October 21 SMM rare earth spot price: praseodymium oxide down 7500 yuan / ton

Australasian Metals reported that a review of historical exploration data identified near-surface columbite-tantalite mineralisation at its Atex project. The company is preparing drilling to assess the tantalum potential alongside lithium. The historical estimates are not a current mineral resource. Atex adds a potential West African tantalum project to watch, but fresh sampling and drilling are needed before its scale or commercial value can be assessed.

Amnesty International’s research briefing published on 21 September documents alleged forced labour, arbitrary detention and other abuses by M23 fighters against artisanal miners near Rubaya in eastern DRC. It also reports coltan trafficking from M23-controlled areas into Rwanda. These are Amnesty’s investigative findings; the briefing does not establish a verified volume of trafficked coltan.​ Amnesty called on countries and companies to stop purchasing coltan and gold from Rwanda until its government demonstrates that trafficked DRC material is no longer entering supply chains. The call increases scrutiny of tantalum sourcing and traceability. It is an NGO recommendation, not an enacted trade ban.

Kali Metals and Japan’s JX Advanced Metals have entered a binding memorandum of understanding covering Southern Lachlan Fold Belt tenements in Australia, according to reporting on Kali’s 22 September ASX disclosure. JX is to fund up to A$700,000 of exploration through a due diligence period ending 31 March 2027, while Kali manages the work. The approximately 1,413 km² area is prospective for lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatites, tin and tungsten.​ The agreement funds early exploration. It establishes no tantalum mineral resource, reserve or production, and the funding ceiling is not a commitment to finance a mine. A farm-in or joint venture would require a further agreement.