China’s latest export restrictions on heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) have thrown global supply chains into disarray. However crisis creates opportunity, and for Australian producers like Northern Minerals it’s an unexpected boost.
In retaliation for renewed tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, China has suspended exports of key heavy rare earth metals and rare earth magnets used in electric vehicles, defence systems, robotics, and consumer electronics.
This move has amplified concerns about the West’s dependency on China, which controls over 90% of the global rare earth processing capacity. Despite being found across the globe, it’s China’s ability to refine these elements that maintain their bargaining power.
As a result of the restrictions, companies operating outside of China, especially in politically stable jurisdictions are gaining investors attention.
Northern Minerals is developing the Browns Range project in WA, which boasts an MRE of 11.7 Mt @ 0.77% TREO, including 0.67% Dy2O3 and 0.09% Tb4O7.
NTU has seen its share price rocket following news coming out of China, increasing by 90% over the past month and 66% in the last week alone.
