US grants $500m loan for rare earths processing

By Samantha Bawden

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

InternationalNews

The US Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) has conditionally committed US$500m in long-term debt financing to scale Phoenix Tailings’ domestic processing of rare earth elements.

The MOU supports Metallium’s plan to develop a national network of e-waste processing facilities, strategically located near major e-waste collection hubs, rapidly expanding U.S. data centre industrial parks and regional industrial corridors with strong logistics and waste generation.

Celebrating a century of Caterpillar

Celebrating a century of Caterpillar

Celebrating a century of Caterpillar This month, leading Cat® dealer WesTrac celebrated dual milestones, 100 years since the inception of Caterpillar® and 35 years of partnership. The first iteration of Cat machines was delivered in 1913 to NSW when Holt Manufacturing Company showcased tractors and harvesters to local farmers. The machines proved to be so popular that the business secured a position in the Australian market. The Caterpillar brand was born on the 15th of April 1925 following the merge of Holt Manufacturing Co and C.L. Best Gas...

Perenti’s record $3.5b year

Perenti’s record $3.5b year

Perenti’s record $3.5b year Perenti has reported $333m in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and a 4% revenue increase for FY25. Underlying EBITDA rose 6%, lifting margins to 9.6%, while underlying net-profit after tax (NPAT) increased 8% to $178m and statutory NPAT rose 29% to $137.8m with a normalised free cash flow of $195m. Perenti chief executive and managing director Mark Norwell says the company is pleased to report another year of positive performance, achieving record revenue and EBITDA. “Perenti’s strengthened EBITDA margin demonstrates our commitment to financial discipline across the...

Speewah: Australia’s first fluorite project progresses

Speewah: Australia’s first fluorite project progresses

Speewah: Australia’s first fluorite project progresses Tivan (ASX: TVN) has formed an incorporated joint venture (IJV) with leading Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corporation. The IJV is working to develop, finance and operate the Speewah fluorite project in the Kimberley region of WA. This coincides with rising interest in the mineral after fluorine was added to Australia’s critical minerals list in late 2023. Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson comments on the partnership. “We are delighted to commence a long-term partnership with one of Japan’s most respected companies and to have established a relationship based upon...

Bravus signs MoU to strengthen mining’s future

Bravus signs MoU to strengthen mining’s future

Bravus signs MoU to strengthen mining’s future Bravus Mining & Resources has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CQUniversity to boost education, skills and job prospects in Queensland’s mining sector. One of the core undertakings of the MoU is for Bravus and CQUniversity to equip students in civil, mechanical, electrical, construction and mining engineering with industry-ready skills. This will be achieved through a combination of mentoring, vacation placements, internships and graduate programs designed to bridge the gap between study and employment. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe...