Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

The Arafura Rare Earths share price is up almost 10% to 30.7 cents. This morning, this rare earths developer announced binding agreements with two cornerstone investors which secure equity subscriptions totalling approximately $230 million. Commenting on the equity subscriptions, Arafura's managing director, Darryl Cuzzubbo, said: "Today marks a transformational milestone for Arafura and the Nolans Project. The execution of binding equity subscriptions from these two government agencies is a powerful endorsement of the strategic importance of Nolans to western supply chains."

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

The Eagers Automotive share price is up 8% to $24.38. This follows the release of an update from the automotive retailer this morning. Eagers Automotive revealed that it has entered into a non-binding term sheet with the owners of Grand Motors Group to acquire 49% of their interest in a portfolio of dealerships located on the Gold Coast and in Metro Sydney. It is a multi-brand dealership group generating consolidated revenue of approximately $490 million for the 12 months ended December 2025.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up 6% to $19.91. Investors have been buying this family safety technology company's shares on Wednesday following a strong rise by its NASDAQ-listed shares overnight. This was driven by improving investor sentiment amid optimism that the war in the Middle East could soon end. The technology sector is having a particularly strong session. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Technology Index rise 3% today.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up 3.8% to $121.36. As well as benefiting from a rebound in the tech sector today, this health imaging technology company's shares have been boosted by an announcement. Pro Medicus revealed that it is undertaking an on-market share buy-back. The maximum number of shares that the company can buy back is 10.45 million, according to the notice. However, due to its current share price, the actual figure will almost certainly be lower than this.

The post Why Arafura Rare Earths, Eagers Automotive, Life360, and Pro Medicus shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Government agencies taking a stake

In a statement lodged with the ASX on Wednesday, the company said that Export Finance Australia would subscribe for US$100 million in new equity in Arafura, which is developing the Nolans Rare Earths Project in the Northern Territory.

The German Raw Materials Fund (GRMF) would also subscribe for about $84 million in new equity.

Arafura said the new equity funding built on a "transformational" $481 million equity raising completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, and a binding term sheet signed with Australia's National Reconstruction Fund Corporation for $200m of convertible notes.

The company said further:

The execution of these binding cornerstone agreements is consistent with Arafura's previously announced equity funding strategy, targeting cornerstone investment from government-seeded critical minerals funds, customers and other strategic investors, and follows the previous announcement of non-binding arrangements with the German Raw Materials Fund and Export Finance Australia. This strategy, together with the binding $200 million commitment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), significantly de-risks the equity funding required for the development of the Nolans Rare Earths Project.

The company said the new and existing funding commitments came to a total of $911 million.

New supply chains critical

Arafura said in its statement to the ASX that the investment from the German fund showed the strategic importance of countries diversifying their critical minerals supply.

Arafura added:

The Nolans Project has demonstrated clear alignment with the GRMF's objectives through its binding offtake agreement with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for the supply of NdPr to be used in the manufacture of permanent magnets for offshore wind turbines assembled at their Cuxhaven facility in Germany. Arafura continues to engage with prospective European offtake partners regarding securing an additional 500tpa.

Arafura will call a general meeting of shareholders to ratify the new equity issuance.

Arafura Managing Director Darryl Cuzzubbo said regarding the new developments:

Today marks a transformational milestone for Arafura and the Nolans Project. The execution of binding equity subscriptions from these two government agencies is a powerful endorsement of the strategic importance of Nolans to western supply chains. This outcome is consistent with our long-stated equity funding strategy of partnering with government-seeded critical minerals funds, customers and strategic investors who share our vision for developing a reliable, and diversified source of rare earth supply. With the support of our shareholders and incoming cornerstone partners, we are now firmly positioned to finalise our equity funding package and deliver Australia's first fully integrated ore-to-oxide rare earths operation.

The issue price of the new equity will be 24.47 cents per share.

Arafura shares were 3.5% higher in early trade at 29 cents. The company is valued at $1.31 billion.

The post Which ASX rare earths company's shares are trading higher on new funding news? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some commodities have risen by more than 25% and even up to 70% in just a month, and many miners hit multi-year highs last week.

They included the ASX 200's largest mining share, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), as well as fellow diversified miners, Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) and South32 Ltd (ASX: S32).

Others that hit multi-year highs included ASX 200 lithium major PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), gold large-cap Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM), copper pure-play Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), and aluminium stock Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI).

The broader market also had a strong week. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 2.13% to finish at 8,903.9 points.

Nine of the sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's review.

ASX 200 mining shares' unstoppable trajectory

The BHP share price reached a two-year high of $49.75 per share on Thursday.

BHP shares closed 2.66% higher for the week at $48.99 on Friday.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price rose 0.48% to $22.82 while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) lifted 3.63% to $148.25.

The Mineral Resources share price lifted 4.71% to $59.78 while South32 gained 8.05% to $4.16.

Among the ASX 200 pure-play copper stocks, Sandfire Resources shares ascended 2.68% to close at $19.15.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares finished 7.72% higher at $15.63.

ASX 200 lithium shares also had a good week, with PLS Group shares lifting 0.65% to $4.68.

PLS Group shares hit a two-and-a-half-year high of $5.04 on Thursday, and profit-taking was apparent on Friday.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price rose 4.88% to $2.15, while IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) increased 2.66% to $8.88.

ASX 200 gold shares benefited from another resetting of the gold price record at US$4,642.58 on Wednesday.

