The Caremag Protocol: France and Japan Bridge the Heavy Rare Earth Gap
France and Japan have formalised a Critical Minerals Roadmap anchored by Caremag — the first industrial-scale heavy rare earth separation facility outside China, located in Lacq, France. Japan has secured a 20% offtake of Dysprosium and Terbium oxides, while USA Rare Earth will supply feedstock from Texas, creating a Triangular Corridor for HRE supply.
U.S. proposes price floor contracts for NdPr and heavy rare earths to counter predatory pricing
The U.S. Department of Energy is developing "Contract for Difference" agreements to guarantee minimum prices for domestically produced NdPr oxide and heavy rare earths, aiming to eliminate the financial risk that has stalled Western refinery investment.
China extends export license requirements for heavy rare earth clays
China's Ministry of Commerce has expanded export licensing requirements to include all heavy rare earth clay concentrates, significantly tightening control over critical dysprosium and terbium supplies.