Latest Supply Chain Diversification News

Canadian Phosphate (ASX: CP8) has locked in a five-year exploration permit for its Wapiti Phosphate Project in British Columbia, setting the stage for immediate drilling and a refreshed JORC resource estimate by late 2026.

Evion Group has secured key approvals from Madagascar’s Ministry of Mines to convert exploration permits into mining permits for its Maniry Graphite Project, backed by significant EU funding and US trade initiatives. Meanwhile, its Indian joint venture progresses a major graphite plant expansion to meet growing demand.

Latrobe Magnesium has achieved continuous production of high-grade Magnesium Oxide from brown coal ash and secured a US$2 million prepayment from its US offtake partner, setting the stage for magnesium metal production in the second half of 2026.

Arafura Rare Earths has locked in binding cornerstone equity agreements worth approximately A$230 million, bolstering its path to a final investment decision for the Nolans Project. The company also acquired critical camp infrastructure and is progressing technology development and offtake negotiations amid supportive government frameworks.

Iluka Resources scaled back mineral sands output in Q1 2026 amid operational idling and market caution, while capital expenditure on its Eneabba rare earths refinery hit $977 million with commissioning progressing.

Axel REE Limited has achieved a key operational milestone in its in situ recovery (ISR) development at the Woolrich deposit within the Caladão Project, confirming strong rare earth element leach performance under low-impact magnesium sulphate conditions.

Brazilian Critical Minerals and Southern Alliance Mining have agreed to collaborate on rare earth production, focusing on in-situ recovery methods to leverage operational experience and advance BCM’s Ema project.

Botanix Pharmaceuticals has agreed to terms with Piramal to establish an alternate supplier for the active ingredient in Sofdra, aiming to reduce costs by up to 40% and strengthen its supply chain.

Astron Limited has completed a Bankable Feasibility Study for Phase 1 of its Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, confirming robust economics and advanced financing talks ahead of a targeted Q2 2026 Final Investment Decision.

Mount Ridley Mines has announced a significant inferred mineral resource of heavy rare earth oxides at its Western Australian project, highlighting strong concentrations of critical elements dysprosium and terbium essential for advanced technologies.

Pantera Minerals reports promising first modern exploration results from its Gillham Project in Arkansas, revealing high-grade antimony and base metals that validate multiple drill targets. The company is advancing rapidly towards its maiden drilling program, aiming to unlock significant value.

VHM Ltd has secured board approval to develop its Goschen Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project at full capacity, signalling a strategic pivot to meet surging global demand for critical minerals.