The ASX 200's largest gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), rose 8.54% to close at $26.83 on Friday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price rose 2.34% to $13.12, and Newmont lifted 7.53% to $169.25.

Among ASX 200 ASX rare earths shares, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) increased 9.79% to $15.48.

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) shares fell 5% to 28 cents per share.

Bauxite and alumina producer Alcoa rose 4.45% to $95.28 per share on Friday.

Soaring ASX 200 mining shares prompted many brokers to issue revised 12-month share price targets last week.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 materials sector outperforms as mining shares continue their ascent appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Reflecting the miners' dominance, the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rose 3.64% last week and the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) lifted 1.41%, while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) weakened 0.11% to finish at 8,717.8 points.

Only four of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's recap.

Scores of ASX 200 mining shares reach 52-week highs

Ongoing strength in commodity prices boosted ASX 200 mining shares last week.

At the time of writing, the iron ore price is up 0.45% for the week at US$107.65 per tonne.

This helped send several ASX 200 iron ore shares to 52-week highs.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares reached $48.49, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) $154.75, and Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) $58.64.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price didn't reach an annual high but increased 2.57% over the week to close at $22.71 on Friday.

Copper futures surged above US$6 per pound, a new record, which also supported BHP given it is now the world's largest producer.

Several ASX 200 copper shares also reached 52-week peaks, including the market's largest pure-play Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR).

The Sandfire Resources share price hit an all-time record of $19.43, as did Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) shares at $15.89.

Lithium prices also surged, with the carbonate price streaking 16% higher for the week and 49% over the past month.

Unsurprisingly, ASX 200 lithium shares ripped, with many also setting new 52-week price milestones last week.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares rose to $4.89 apiece, Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) hit $2.10, and IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) reached $8.95.

ASX 200 rare earths shares increased on news that China will limit exports of rare earths to Japan.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares shot the lights out, ripping 15.38% to close the week at $14.10.

The Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price flew 9.26% to close at 30 cents per share.

What about gold?

The gold price rose 3% last week to above US$4,467 per ounce in late trading on Friday Australian time.

The market's largest ASX 200 gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 1.19% to close at $24.72 on Friday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price rose 1.1% to close at $12.82.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares hit a record high of $162.45 apiece last week.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares hit a 52-week high of $5.80, as did Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares at $7.84.

Gold and copper miner, Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) lifted 9.09% over the week to close at $11.52.

The Greatland Resources share price reached a record high of $11.66 on Friday.

Silver continues its amazing run, up 5% over the week and 152% over the past 12 months.

This helped ASX 200 diversified miner South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) hit a 52-week high of $3.87 per share.

South32 is exposed to silver via its Cannington mine, which is one of the world's largest producers of silver and lead.

The rising aluminium price also supported South32 shares.

Aluminium gained 2.2% last week and is up 22% over the past year.

This also helped bauxite and alumina producer Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) hit a 52-week high of $94.31 last week.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

Final word on the week

Here at the Fool, we continued to dissect all the results of 2025 for your review last week.

We revealed the 5 best ASX 200 mining shares of 2025 for capital growth.

We also considered what $10,000 invested in the BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) returned over the past year.

You might also be interested in the 5 top ASX 200 gold shares, the 12 best performing commodities, and the best sectors for dividends.

The post ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

During the Monday lunch hour, the All Ords is up a welcome 1%.

Now, here's how these leading ASX rare earths stocks are performing at this same time:

• Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are up 5.3%
• Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) shares are up 3.9%
• Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX: NTU) shares are up 6.5%
• Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) shares are up 4%
• Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE) shares are up 2.7%

As you're likely aware, the rare earths miners have come under heavy selling pressure over the past month – with the above group tumbling anywhere between 15% to 37% – following on the blistering run higher from January.

Despite that past month's steep decline, here's how these miners' year-to-date performance stacks up to the 3.7% gains posted by the All Ords in 2025:

• Lynas Rare Earths shares have gained 136.1%
• Arafura Rare Earths shares have gained 120.8%
• Northern Minerals shares have gained 60%
• Iluka Resources shares have gained 27.8%
• Brazilian Rare Earths shares have gained 90%

Boom!

What's been stoking investor interest?

ASX rare earths stocks, and their shareholders, have been benefiting from the West's move to secure supplies outside of China's control.

Rare earths are critical elements in most modern technologies, including military defence equipment, phones, EVs, and wind turbines, to name a few. And as China has recently demonstrated, it is willing to use its dominance in rare earths to further its own political and trade ambitions.

In late October, this led to United States President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signing a multi-billion-dollar deal that granted the US more access to Australia's rare earths and other critical minerals.

Australia and the US both agreed to invest more than US$1 billion over six months to spur initial rare earths projects.

Why are ASX rare earths stocks surging today?

Today's big lift for Lynas shares and its rival ASX rare earths stocks appears to be driven by news out of the European Union.

As Reuters reports, the EU would like to directly invest in Australian critical minerals projects. On Friday, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the European trading block would reveal a list of projects it would like to support shortly.

Sefcovic engaged in discussions with Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King last week.

"We see how we are squeezed now on chips and some critical raw materials," he said, referring to China's stranglehold on crucial elements.

"We did the first such selection of the projects where we would declare our official interest," Sefcovic added. "That list should be published very, very soon."

Stay tuned!

The post How this new development could drive the next big boost for ASX rare earths stocks like Lynas appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Cooling investor sentiment, which followed the Reserve Bank's latest hold decision, dampened gains for Australian shares during the week. The weakest sector at the end of last week was technology, followed by financials. 

