ABx Group’s Mark Cooksey on Dysprosium, Terbium and the Race for Heavy Rare Earths

Key Takeaways

• Ionic clay in Tasmania contains high dysprosium, terbium
• Low-cost metallurgy due to clay mineralization
• MOU with Ucore for separation in Louisiana
• Bauxite mining could expose rare‑earth clay layer
• Aims for production within few years, modest scale

Summary

At PDAC 2026, ABx Group CEO Mark Cooksey outlined the company’s plan to produce a mixed rare‑earth carbonate (MREC) from ionic clay deposits in Tasmania that are unusually rich in heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium. The project leverages low‑cost clay metallurgy, proximity to established Tasmanian infrastructure, and a 2024 memorandum of understanding with Ucore Rare Metals for downstream separation in Louisiana. ABx also intends to use its existing bauxite operation to expose the rare‑earth‑bearing clay, accelerating development. The goal is to reach modest‑scale production within a few years to meet growing heavy‑REE demand.

Pulse Analysis

The global push for electric vehicles, renewable‑energy turbines, and advanced defense systems has intensified demand for heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) such as dysprosium and terbium. Current supply chains are heavily weighted toward China, creating price volatility and strategic vulnerability for manufacturers. Analysts therefore watch projects that can introduce new, geopolitically secure sources of HREEs, especially those that promise lower production costs and faster ramp‑up timelines.

ABx Group’s Tasmanian asset stands out because the rare‑earth minerals occur in an ionic clay host, a formation that typically requires simpler extraction techniques than the hard‑rock ores found elsewhere. This geological setting translates into reduced energy consumption, fewer processing steps, and a smaller environmental footprint. Moreover, the clay’s heavy‑REE concentration is among the highest reported globally, giving ABx a competitive edge in supplying mixed rare‑earth carbonate directly to downstream processors.

Strategically, ABx has aligned itself with Ucore Rare Metals, securing a downstream partner capable of converting its MREC into market‑ready oxides in the United States. The synergy with an existing bauxite operation further shortens the path to commercial production, as mining the overburden can simultaneously expose the valuable clay layer. With engineering studies underway and a target of modest‑scale output within a few years, ABx is positioned to address the structural supply gap for heavy rare earths, offering manufacturers a more resilient and cost‑effective alternative.