Summary
Chemicals group Solvay announced two supply-deals to provide rare-earth oxides to U.S. magnet-manufacturers, supporting its French processing plant and signalling Western supply-chain momentum. Meanwhile, Graphite One Inc. revealed that its Graphite Creek project in Alaska has discovered garnet zones enriched with rare earth elements (REEs), broadening the project’s strategic profile. Additionally, the Indian cabinet approved revised royalty rates for four critical minerals — graphite, zirconium, caesium and rubidium — to stimulate domestic production under its National Critical Minerals Mission.
Key Points
Solvay signs supply-deals for NdPr, DyTb & samarium oxides: Solvay will supply rare-earth oxides to U.S. companies Noveon Magnetics and Permag, supporting its La Rochelle plant and targeting growth into full magnet manufacturing outside China. https://www.mining.com/web/solvay-seals-two-deals-to-supply-rare-earths-to-us-magnet-makers/
Graphite Creek deposit adds rare earth zones: Graphite One announced that its Alaska deposit hosts multiple REE-bearing garnet zones in addition to graphite, positioning it for co-production of two strategic materials and potential DPA Title III funding. https://www.miningnewsnorth.com/story/2025/11/14/news/graphite-creek-enriched-with-rare-earths/9358.html
India revises royalties for graphite, zirconium, caesium, rubidium: The Indian cabinet approved royalty changes intended to boost exploration and mining of these four critical minerals, underlining New Delhi’s push for self-sufficiency in high-tech supply chains. https://www.timesofindia.com/india/cabinet-revises-royalty-for-four-critical-minerals-to-boost-mining/articleshow/125283837.cms
Why It Matters
Supply-chain diversification advances — The Solvay deals show that supply chains for permanent-magnets (and thus EVs, wind turbines, defence) are shifting beyond China with European and U.S. linkages.
Dual-material deposits emerge — Graphite Creek’s REE discovery means mines may increasingly carry multiple strategic materials, improving project resilience and funding attractiveness.
Fiscal policy enters the frame — India’s royalty revisions highlight that government levers (royalties, incentives) are becoming as important as geology in the critical-minerals race.
Watchlist Companies
Company / Entity | Context | Homepage / Link |
|---|---|---|
Solvay | European chemical/processing company signing rare-earth supply deals to support magnet fabrication outside China. | |
Graphite One Inc. (GPH) | Alaska graphite project now enriched with REE potential — multi-material play. | |
Noveon Magnetics | U.S. magnet manufacturer partnering with Solvay for supply of NdPr/DyTb. | |
Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (UCU) | Canadian REE processor aligned with supply-chain trends, downstream processing focus. |
Critical Minerals Spotlight
DyTb and Samarium Oxides — These heavy or less-common rare earth elements (Dy, Tb, Sm) are increasingly critical for high-temperature magnets and defense applications; supply remains constrained.
Graphite + REE Co-Production — Combining two strategic streams (graphite for batteries, REE for magnets) in one project may reduce risk and attract funding/support.
Royalties & Incentives — With India amending royalties, mining-jurisdiction economics are shifting; projects in favourable jurisdictions may gain a premium.
Action Points
Monitor announcements from Solvay and its U.S. magnet-making partners: look for timelines, plant expansions, and potential U.S. site builds.
Track Graphite One’s next technical updates: resource upgrade, metallurgy tests for both graphite and REEs, and funding milestones for the Alaska project.
For investors and supply-chain participants: evaluate jurisdictions where royalty/fiscal policy is shifting (India, Canada, Australia) — favourable economics may precede project acceleration.
Manufacturers should consider both feed-stock (graphite) and magnet-metal (REEs) sourcing strategies in tandem, given emerging dual-material projects and supply-chain overlaps.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at the time of publication; sources are publicly available.
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