Japan and US Agree to Strengthen Critical Minerals Cooperation, Including Rare Earths and Deep-Sea Resources

[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] ASX-listed Aldoro Resources announced an updated JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate for its 85%-owned Kameelburg rare earth-strontium-niobium project in Namibia, confirming it as the world's largest co-product strontium deposit. At a 0.5% total rare earth oxide (TREO) cut-off grade, the Inferred Mineral Resource is 597 million mt at a TREO grade of 2.49%. The maiden strontium resource is 596 million mt at a strontium grade of 2.17%. The high-grade (TREO >1%) ore resource is 313 million mt at a TREO grade of 2.87%. Strontium can be used in permanent magnets, specialty glass, and national defense equipment. This resource update further highlights the project's unique strategic value.

[SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review: Overall Decline in Rare Earth Prices Driven by Futures Disruptions] The Pr-Nd oxide market was in the doldrums overall this week. Affected by price fluctuations in futures, traders made shipments at low prices. Meanwhile, the "rush to buy amid continuous price rise and hold back amid price downturn" sentiment intensified the wait-and-see sentiment among downstream metal plants, with poor purchase willingness. Market trading activity was very sluggish. As of today, Pr-Nd oxide prices had fluctuated downward to 745,000-750,000 yuan/mt.

[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Australia's Arafura announced that its Nolan rare earth project received A$200 million (approximately $144 million) in unsecured convertible notes from the National Reconstruction Fund, bringing total financing to $911 million. The project plans to produce 4,400 mt of Pr-Nd oxide and 470 mt of mixed medium-heavy rare earth oxide annually for at least 38 years, meeting 4% of global Pr-Nd demand. The company plans to make a final investment decision in July 2026 and has signed offtake agreements with Hyundai, Siemens, and others covering 66% of production.