaining cost competitiveness
Meeting increasing environmental standards
Securing project financing
Managing geopolitical risks
Scaling production to meet demand
Competing with Chinese producers

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:35 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default

Australia's position in supplying critical minerals (the "vitamins" for the electron economy) is becoming increasingly strategic and powerful. Here's an analysis:

Current Position:

Resource Advantages


World's largest "quality" deposits REE reserves outside China
High-grade deposits (especially Mt Weld)
Diverse critical mineral portfolio beyond REEs including:

Lithium
Nickel
Cobalt
Copper
Graphite
Vanadium




Processing Capabilities


Lynas' integrated processing chain
ASM's innovative metallization
Growing domestic processing capacity
Multiple projects in development

Strategic Significance:

Reliable democratic nation supplier
Strong environmental and labor standards
Political stability
Advanced mining technology
Established export infrastructure
Strong relationships with key markets (US, Japan, Korea, EU)

Market Impact:

Becoming a crucial alternative to Chinese supply
Key supplier for Western supply chains
Critical role in "friend-shoring" strategies
Essential partner for clean energy transition
Major player in battery mineral supply chains
Growing importance in semiconductor supply chains

Future Potential:

Expanding processing capabilities
Technology development
Value-adding downstream processing
Strategic partnerships development
Growing market share in critical minerals
Leadership in sustainable mining practices

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:45 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default Australia's REE beyond ASM LYC are:

Global REE Reserves (as of recent estimates):
China: Holds approximately 35-40% of global reserves
Brazil: Has larger reserves than Australia
Vietnam: Also has significant reserves
Russia: Has substantial reserves
Australia: Significant but not the largest outside China

What makes Australia particularly important is not the absolute size of reserves, but rather:

Quality of Deposits:


Mt Weld (Lynas) is one of the highest-grade deposits globally
Rich in valuable heavy rare earths
Economically viable to extract and process


Production & Processing Capability:

Largest producer outside China
Advanced processing infrastructure
Established supply chains


Business Environment:

Political stability
Strong regulatory framework
Advanced mining expertise
Reliable export partner

Iluka Resources (ASX: ILU)

Eneabba Project, Western Australia
Building $1.2B rare earths refinery
Government backing through $1.25B loan
Expected completion 2025
Will process monazite concentrate
Processing capacity ~17,500t/year REO


Northern Minerals (ASX: NTU)

Browns Range Project, WA
Focus on heavy rare earths, particularly dysprosium
Pilot plant operational
Working toward commercial scale
Currently assessing full-scale development


Hastings Technology Metals (ASX: HAS)

Yangibana Project, WA
Construction underway
High neodymium and praseodymium content
Processing plant planned for Onslow
Targeting production in 2024/25


Arafura Resources (ASX: ARU)

Nolans Project, Northern Territory
Fully permitted
Construction commenced
Integrated mine to oxide operation planned
Significant NdPr content
Target production 2025


Australian Rare Earths (ASX: AR3)

Koppamurra Project, SA/VIC border
Ionic clay-hosted deposit (similar to some Chinese deposits)
Early stage but promising geology
Preliminary metallurgical testing underway


RareX (ASX: REE)

Cummins Range Project, WA
Resource definition ongoing
Preliminary studies underway
High-grade zones identified

Each of these projects has unique characteristics and is at different stages of development.

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:49 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default ASX: GGG re Greenland's Kvangefield deposit?

Greenland Minerals Limited (ASX: GGG) and the Kvanefjeld project have faced significant challenges:

Current Status:

Project effectively halted due to Greenland's ban on uranium mining
2021: Greenland's parliament passed legislation banning uranium mining
This impacts Kvanefjeld as it contains uranium as a by-product
Company has been in dispute resolution with Greenland government

Historical Context:

One of world's largest REE deposits
Contains significant uranium content
Multiple years of development work
Substantial investment in feasibility studies
Previously had strong Chinese partnership (Shenghe Resources)

Key Issues:

Regulatory/Political:


Change in Greenland's government led to policy shift
Strong local opposition to uranium mining
Environmental concerns from local communities
Complex permitting environment


Project Economics:

Large capital requirement
Processing complexity due to uranium content
Need for specialized processing solutions

Current Challenges:

Legal dispute with Greenland government
Uncertain future for project development
Need to potentially restructure project approach
Market uncertainty about path forward

The information above could be incorrect or incomplete....

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-30-2024, 01:52 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default Is Greenlands REEs the reason why Trump wants the US to buy Greenland?

I asked Claude AI

Response: Greenland's Strategic Value:

Has significant REE deposits, including Kvanefjeld
Holds vast mineral resources beyond REEs (uranium, zinc, gold, iron ore)
Critical geographic location for Arctic shipping routes
Strategic military position (US already has Thule Air Base)
Large oil and gas potential
World's largest island with huge unexplored areas

However, while REEs were likely a factor in Trump's 2019 interest in purchasing Greenland, it was probably not the sole or even primary reason. The strategic interest appears to have been driven by:

Geopolitical Competition:


China's growing Arctic interests
Russia's expanding Arctic presence
Control of Northwest Passage shipping routes


Military Strategic Value:


North Atlantic defense positioning
Missile defense installations
Arctic surveillance capabilities


Natural Resources (including but not limited to REEs):


Diverse mineral deposits
Untapped oil and gas reserves
Fresh water resources

Given my knowledge cutoff, I should note that you may want to check more recent developments in Greenland's strategic importance and US Arctic policy. But based on available information, while REEs were a factor, they were part of a broader strategic calculation regarding Greenland's value.