New data from CommSec reveals the Australian shares that were most traded by its clients last week, highlighting investor sentiment and market momentum.

Most traded Australian shares

CommSec's data shows that Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) was, once again, the most traded stock by its clients between 3rd November and 7th November. 

It's unsurprising that Droneshield shares made the top of the list for another week, given ASX defence stocks continue to sit in the spotlight. Over the course of last week, 70% of Droneshield activity was investors buying, but 30% was investors selling up and taking impressive gains earned over the past year.

At the time of writing, Droneshield shares have risen 1.69% for the day to $3.28 a piece. There has been a spike in investor interest after the company announced it has inked three new deals with the United States government to supply handheld counterdrone systems.

Next on CommSec's most traded Australian shares list are Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

There has been a surge in demand for rare earths, accompanied by heightened trade tensions between China and the US. In late October, the rare earths developer also received commitments to raise $475 million via a two-tranche institutional placement at a discount of 28 cents per new share. 

Macquarie previously told investors that it expects the rare earths market to remain tight for the remainder of 2025. It also expects a supply deficit for 2026 and 2027.

CSL suffered a brutal investor sell-off this year, but investors seem to be keeping a close eye on the stock. The company held a capital markets day on Wednesday last week, where it said its Seqirus division had grown revenue to a projected $2 billion in FY25, maintaining a 42% global market share in influenza vaccines.

What else were investors interested in last week?

CommSec clients were also interested in Mount Ridley Mines Ltd (ASX: MRD), Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS), Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares also made the list of the top 10 most traded shares during the course of the week, but the majority of activity (65% of activity in both stocks) was investor selling.

The post Top 10 most-traded Australian shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

The Arafura Rare Earths share price is down 19% to 30.5 cents. This has been driven by news that the rare earths developer has received commitments to raise $475 million via a two-tranche institutional placement at a discount of 28 cents per new share. Arafura's largest shareholder, Hancock Prospecting, has committed ~$125 million to the placement. Arafura's CEO, Darryl Cuzzubbo, said: "The strength of demand received for this capital raising has definitively validated the importance of Arafura's role in a diversified global supply chain. We have progressively delivered a funding solution that will support a final investment decision announcement early next year and see us commence construction of what will be an iconic project for Australia of global significance."

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

The Bank of Queensland share price is down 3% to $6.86. The catalyst for this has been the regional bank's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest dividend. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving a fully franked 20 cents per share dividend next month on 21 November.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is down 4% to $171.03. This biotechnology giant's shares have come under pressure this week after it downgraded its guidance for FY 2026. This was driven largely by softer than expected demand for influenza vaccines in the United States. For the same reason, the company has also trimmed its FY 2027 and FY 2028 earnings guidance. Morgans thinks it is a buying opportunity. It said: "Although it remains challenging to know when US influenza vaccination rates will stabilise, we believe the risk of a permanently lower base is being over-priced, with Seqirus and Vifor marked down, with even Behring trading below peers and well under its long-term average, which we see as unjustified. We lower FY26-28 net profit forecasts by up to 14.3%, with our PT decreasing to A$249.51 (from A$293.83). BUY."

Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX)

The Strike Energy share price is down 2.5% to 11.2 cents. This morning, this energy producer released its first quarter update and revealed an 8% decline in production. Despite this, the company still reported a 3% increase in sales revenue to $18.32 million for the three months.

The post Why Arafura Rare Earths, Bank of Queensland, CSL, and Strike shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The investment comes as part of a $475 million capital raise finalised by the company late on Tuesday, and will increase Ms Rinehart's stake in the business to about 15.7%, up from 10.01%.

Ararfura will raise $475 million in two tranches, with the second, $351.6 million tranche, requiring shareholder approval.

Existing shareholders in the company will also be able to subscribe for a total of $50 million in new shares at the placement issue price of 28 cents per share.

Arafura shares were in a trading halt on Tuesday, with the shares last changing hands at 37.5 cents.

Cashed up

Arafura said in a statement to the ASX late on Tuesday that following the settlement of the placement, it would be in a strong cash position with about $584 million in the bank.

Arafura managing director Darryl Cuzzubbo said the capital raise "marks a transformational milestone as we advance towards a final investment decision for the Nolans rare earths project''.

Mr Cuzzubbo added:

Combined with our conditional $200m equity-linked commitment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and up to US$100 million conditional equity investment from Export Finance Australia, together with our US$775 million of conditional base senior debt, proceeds from this placement will substantially de-risk the total funding required for the development of Nolans. Following this placement, we will continue to advance discussions with strategic customers and partners, for the balance of the funding required including the German Raw Materials Fund which is in the appraisal phase for a potential equity investment of up to about €100 million.

Chinese dominance to be challenged

Arafura was one of the companies that won government support under a new critical minerals framework announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump last week.

That framework is designed to reduce the reliance on China for the supply of rare earths elements, which it currently dominates the market in.

Mr Cuzzubbo said the development of projects such as Nolans, in the Northern Territory, was crucial to meeting the supply needs of industries such as defence and renewables going forward.

The convergence of support from Australian and United States government agencies, announced under the landmark US-Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, underscores the geopolitical significance of Western rare earth supply chains and the Nolans Project, being Australia's first fully integrated ore to oxide rare earths operation.

Shareholder approval for the second tranche of the capital raise is expected to be sought at an extraordinary general meeting to be held sometime in December.

