Strategic Summary
Global momentum is picking up in critical minerals, with innovation and strategic partnerships shaping the landscape. In the U.S., a promising new processing venture—Valor—aims to revolutionize efficiency with ligand-based extraction technology. India is doubling down both vertically and internationally, integrating refining capacity into its national supply chain. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, a massive U.S.-backed investment deals charts a new supply axis in South Asia.
Key Points
Valor Targets 10× Efficiency in Processing
Valor, founded by the former head of Glencore’s recycling unit, is launching a ligand-based processing technology that could radically cut time and cost in refining copper and rare minerals. A demonstration facility is planned in Massachusetts or New York.
https://www.reuters.com/business/glencores-former-head-recycling-launches-critical-minerals-processing-firm-2025-09-08/Altmin's Lithium Refinery Tapped into MSP
India’s Altmin broke ground as the first Indian project listed under the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). Its Brazil-based lithium refinery, backed with U.S. cooperation, is expected to refine 32,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually within two years.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/altmins-lithium-refinery-in-brazil-becomes-first-indian-project-to-be-listed-with-msp/articleshow/123772229.cms$500M U.S.–Pakistan Critical Minerals Deal
U.S. Strategic Metals inked a $500 million investment agreement with Pakistan to build a poly‑metallic refinery. The project covers antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earths and signals growing U.S. venture capital expansion into South Asia.
https://apnews.com/article/78397bef33518d645a3a248275d84a0cIndia Targets Four New Critical Metals by 2030
Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has announced plans to add neodymium, tungsten, potash, and potentially other strategic metals to its production portfolio by 2030.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/hzl-plans-to-produce-up-to-4-new-metals-by-2030-ceo/articleshow/123668865.cmsIndia Introduces ₹1,500 Cr Recycling Incentive Scheme
The Indian Cabinet approved a large-scale recycling incentive of ₹1,500 crore targeting e‑waste and batteries, with a goal of producing 40,000 tonnes of critical minerals through recovery.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/critical-mineral-recycling-push-cabinet-clears-rs-1500-crore-incentive-scheme-aims-for-40k-tonnes-output/articleshow/123679992.cmsBrazil Investigates $500M Nickel Sale to Chinese-Backed Buyer
Brazil’s competition authority opened a probe into the proposed sale of Anglo American’s nickel operations to a Chinese-backed firm, amid concerns about strategic Chinese control in global nickel supply.
https://www.ft.com/content/c1822184-a204-4b76-a9aa-244ea83cfec8
Why It Matters
Processing Innovation as Geopolitical Leverage
Valor’s ligand-based technique could break Western dependency on China for processing, especially if it’s scalable for rare earths.National Sovereignty Meets Green Transition
India’s refining strategies are shifting power from the mineral-rich periphery to domestic control—balancing economic security with global competition.Geopolitical Diversification Expands
The U.S.–Pakistan investment realigns resource strategy in South Asia, creating supply buffers beyond traditional hubs.Recycling and Expansion Shape Future Stability
India’s recycling push and HZL’s metal expansions reinforce supply predictability and downstream resilience through circularity.Chinese Influence Under Scrutiny
Brazil’s nickel transaction probe signals rising concern over resource sovereignty and foreign leverage in critical supply chains.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
Valor (U.S.) — Developed by a former Glencore executive, Valor is pioneering a potentially disruptive ligand-based processing approach.
https://www.reuters.com/business/glencores-former-head-recycling-launches-critical-minerals-processing-firm-2025-09-08/Altmin (India/Brazil) — Engineering lithium supply with MSP support, marking the first Indian project to benefit from U.S.-allied strategic alliance.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/altmins-lithium-refinery-in-brazil-becomes-first-indian-project-to-be-listed-with-msp/articleshow/123772229.cmsU.S. Strategic Metals / Pakistan Authorities — Driving the $500 million refinery partnership as Washington expands strategic supply networks in Asia.
https://apnews.com/article/78397bef33518d645a3a248275d84a0cHindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) — Planning expansion into neodymium, tungsten, and other specialty metals to support India’s sovereign capacity.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/hzl-plans-to-produce-up-to-4-new-metals-by-2030-ceo/articleshow/123668865.cms
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Neodymium & Rare Earths — Tied to HZL’s expansion; central to magnet manufacturing and high-tech applications.
Lithium — Focus of Altmin’s Brazil project, driven by global battery demand.
Cobalt, Tungsten, Gold, Antimony — Featured in the U.S.–Pakistan agreement; broadening strategic mineral diversification.
Action Points
Track Valor’s scaling and fundraising, especially pilot plant progress and investor interest.
Monitor Altmin’s project execution timeline and potential supply agreements with India or allied nations.
Watch tender processes and infrastructure development under the U.S.–Pakistan deal to assess downstream capacity.
Follow regulatory and market updates from HZL’s deployment of new metal production.
Keep an eye on Brazil’s antitrust proceedings regarding nickel sales—and any regional ripples across other strategic mineral jurisdictions.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.