Overview
- USA Rare Earth signed a term sheet to buy about 12.5% of Carester for roughly €40 million, with InfraVia set to take an equal stake and closing targeted after due diligence.
- The agreement grants USAR rights to Carester’s rare‑earth oxide output and access to its processing know‑how, with a 15‑year supply and offtake framework.
- USAR will supply heavy rare‑earth feedstock from its Round Top deposit in West Texas to Carester’s facilities.
- Carester’s Lacq, France project is under construction to start operations in late 2026, and USAR’s LCM Europe plans a 3,750 metric ton per year metal and alloy plant at the site.
- Analysts say the deal builds non‑China processing capacity in a market where China handles about 85% of processing, and it could help unlock further European support.