The post Iron ore magnate Gina Rinehart sinks another $125 million into rare earths player appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To be frank, it was a pretty good day to have a rare earths company's shares remaining untraded, with peers in the sector such as Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) trading down 12.4%, and Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE) off 3.5%.

This followed news that US President Donald Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had signed a framework agreement to increase the supply of rare earths minerals and reduce their reliance on China for the critical inputs to the defence and renewable energy sectors.

Arafura shares were untraded on Tuesday, last changing hands at Monday's close at 37.5 cents, valuing the company at $1.1 billion.

Capital to back new mine

The Australian's Dataroom column was reporting on Tuesday that Arafura had halted trade in its shares as it was looking to raise $475 million to fund its Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory.

Arafura shares have more than tripled in the past 12 months, up from lows of 10.5 cents, but have pulled back from recent highs around 62 cents.

Iron ore magnate Gina Rinehart owns 10.01% of the company.

Rare earths a hot topic

Interest in Australian rare earths stocks has been heightened in recent weeks by news that China had added another five rare earths elements to its list of elements under export controls.

Currently, 12 of the 17 rare earths elements are subject to export controls.

Soon after this was announced, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mr Trump announced their own critical minerals framework agreement, under which each country will invest at least US$1 billion into the critical minerals sector over the next six months.

As part of this new deal, Arafura was one of two companies singled out for special treatment, with Mr Albanese saying that Australia would invest US$100 million in equity in the Nolans project.

As he said at the time:

Once operational, this project will produce 5% of global rare earths – essential for energy security and defence. The historic framework signed today will assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains, including mining, separation, and processing, through use of economic policy tools and coordinated investment.

While rare earths elements are relatively plentiful, despite the name, they are hard to mine economically, and Australia currently only has one major mine in Lynas' Mt Weld project in Western Australia.

Arafura's shares are expected to resume trading at or before the start of trading on Thursday, 30 October.

The post Why have shares in the Gina Rinehart-backed Arafura Rare Earths entered a trading halt? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Multiple news outlets have reported that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent now expects China to delay its proposed export restrictions on rare earths minerals by up to a year.

The reports appear to have eased fears of global supply constraints for the critical minerals, but have also rattled investors in ASX-listed rare earths miners, which are seen as an alternative supply source.

How ASX rare earths stocks are moving

At the time of writing:

• The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price is down 2.9% to $18.26
• The Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price has plunged 10.8% to $0.37
• The Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) share price is off 6.4% at $7.22
• The Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX: NTU) share price has dropped 19% to $0.05

Whilst these are sharp moves, they should be taken in context, as the Lynas share price, for example, is up a whopping 178% so far in 2025. Therefore, I doubt Lynas investors will be losing any sleep over a 2.9% drop.

What it means for ASX investors

Today's drop highlights just how sensitive the rare earths space remains to global headlines. Australian producers like Lynas and Arafura are among the few credible alternatives to China's dominance in rare earths supply, and so when geopolitical risk spikes, these names often rally; when it eases, they tend to retreat.

However, the long-term demand story for rare earths minerals remains intact. Rare earths are critical inputs in a range of industries, including electric vehicles and defence technologies. These are all sectors expected to grow significantly over the next decade. Short-term volatility aside, these stocks remain leveraged to the structural trends in these industries.

What to watch next

Investors should keep an eye on rare earths spot prices, quarterly updates from producers, and any policy follow-through from China's officials. The situation remains fluid, and another shift in tone from Beijing or Washington could easily reverse today's sentiment.

In the meantime, today's pullback may remind investors that rare earths remain a high-beta corner of the market, where politics and policy can move share prices. There will most likely be more twists and turns to come, and so after all is said and done, today is just another day in the rare earths space.

The post ASX rare earths stocks tumble with China expected to delay export controls appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese struck a deal to bolster rare earths and critical mineral supplies.

The US and Australia will boost investments to expand mining operations and processing of the minerals, reducing dependence on China's exports. 

The deal comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, which continues to pile pressure on the market. China controls around 70% of global rare earths trade. The US has been focused on reducing its reliance on China and building up its own sovereign supply chains for some time.

Investors started snapping up shares in rare earths producers after China announced plans to restrict the export of rare earths earlier this month. In response to the move, the US threatened to put 100% tariffs on China.

Recent developments have put ASX-listed rare earths stocks firmly in the spotlight.

ASX rare earths stocks in the hot seat

The Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price has surged 110% since early October, as investors scramble to get exposure to Australian rare earths stocks. At the time of writing on Thursday morning, Arafura shares are changing hands at 42 cents per share. The Australian mining company's flagship is the Nolans Rare Earths Project in Central Australia.

Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX: NTU) shares also surged this month, up 57.5%. At the time of writing, the mineral exploration company's shares are changing hands at 63 cents a piece. 

Larger rare earths stocks like Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) and Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) are also benefitting from the surge in interest. 

Lynas shares are trading 9.69% higher than this time last month, at $18.12 per share at the time of writing. Meanwhile, Iluka shares are up 19.8% over the month and are trading at $7.34 each, at the time of writing.

What's next for the rare earths market?

Macquarie recently told investors that it expects a small deficit of NdPr (Neodymium and Praseodymium, two rare earths elements) for the remainder of the 2025 calendar year. 

The broker also said it expects that supply gap to widen slightly in 2026 and 2027 and then return to a tight balance through to 2030. 

