MTM’s Scrap Revolution

Hey Superheroes,

With it only being the first full trading week of 2025, we already have a lot to talk about. On Tuesday we got some updated inflation figures (for November) and underlying inflation was down to 3.2% (from 3.5%) for the 12 months prior. This has increased the chances of the RBA cutting rates in February.

Iron Ore has slipped below $100 a tonne while Bitcoin (BTC) slipped to seven week low.

MTM: Transforming U.S. Supply Chain From Scrap

MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) shares have been on a steady upward trajectory, increasing by nearly 60% over the past month alone.

But what’s fuelling this meteoric rise? Let’s dive into the stories behind it.

💡 What’s so special

It all comes down to the company’s groundbreaking innovation. 

MTM has made a major leap forward with its two-step Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, which is a faster and more environmentally friendly method of extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from ores.

FJH technology has achieved an impressive 93% average conversion rate of REEs to chlorides while reducing key impurities by approximately 95%. These results could improve even further as the innovation is still in its early stages of development.

For comparison, traditional methods typically cap out at around 86% of conversion.

In an industry where conventional methods are often costly and environmentally damaging, MTM is proving to be a true game-changer.

🤩 Gold-digger

The excitement for FJH tech doesn’t end with REE processing – it goes far beyond.

This revolutionary tech also has the ability to extract critical minerals like lithium from spodumene, recover gallium from scrap and even reclaim gold from e-waste.

🤝 Team Up

Last November, MTM announced a strategic partnership with Indium Corporation to develop U.S. critical mineral supply chains. The collaboration focuses on recycling critical minerals from scrap materials to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign metal sources.

In practical terms, MTM will process scrap materials supplied by Indium using its FJH technology, recovering vital elements such as germanium and tin. 

With Chinese supply chains under strain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, this partnership could play a pivotal role in reducing reliance on Chinese supplies.

In addition, MTM has applied for a U.S. Department of Energy grant which could provide as much as $15 million in funding. We’ll need to wait till April to know the outcome.

🔦  Some other things we’re shining the Spotlight on:

ALL IN ONE: What if you could browse and place an order on eBay without ever leaving the Facebook platform? Meta is making that a reality. In a bold move, Meta has begun testing a new feature allowing Facebook users in Germany, France and the U.S. to directly purchase eBay goods through its Marketplace. Shares of eBay jumped following the announcement.

LITHIUM BET: Rio Tinto’s US$6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium has taken a major step forward, securing approval from a U.S. national security and trade committee. The deal, expected to finalise in early 2025, would elevate Rio Tinto to become the world’s third-largest lithium supplier. 

SHOOTING STAR: The Star Entertainment (ASX:SGR) is facing a tough week with its share price plunging 42% to hit a new record low. Investors have been flocking to the exits  after the company revealed concerning details about its cash and liquidity position.

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