Company Interview / ASM's pivot amid China clampdown

Key points:

Impact of China's export restrictions on rare earths and ASM’s supply chain strategyNecessity for Australian investment and policy focus on critical minerals during electionsProgress on ASM's Korean metals plant and Dubbo project for rare earth production

Rowena Smith of Australian Strategic Materials (ASX:ASM) discusses the impact of China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. She notes that 90% of processing currently occurs in China, and ASM's strategy focuses on establishing a vertically integrated supply chain.

Rowena expresses hope that the Australian federal election will spotlight critical minerals. She emphasises the need for investment, policy alignment with the US, and greater detail on the proposed critical minerals reserve. Funding, off-take, and pricing stability are essential for success.

On ASM's (ASX:ASM) projects, Rowena highlights that the Korean metals plant is already producing light and heavy rare earth metals. The Dubbo project is poised for development, with efforts to expedite production. A study aims to reduce costs and accelerate implementation.