There is limited analyst coverage or update on expectations for Arafura Rare Earths or Northern Minerals shares since the two saw their prices surge this month. 

But TradingView data on Lynas Rare Earths and Iluka show analysts are relatively divided about their forecast over the next 12 months. 

Out of 16 analysts which have rated Lynas shares, 3 have a buy or strong buy rating, 5 have a strong sell rating, and the remaining 8 have a hold rating. The maximum target price is $29.50, which represents a potential 64.4% upside at the time of writing, while the average target price is $15.13, which represents a potential 15.54% downside. 

It's a similar story for Iluka shares too. Out of 12 analysts which have rated the stock, the majority (8) have a hold rating. A further 3 have a buy or strong buy rating and 1 analyst holds a strong sell rating on the shares. 

The maximum target price for Iluka shares is $8.60, which represents a potential 16.29% upside at the time of writing. The average target price is $7.04, which is just below the trading price at the time of writing and therefore represents a potential 4.79% downside over the next 12 months.

The post Why are ASX rare earths stocks so hot right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

The Arafura Rare Earths share price is down 8% to 44 cents. This appears to have been driven by profit taking from investors after this rare earths developer's shares surged in recent weeks. In fact, the buzz around rare earths has seen Arafura Rare Earths shares more than double in value in the space of a month. On Tuesday, the company received conditional approval from the Australian Government for an equity investment of up to US$100 million. This is to progress its strategically significant Nolans Project in the Northern Territory.

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

The Bapcor share price is down a further 2% to $2.46. This auto parts retailer's shares have been sold off this week following the release of a trading update. Bapcor revealed that it expects its first half underlying profit to be in the range of $14 million to $18 million. This is down sharply from $45.5 million a year ago. And although management is expecting a stronger second half, and is guiding to full year statutory profit in the range of $40 million to $50 million, investors don't appear confident this will be achieved. In response to its trading update, Morgans retained its hold rating with a heavily reduced price target of $2.75 (from $3.90).

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

The Codan share price is down almost 2% to $33.50. This follows the release of an update at the electronic products company's annual general meeting. Management said: "The conditions observed at 30 June 2025 have largely continued into FY26, supporting Codan's growth outlook across both Communications and Minelab." It notes that the Communications business is expected to deliver 15% to 20% revenue growth in FY 2026. Whereas the Minelab business' "overall revenues for the first quarter of FY26 have exceeded the monthly average achieved in FY25 by 16%." However, with the gold price crashing overnight, investors may believe that metal detector demand could ease if the price of the precious metal doesn't rebound.

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is down over 9% to $131.62. Investors have been selling Newmont and other ASX gold stocks on Wednesday following a sharp pullback in the gold price overnight. This has led to the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold index sinking a whopping 9% today. This may have been driven by a combination of profit taking from traders and easing demand for safe haven assets.

The post Why Arafura Rare Earths, Bapcor, Codan, and Newmont shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Thursday's index peak was driven by a flurry of trading activity, particularly in the defence, technology, and rare earths sectors. And now, new data from CommSec reveals the Australian shares that were most traded by its clients last week, highlighting investor sentiment and market momentum.

Most traded Australian shares

CommSec's data shows that Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) was the most traded stock by its clients between 13th October and 17th October. 

It's unsurprising that Droneshield shares made the top of the list, given ASX defence stocks are in the spotlight right now. At the time of writing, its share price has soared 11.52% higher for the day. The uptick follows an impressive third-quarter update, with the company an enormous 377.03% higher for the year.

Analysts expect a significant upside over the next 12 months, too. The counter-drone company is expected to build on its revenue growth and expand its sales pipeline. 

Next on CommSec's most traded Australian shares list are Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) and Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) shares.

Novonix shares have likely benefited from a spike in interest in battery technology for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, there has been a boom in demand for rare earths and heightened trade tensions between China and the US. This has likely ignited interest in Arafura Rare Earths shares.

Macquarie recently told investors that it expects the rare earths market to remain tight for the remainder of 2025. It also expects a supply deficit for 2026 and 2027.

Investors have been snapping up shares in rare earths producers after China announced plans to restrict the export of rare earths and the US threatened to put 100% tariffs on China. 

CommSec clients were also interested in Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC), technology defence manufacturer Electro Optic System Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares during the course of the week. Investor confidence in CBA shares was reignited following its annual general meeting (AGM) last week. 

Elsewhere, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX: RML) shares completed the top 10 most traded shares by CommSec clients for the week.

The post Top 10 most traded Australian shares revealed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Aussie miners are jumping onto investors' radars on Tuesday following the overnight deal inked by United States President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Albanese is currently in the US in his first face-to-face meeting with Trump.

The deal, signed in the White House, will give the US greater access to Australia's rare earths and other critical minerals amid growing trade tensions with China.

According to Albanese (quoted by Bloomberg), the deal represents a US$8.5 billion "pipeline that we have ready to go".

ASX rare earths stocks stand to benefit on a number of levels. Among them, Australia and the US agreed to each invest more than US$1 billion over the next six months for initial projects. The US government will also help fund the development of a 100 tonne per year advanced gallium refinery in Western Australia.

"In about a year from now, we'll have so much critical mineral and rare earths that you won't know what to do with them," Trump quipped in a veiled swipe at China.

What's happening with Chinese exports?

Earlier in October, China escalated its ongoing trade war with the US by announcing a range of restrictions on its rare earths exports.

