The Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX: ASM) share price zoomed ahead today to finish the session at $7.89, up 9.58%.
This followed an announcement today that the critical metals producer is teaming up with a leading South Korean company, Hyundai Engineering Corporation Co Ltd (KRX: 000720).
The companies will work together on the Australian Strategic Materials' Dubbo Project in NSW.
Australian Strategic Materials enters contract negotiations
ASX investors were bidding up the Australian Strategic Materials share price after digesting the company's news today.
In its statement, the company advised that it has signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with Hyundai Engineering Corporation (HEC).
This will enable exclusive negotiations to take place for the delivery of a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) for the project.
Should all go as planned, this could also progress to HEC winning the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.
Australian Strategic Materials previously requested a proposal process for the FEED, where HEC was identified as a preferred candidate. This was based on Hyundai's experience and capability in developing such projects.
Under the deal, both companies will have an exclusivity period for the award of FEED by 31 March 2022. If the delivery of FEED is successful, the award of EPC will be valid until 25 February 2023.
Australian Strategic Materials wants the FEED contract awarded in Q1 2022 and delivered in Q4 2022.
The terms of the FEED and EPC price, scope, and schedule are yet to be agreed upon.
Australian Strategic Materials managing director, David Woodall said:
The team at HEC are impressive being at the forefront of providing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions that will enable the successful delivery of our Dubbo Project, a key to our "mine to metal" strategy.
The desire of both HEC and ASM to work in partnership to deliver the Dubbo Project with significant benefits to both Korea and Australia put us in a great position as we continue discussions with Korean financial institutions to fund the development of Dubbo.
What is the Dubbo Project?
According to the Australian Strategic Materials website, the Dubbo Project is a wholly-owned "large in-ground polymetallic resource of rare earths, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum and yttrium".
Australian Strategic Materials "intends to develop the Dubbo Project to supply globally significant quantities of zirconium and rare earth materials, as well as contribute to the niobium and emerging hafnium industries.
"These materials are in high demand for a range of existing and future technologies – in particular clean energy and transportation."
About the Australian Strategic Materials share price
Over the past 12 months, the Australian Strategic Materials share price has rocketed by 50% in value. However, when looking at the year to date, its shares are down 30%.
Australian Strategic Materials commands a market capitalisation of roughly $1 billion.
