Trump Orders Defense Dept to Stop Waivers for Critical Minerals from Non-Allied Nations by 2027

[SMM Rare Earth News] Canadian rare earth recycling company Cyclic Materials has reached a cooperation agreement with US electronic waste recycler ERI. Leveraging ERI’s nationwide recycling network and eight processing centers, the partnership will recover rare earth magnets and other critical minerals from electronic waste, building a circular supply chain for critical minerals in North America. Under the agreement, ERI is responsible for the collection and pre-processing of electronic waste, while Cyclic will recover high-purity rare earth oxides from NdFeB magnets and simultaneously extract key materials such as copper and aluminum at its plant in Arizona. The plant has an annual processing capacity of 25,000 mt. The two parties also plan to jointly bid on commercial and government recycling projects, expanding the layout of critical mineral circular utilization. Previously, Cyclic had signed a 10-year cooperation agreement with German magnetic material company VAC to recycle NdFeB scrap generated at its US plant, further strengthening the rare earth supply chain in North America.

Malaysia is reviewing a supply agreement worth $96 million signed between Lynas Rare Earths and the US Department of Defense, after a parliamentary committee assessed whether the deal affects Malaysia’s stance in support of Palestine and its future rare earth policies. According to a previously issued statement, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade, chaired by Member of Parliament Wong Chen, convened on July 16 to discuss the role of the Australian company Lynas in the US defense supply chain. The committee heard submissions from government officials, non-governmental organizations, and senior executives of Lynas. The committee recommended that the government formulate a clearer foreign investment policy to protect Malaysia’s national interests and sovereignty, and clarify its position on this matter within two weeks. The committee said it called this meeting to examine and assess the impact of the supply agreement, which is allegedly affecting Malaysia’s long-standing stance in support of Palestine.

Canadian miner Resouro Strategic Metals is seeking funds to accelerate the development of its rare earth and titanium projects in Brazil, with the initial investment estimated at $160 million. The company plans to issue 8 million common shares through a private placement, aiming to raise C$2 million (approximately $1.4 million). The company said in a statement, "Resouro will use the proceeds for a pre-feasibility study, the urgent development of the Tiros rare earth and titanium project in Minas Gerais, and general working capital expenditures." Recently, Resouro completed a preliminary economic assessment of the Tiros project, estimating the initial construction investment at approximately $160 million. The company's projections indicate that the project is expected to process 500,000 mt of ore annually over its 20-year operational life.