US DLA Contracts REalloys for Rare Earth Metals Plant to Boost Domestic Production and Supply Chain Security

According to statistics, China’s total Pr-Nd oxide production exceeded 9,000 mt in March 2026, up about 6% MoM. This growth was mainly driven by the resumption of production at some separation plants and an increase in the operating rate of scrap recycling enterprises compared with February. However, based on currently available information, as some raw ore separation enterprises plan to suspend production, Pr-Nd oxide production in April is expected to decline by about 2% MoM.

[SMM Rare Earth Flash] An SMM survey showed that total production of Pr-Nd alloy across the industry reached 7,592 mt in March 2026, with the average operating rate at 69.8%, up 7.36% MoM and up 0.7% YoY. Production of Pr-Nd alloy was expected to be 7,699 mt in April, with the average operating rate at 70.9%. It was learned that the core reasons for the rise in the operating rate of Pr-Nd alloy from March to April were the return of normal operations at metal enterprises in March, coupled with the impact of capacity ramp-up at expansion projects in Inner Mongolia.

[SMM Rare Earth Flash] Australia’s Astron released the bankable feasibility study report for Phase I of the Donald rare earth and mineral sands project in Victoria, confirming the project’s strong economic value, and plans to make the final investment decision in Q2 2026. The report showed that total project investment was about AUD 450 million, pre-tax net present value was AUD 759 million, the internal yield was 19.3%, the mine life was about 40 years, and rare earth concentrate is expected to be produced in Q1 2028. The project’s main products include key rare earths such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, as well as zircon and titanium products. Phase I is expected to produce about 7,100 mt of rare earth concentrate annually.