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-30-2024, 02:05 AM
Sparty Sparty is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,281
Default Population of Greenland and ecosocial indicators

Key demographic and social indicators for Greenland:

Population:

Total population: Approximately 56,000-57,000 people
About 88% are Inuit (Greenlandic)
Around 12% are of Danish and other descent
Nuuk (capital) has about 18,000 inhabitants

Demographic Indicators:

Birth rate: Around 14 births per 1,000 population
Death rate: Around 8-9 deaths per 1,000 population
Life expectancy:

Overall: ~73 years
Men: ~70 years
Women: ~75 years


Median age: Approximately 34 years

Social Challenges:

High suicide rates (one of the highest globally)

Particularly affects young men
Significant issue in remote communities


Alcoholism remains a social concern
High rates of smoking
Educational challenges with many young people not completing secondary education
Geographic isolation of communities
Limited economic opportunities in smaller settlements

Economic Indicators:

Heavy dependence on fishing industry
Significant subsidies from Denmark
Growing tourism sector
Limited infrastructure outside main towns
High cost of living due to import dependence
Unemployment challenges in remote areas

With all of its riches why is Greenland facing so many psycho social issues when in terms of resources per capital they are likely the richest in the world?

The paradox of Greenland's vast natural wealth versus its social challenges is fascinating and complex. Let me break down the key factors:

Colonial Legacy and Cultural Disruption


The rapid transition from traditional Inuit lifestyle to modern Western society (primarily through Danish influence) happened in just a few generations
This has created a cultural disconnect where many Greenlanders struggle to find their place between traditional and modern ways of life
Traditional knowledge and skills that provided meaning and status in communities became less relevant in the modernized economy


Resource Wealth vs. Accessibility


While Greenland has immense mineral and natural resources, extracting them requires:

Massive infrastructure investment in harsh conditions
Advanced technical expertise often brought in from outside
Environmental considerations in a fragile Arctic ecosystem


Many communities don't directly benefit from these resources, creating a "rich land, poor people" dynamic


Geographic and Social Isolation


Communities are extremely isolated from each other
Limited transportation options and harsh weather create physical and psychological barriers
Small population size means limited social opportunities, especially for young people
The isolation can amplify mental health issues and substance abuse


Economic Structure


The economy is still largely dependent on Danish subsidies
Traditional hunting/fishing lifestyles are becoming less economically viable
Modern job opportunities are concentrated in few urban areas
High cost of imported goods creates economic stress even with subsidies


Educational Challenges


The education system often requires young people to leave their communities
Language barriers (between Greenlandic, Danish, and English) can complicate education and job prospects
Cultural differences in learning styles and educational approaches
Limited local higher education opportunities


Identity and Self-Determination


Ongoing tension between traditional Inuit identity and modern Western influences
Complex relationship with Denmark (economic dependency vs. desire for independence)
Young people often feel caught between two worlds, contributing to psychological stress

The wealth of resources hasn't translated into widespread prosperity because the challenges are more social and cultural than purely economic. Money alone can't solve issues of cultural identity, community connection, and rapid societal transformation. In some ways, the presence of valuable resources has actually complicated these issues by creating additional tensions around development, environmental protection, and who benefits from resource extraction.

Claude asked Sparty: What do you think would be the most effective approach to addressing these challenges while respecting both traditional culture and modern opportunities?

Sparty: A strong focus on education and health coupled with a political system that redistributes wealth?

Claude: Yes, that's a compelling approach. Let me analyze how this could work:
Education Focus:

Develop a culturally-relevant curriculum that bridges traditional Inuit knowledge with modern skills
Invest in local educational facilities to prevent youth from leaving communities
Create vocational programs specifically aligned with Greenland's emerging industries
Strengthen trilingual education (Greenlandic, Danish, English) to increase global opportunities
Support adult education and retraining programs for traditional workers

Healthcare Improvements:

Expand mental health services, particularly in remote areas
Integrate traditional healing practices with modern medicine
Develop telemedicine infrastructure to serve isolated communities
Focus on preventive care and addiction treatment
Train local healthcare workers from within communities

Wealth Redistribution:

Create a sovereign wealth fund from resource revenues (similar to Norway's model)
Implement universal basic income or community dividend programs
Invest in infrastructure connecting remote communities
Fund cultural preservation and revitalization programs
Support traditional livelihoods while creating paths to modern economy

This approach could address several current issues:

Reduce dependence on Danish subsidies through sustainable local development
Create meaningful employment opportunities that don't require abandoning traditional ways
Build community resilience through better health outcomes and education
Preserve cultural identity while adapting to modern realities
Distribute resource wealth more equitably across the population

 

Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. Alternative-Energy.com.au is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy of this data.

Comments on this forum should never be taken as investment advice.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 01:23 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.