By most estimates, China still controls at least 70% of the world's rare earths production. Rare earths represent a range of elements, which together are critical for most modern technologies, including mobile phones, rockets, aircraft, and EVs.

The US has been pushing to secure crucial rare earths sources outside of China's control for some time now. And in what looks to be good news for ASX rare earths shares, China's latest move has ramped up the urgency.

Australia has the world's fourth-largest rare earths deposits, trailing India, Brazil, and top dog China.

How are ASX rare earths stocks performing today?

In late morning trade today, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) listed Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) are up 3.7%, trading for $21.26.

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) shares are really taking off, up 21.9% to 59 cents each. That extra boost comes after the ASX rare earths stock announced this morning that it has received conditional approval for an investment of up to US$100 million from the Australian government to progress its Nolans rare earths project, located in the Northern Territory.

Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE) shares are also enjoying a day of outperformance, up 4.4% to $5.94.

Meanwhile, shares in Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) – which produces zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks (rutile and synthetic rutile) – are up 7.7% trading for $8.14 each.

And we'll leave off with Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX: NTU).

The ASX rare earths share is up 13% at the time of writing, trading for 6.1 cents.

Northern Minerals reported this morning that it has received non-binding and conditional letters of support from "key Australian and US government agencies" backing the financing and development of its Browns Range Heavy Rare Earths Project, located in Western Australia.

The post ASX rare earths stocks rocketing on US$8.5 billion Trump deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In Washington, DC, overnight, US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a historic bilateral framework on critical minerals, which will pump at least US$1 billion from each country into the critical resources sector over the next six months.

Arafura's Nolans Project in the Northern Territory was one of two projects singled out for special treatment, with Mr Albanese saying that Australia would invest US$100 million in equity in the project.

He went on to say:

Once operational, this project will produce 5% of global rare earths – essential for energy security and defence. The historic framework signed today will assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains, including mining, separation, and processing, through use of economic policy tools and coordinated investment.

China chokehold to be broken

A US-Australia Critical Minerals Supply Security Response Group will also be established to identify priority minerals and supply vulnerabilities, as the countries try to break the stranglehold that China has over the development of critical minerals such as rare earths, where it accounts for about 70% of global supply.

China recently added five new rare earth elements to the list of minerals over which it has export controls, sending shockwaves through the commodities markets.

Rare earth elements are crucial for defence and renewable energy projects; however, there are few large producers outside of China at the moment.

Leading Australian project

Arafura's Nolans project is 135km north of Alice Springs and has an expected mine life of 38 years, generating an expected average EBITDA of US$460 million per year.

The company is yet to make a final investment decision on the project, which would produce neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) at a rate of 340,000 tonnes of concentrate per year.

Arafura Managing Director Darryl Cuzzubo said in a statement to the ASX on Tuesday that it was imperative that the nation's rare earths industry be developed.

Since April, we have seen unprecedented disruptions to global trade and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed. By pioneering thoughtful supply chain diversification today, we are securing the foundational, long-term solutions required to meet the growing demands of tomorrow. With demand for both light and heavy rare earths forecast to grow significantly over the next three decades, Arafura's fully-integrated ore to oxide project has us well-positioned to meet a disproportionate share of that future growth.

Arafura shares hit an early high of 62 cents before settling back to be trading at 61 cents, up 27.1%.

The company's shares have increased from as little as 10.5 cents over the past year, with shareholders who got in at that level sitting on more than fivefold returns over the period.

The post Arafura turns multi-bagger over 12 months as US and Australia governments back its rare earths project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Firstly, it's hard to ignore the precious metals rally with gold and silver prices rocketing to all-time highs.

However, trade tensions between China and the US cast an even brighter light on rare earths.

These 17 elements play a key role in a wide array of modern-day industries such as clean energy, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics.

And China dominates the world's supply chain.

According to the International Energy Agency, it accounts for 60% of production and more than 90% of rare earths refining worldwide.

This supply squeeze came into focus after China expanded its rare earths export controls earlier in the week.

In a nutshell, it added five more elements to its restricted list to lift the total to 12.

Notably, the US relies on China for about 70% of its rare earth imports, according to the US Geological Survey.

In response, President Trump threatened to impose new 100% tariffs on Chinese products.

And subsequent media reports on Friday suggested that the Trump administration was considering buying into Australian rare earths projects to shore up supplies.

Broadly speaking, this thematic has been unfolding for several years.

And investors such as Gina Rinehart – one of the world's richest women – have been investing in ASX mining companies with rare earths projects outside of China.

Below we present four soaring ASX rare earths stocks backed directly by Gina Rinehart, or through her privately-owned business Hancock Prospecting.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

Lynas is the leading rare earths stock on the ASX with a market capitalisation of more than $20 billion.

It owns the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia, considered one of the most significant rare earths deposits in the world.

In Malaysia, the company also operates one of the biggest rare earths processing facilities outside of China.

Rinehart first commenced buying Lynas shares in early 2024.

Today, she owns 8.2% of the company, valued at about $1.7 billion.

Lynas shares have rocketed by 195% since the start of the year.

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting forked out $60 million to acquire a 10% interest in Arafura in late 2022.

This placement was designed to fat-track the company's Nolans project in the Northern Territory towards mining.

Fast forward to today and Arafura remains in the final phase of financing Nolan's development.

The ASX rare earths stock has so far secured more than US$1 billion in conditional debt funding. It has also signed offtake agreements with several major global partners.

