Tronox, JX Advanced Metals sign rare earths cooperation and investment pact
TROX•Tronox and JX Advanced Metals signed an agreement to develop a rare earth processing and refining platform, sharing about $32 million for feasibility work on an Australian cracking plant and U.S. refinery studies.
1. Feasibility work planned
The partners will split about $32 million 50/50 for feasibility work on a cracking plant in Rockingham, Western Australia, and studies for a refinery on Tronox-owned land next to its Hamilton, Mississippi, site. Plans also include a U.S. pilot facility to produce initial quantities of high-purity rare earth oxides; the companies may form a joint venture to fund, build and operate the assets if studies support technical and commercial viability.
