Curtis Moore on Energy Fuels’ competitive advantage in the North American rare earths market

In an InvestorNews interview, Tracy Weslosky spoke with Curtis Moore, Senior VP of Marketing & Corporate Development at Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR). Curtis discussed Energy Fuels’ focus on monazite sand, highlighting its high neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) content, which provides a cost processing advantage over other rare earths bearing ores like bastnaesite. He explained that monazite’s value is enhanced by its higher concentration of NdPr, essential for permanent rare earth magnets used in EVs and wind turbines, and its higher concentration of heavy rare earths. Curtis noted that while monazite has higher uranium and thorium levels than bastnaesite, Energy Fuels can efficiently process these elements at their uranium mill. He emphasized Energy Fuels’ unique advantage in handling the naturally occurring uranium and thorium in rare earth bearing ores, a significant challenge for other companies. This capability allows them to potentially monetize these elements, especially as thorium markets mature. Curtis also addressed a key question he wishes people would ask more often: why Energy Fuels is likely to succeed in the rare earth sector where many others have failed? He attributed their potential success to their inherent advantages in processing rare earth bearing ores and producing advanced materials. These advantages include their experience with solvent extraction, a technology crucial for producing separated rare earth oxides, and their existing infrastructure at the White Mesa Mill in Utah. Curtis highlighted their $25 million investment in a rare earth separation circuit at the mill, which is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2024, with a capacity to produce about 1000 metric tons of NdPr oxide per year, enough for 500,000 to 1,000,000 EVs annually. He expressed high confidence in their ability to succeed in the rare earth industry due to these factors.