Month: July 2023

We are pleased to advise that ASM has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASX-listed nickel producer Blackstone Minerals Limited (ASX: BSX) (Blackstone), and rare earth element (REE) refiners, Vietnam Rare Earth Company (VTRE).

The MOU was signed at a formal ceremony at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam.

ASM Managing Director & CEO Rowena Smith said:

This MOU has the potential to drive a more collaborative approach within the rare earth elements and critical minerals sector and deliver positive outcomes for all parties involved.

We have already established a strong relationship with the VTRE team and I am excited by the progress they are making to increase their oxide production capacity. The partnership they are looking to build with Blackstone has the potential to benefit ASM’s existing supply of rare earth oxides for processing at the KMP.

ASM’s Korean Metals Plant (KMP) has been recognised as one of the top five outstanding organisations in the Chungcheonbuk province for its risk assessment and safety management practices.

The ‘Risk Assessment Excellence Case Competition’ – organised by the Cheongju Regional Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor – received entries from more than 200 companies and aims to promote the widespread adoption of best practice risk assessment across all industries.

Officially opened in May 2022, the KMP is ASM’s flagship metals production facility and is continuing its ramp up, aligned to customer demand. The facility is currently producing neodymium praseodymium (NdPr) metal and neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) alloy for established customers in Korea and the US.

ASM’s Rowena Smith, commented:

This award is deserved recognition of the hard work and commitment of the entire ASM team but particularly those in our Health, Safety & Environment function.

The safety, health and wellbeing of our people will remain our highest priorities as we continue to ramp up production at the KMP.”