Tronox and JX Advance Collaborative Efforts in Rare Earth Project Development

Tronox Holdings plc (TROX) has announced a cooperation and investment agreement with JX Advanced Metals Corporation (JXAM) to collaboratively explore rare earth and critical minerals projects in Australia and the United States. The joint venture aims to enhance supply chains for sectors including semiconductors and defense.

Each company will fund 50% of approximately $32 million to support various development activities, such as a feasibility study for a rare earth cracking facility in Australia and a pre-feasibility study for a refinery in the U.S. The proposed facilities are expected to produce up to 10,000 tons per year of rare earth oxides and are planned for the Rockingham Industrial Zone in Western Australia and near Tronox’s Hamilton, MS facility.

The agreement’s focus is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of the projects, with future plans to establish a joint venture if the studies show promise. The companies are also considering engagements with government financing entities for additional funding.