Is the fluorspar mine at Monte Muambe the ace in the Altona Rare Earth pack?
“…it’s a mineral that appears on the critical mineral lists of the world’s largest economies. That’s because it’s used directly or indirectly to manufacture products including aluminium, gasoline, insulation, refrigerants, steel and uranium fuel…”
Compared to gold and copper, the rare earth elements market is a relative newcomer, and as such is still finding its way as the fundamentals of supply, demand and pricing find an equilibrium.
The halcyon years of rare earths including neodymium the wonder material for the miniaturisation of electronic devices and powerful magnets peaked in 2022 which made the board of Altona Rare Earths reconsider its strategy.
It is neodymium which is the value driver for the company’s flagship Monte Muambe asset and while that asset is progressing at pre-feasibility study pace, management recognised a one-commodity junior exploration company was exposed to the jeopardy and whims of …