Today, Reinhart holds a 9.4% stake in the company worth about $120 million.

Arafura's shares have jumped by 238% since the start of the year.

Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE)

Brazilian Rare Earths is a mineral exploration business targeting district-scale rare earths discoveries in north-eastern Brazil.

The company is a relative novice on the ASX, having only listed on our bourse in December 2023 as part of an initial public offering (IPO).

Hancock Prospecting has been an investor since before the IPO.

Today, the company continues to advance its Rocha da Rocha project. So far, it has discovered numerous rare earths deposits across its tenure which remains largely unexplored.

This week, the group secured commitments to raise $120 million to advance the project.

Since the start of January, shares in this ASX rare earths stock have risen by 147% to $5.68 apiece at Friday's close.

Rinehart's stake in the company is reportedly 5%. This equates to more than $30 million in value.

St George Mining Ltd (ASX: SGQ)

On Monday, St George Mining secured $72.5 million in funding to move its Araxá rare earths and niobium project in Brazil closer to production.

Headlining this capital raise was a $22.5 million investment from Hancock Prospecting.

According to St George, Araxá holds a "world class" mineral resource with potential for further growth. It also shows favourable characteristics for a potential mining operation.

The cash injection will now support a host of works designed to advance the project, including a mineral resource upgrade, permitting, metallurgical test work, and economic assessment.

Shares in St George are up by a stunning 550% so far this year.

The post Interested in rare earths? Mining tycoon Gina Rinehart owns shares in these 4 surging ASX companies appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Citing unnamed sources, The Australian on Friday reported that the Trump administration was considering buying into Australian rare earths projects to shore up supplies of the critical minerals, ahead of a meeting between the Australian and US leaders next week.

Mr Albanese announced in April this year that it would establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, saying the nation was "uniquely placed to meet the needs of increasing global and domestic demand''.

The reserve would seek to set up national offtake agreements, buying agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects or holding options over them, and would also selectively stockpile resources.

How the strategic reserve would seek to stockpile and promote the production of rare earths in particular remains to be seen, with Australia having significant rare earths deposits, albeit few, which are in production and no significant rare earths refining capacity to speak of.

The report in The Australian suggested that equity investments could come from US agencies such as the Pentagon and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.     

Trade tensions mount

The importance of the supply of rare earths has been thrown into sharp relief recently, with China increasing the number of rare earths that are under export restrictions by five, with 12 of the 17 rare earth elements now facing export controls.

China produces about 90% of the world's refined rare earths elements, which are critical for use in defence and renewable energy projects.

In response to China's new export controls, President Trump has threatened fresh 100% tariffs on Chinese goods being imported into the US.

The share prices of Australian producers such as Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) have run up strongly on the renewed trade tensions, but most retraced sharply on Friday.

Lynas shares were the biggest drain on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on Friday, falling 8.9% to $18.58, dragging the company below a $20 billion market capitalisation.

The company's shares have recently traded as high as $21.96, and still remain well above their 12-month lows of $6.16.

Shares in Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) were 10.2% lower on Friday at 39.5 cents, while Meteoric Resources (ASX: MEI) shares were 7.6% lower at 21.2 cents.

Shares in Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE), which this week announced it had raised $120 million at $4.68 per share, were steady, trading 0.2% higher at $5.73, after hitting a new record high of $5.89.        

The post Rare earths shares tank despite reports the US will buy into Aussie miners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

President Trump over the weekend announced the new tariffs could come into effect as soon as November 1, in a seeming retaliation to China expanding the number of rare earth minerals that required licences for export by five.

Mr Trump also flagged the possibility of calling off a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea in two weeks' time.

Blindsided by Chinese move

Mr Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the Chinese moves to restrict rare earths exports were a surprise.

They are becoming very hostile, and sending letters to Countries throughout the World, that they want to impose Export Controls on each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths, and virtually anything else they can think of, even if it's not manufactured in China. We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere.

Mr Trump said the relationship with China had been "very good" over the past six months, but it appeared that they had been "lying in wait".

There is no way that China should be allowed to hold the World "captive," but that seems to have been their plan for quite some time, starting with the "Magnets" and, other Elements that they have quietly amassed into somewhat of a Monopoly position, a rather sinister and hostile move, to say the least.  

Mr Trump said the US was considering a "massive increase" in tariffs on Chinese products coming into the US, as well as having "many other countermeasures" under consideration.

Exports of 12 of the 17 rare earth elements are now restricted by China.

Australian shares surge once again

Shares in Australian rare earths producer Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) hit a new 12-month high on the news on Monday morning, trading as high as $21.25 before settling back to be 4.5% up at $20.72, valuing the company at north of $20 billion.

Meanwhile, shares in Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) were 20% higher at 35.5 cents after hitting a new 12-month high of 36 cents in early trade today.

Shares in Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE), which last week announced it had struck a 10-year supply deal with French company Carester, were in a trading halt on Monday while the company finalised a capital raise.

Brazilian Rare Earths shares closed at $5 on Friday, up more than 200% over the past 12 months.

Lynas on Thursday announced it had struck an agreement with US company Noveon Magnetics, with which it would collaborate on setting up a scalable rare earth magnets supply chain in the US.

Noveon, Lynas said in a statement to the ASX, is a "high-performance rare earth magnet manufacturer" supplying magnets for use in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robots, pumps, "and an array of military systems".

The companies said they had committed to finalising a "definitive agreement" and would work closely with customers and the US government to ensure supply continuity for critical applications.

