First Uranium Resources (TSX:FCU) has signed a binding letter of intent (LOI) to acquire all of the shares of US-based Southwind Corporation. First Uranium Resources has announced that it has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Southwind Corporation, which owns a phosphate and heavy rare earths development project in the central US.

Southwind CEO Paul Barrett commented in a press release: “We are delighted to be partnering with First Uranium on this exciting project, with combined potential for two vital commodity streams – phosphates and rare earths. First Uranium’s participation will accelerate the development of this near-surface stratiform deposit, situated in the heart of the US Midwest, which has excellent potential to feed into the agricultural and high-tech metals sectors, both of which are experiencing sustained and long-term growth in feedstock demand.”

Some of the project characteristics include:

• Phosphate grade is at top end of US producing phosphates (based on the US Geological Survey)
• REE enrichment is highest in USGS database (based on the US Geological Survey)
• Above 20 worldwide REE projects in terms of anticipated volume
• Above 15 worldwide projects in terms of Grade

Source: First Uranium Resources

According to the agreement, First Uranium will have the option to acquire a 100 percent stake in the US-based company, issuing up to 20 million of its shares.

A typical technical report will include a significant amount, if not all, of the work that must be completed by First Uranium in order to begin production. Furthermore, First Uranium will have at least $3 million in project expenditures within the first year after the conclusion of the technical study.

Private Placement Investment

The company also unveiled private placement of up to $6m in subscription receipts. Proceeds of the placement, which is planned to close on or about 31 March 2022, will be used for the firm to fund exploration and development work on its Arkansas project.

Heavy Rare Earths are important to many industries, and China has a near-monopoly on the production of them. The US has been looking for new sources of these materials, and this project looks very promising. First Uranium is well-positioned to develop this project and this should be able to provide some much-needed supplies for these critical materials.

Heavy rare earths include :

• Lanthanum
• Cerium
• Praseodymium
• Neodymium
• Samarium
• Europium
• Gadolinium
• Terbium
• Dysprosium
• Holmium
• Erbium
• Thulium
• Ytterbium
• Lutetium

These are often used for catalysts, magnets, glass, and phosphors. They are important in many industries, including auto manufacturing, green energy, and electronics. This project could help reduce the dependence on China for these materials as the US looks to expand its homegrown materials industry amid a transition to green energy technologies and expands its national network of charging stations for electric cars.

The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a licensed professional for investment advice. The author is not an insider or shareholder of any of the companies mentioned above.