The post Rare earths miners continue their record run following Trump's 100% tariff threat appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company operates the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia which is widely regarded as one of the most significant rare earths deposits in the world.

And in Malaysia, it owns one of the biggest rare earths processing facilities on the planet, producing separated rare earth materials for export to international markets.

Rare earths are a group of 17 elements critical for a host of new-age industries, including clean energy, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and robotics.

But here's the thing.

China dominates the market, producing more than 90% of the world's processed rare earths and rare earth magnets. 

This dominance has prompted some Western nations – including the US – to seek alternative supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

And last week, this urgency intensified after China expanded its rare earths export controls by adding five more elements to its restricted list.

All up, the export of 12 out of 17 rare earths is now curbed.

The move sent ripples through global markets and thrust Lynas shares firmly into the spotlight.

Notably, Lynas claims to be the only major producer of separated rare earth materials outside of China.

In other words, it appears to be positioned at the forefront of the Western world's efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains from allied nations.

However, Lynas isn't alone.

Several other ASX mining stocks are advancing high-potential rare earths projects in geopolitically favourable locations.

Below, we highlight four surging ASX rare earths stocks that could help diversify the world's supply of these vital elements.

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI)

Meteoric is advancing towards production its Caldeira rare earths project in Brazil's infrastructure-rich state of Minas Gerais.

It believes Caldeira to be one of the most important undeveloped rare earths deposits in the world.

Situated in Minas Gerais, an infrastructure-rich region of Brazil, Caldeira could potentially become the largest ionic clay-hosted rare earth resource globally.

When operational, the project could account for about 8% of the world's annual rare earths oxide (REO) market and 7% of global neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) production.

These two elements are used in permanent magnets that power electric vehicles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics.

Meteoric's share price has surged by 122% since the start of the year.

Verdis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM)

Verdis is another ASX rare earths stock operating in Brazil.

Its flagship Colossus project is located within the geologically fertile Poços De Caldas rare earths complex and is considered by management to be among the most economically robust rare earths projects globally.

Here, a recent economic assessment outlined a 20 year initial mine life and a modest two-year payback period to recoup the capital outlay to build a mine.

However, a subsequent reserve estimate suggested that mining at Colossus could extend for up to 40 years, with further exploration upside potential.

Shares in Verdis have soared by a stunning 401% so far in 2025.

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

Arafura is in the final funding phase for its construction-ready Nolans rare earths project in Australia's Northern Territory.

In other words, the company is ready to build a mine once full financing is secured.

So far, Arafura has locked in more than US$1 billion in conditional debt funding to support development of Nolans.

It has also signed offtake agreements with several major global partners, including Korean automotive giants Kia and Hyundai.

A 38 year mine life has been defined at Nolans.

Shares in Arafura have ballooned by 150% since the start of the year.

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX: LIN)

Lindian owns the Kangankunde rare earths project in the African nation of Malawi.

So far, the group has defined reserves to support 45 years of mining at Kangankunde.

The project is also fully permitted and funded through to a first phase of mining.

Notably, NdPr elements make up about 20% of Kangankunde's total rare earths content. This could help the project become a significant contributor to the global magnet supply chain.

First rare earths production from Kangankunde is targeted for next year.

The market seems to have responded enthusiastically to Lindian's progress with the company's share price rocketing by 350% since the start of January.

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As reported by Reuters, China on Thursday significantly expanded its controls on rare earth exports, adding five new elements to its restricted list ahead of talks between US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping.

China controls about 70% of the global trade in rare earths, and the US has been focused on reducing its reliance on China and building up its own sovereign supply chains.

The increased controls on rare earths come as the trade war between the two countries intensifies, with Reuters reporting earlier in the week that US lawmakers were calling for tighter export controls on computer chips to China.

Exports of 12 of the 17 rare earth elements are now restricted by China.

Australian firms in the box seat

ASX-listed rare earths companies have benefited from the increasing focus on rare earths at a global level, with the value of Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) soaring past $20 billion on Thursday.

Lynas shares hit a new 12-month high of $20.75 on Thursday before closing at $20.59, valuing the company at $20.7 billion – more than three times its value earlier in the past year.

And shares in Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE) hit a new record high of $5.05 this week, while Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) shares hit a high for the past 12 months of 31.5 cents this week.

Deal flow adding to interest

Both Lynas and Brazilian Rare Earths also benefited from positive news flow during the week.

Lynas on Thursday announced it had struck an agreement with US company Noveon Magnetics, with which it would collaborate on setting up a scalable rare earth magnets supply chain in the US.

Noveon, Lynas said in a statement to the ASX, is a "high-performance rare earth magnet manufacturer" supplying magnets for use in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robots, pumps, "and an array of military systems".

The companies said they had committed to finalising a "definitive agreement" and would work closely with customers and the US government to ensure supply continuity for critical applications.

Meanwhile, Brazilian Rare Earths said in a statement to the ASX on Thursday that it had struck a 10-year sales deal with French company Carester.

Under the deal, Brazilian Rare Earths will supply heavy rare earth feedstocks to Carester for an initial 10-year term, with the French company buying up to 150,000 tonnes per year of dysprosium and terbium.

Carester, which is backed by the French Government and Japanese investor partners, is currently building one of the world's largest heavy rare earth separation and recycling plants in Lacq, France.

The post Australian rare earths companies trading at record levels as China tightens export controls appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.