Rare earths

SMX (NASDAQ: SMX) markets a universal material‑identity engine that links gold, rare‑earths, digital‑asset platforms and ESG compliance. The platform preserves provenance from extraction to transformation, enabling the Plastic Cycle Token and auditable lifecycle data. Recent announcements triggered a 138% intraday surge, though the stock remains below its 200‑day moving average. Investors are watching adoption in precious‑metal and mineral supply chains, token issuance, and regulatory approvals. Risks include integration challenges, regulatory adoption, capital needs and competition.

SMX (NASDAQ: SMX) unveiled a molecular‑level identity system that embeds traceability into minerals, surviving smelting, blending, alloying and recycling. Pilot projects with Goldstrom, trueGold and CARTIF demonstrated verification for gold and rare‑earths. The company secured a $111.5 million equity purchase agreement to scale global deployment, aiming to enable verified materials to command premiums, expedite customs clearance and lower regulatory risk. Success hinges on rapid industry adoption; sluggish uptake could limit impact and keep unverified materials discounted.

Australian critical minerals and rare earths companies surged after a new US-Australia agreement to bolster essential material supply chains for defense and energy security. The deal, potentially worth $8.5 billion, spurred stock increases in companies like Lynas Rare Earths, Iluka Resources, and Pilbara Minerals. Smaller miners also saw significant gains. Alcoa, developing a gallium project in Western Australia, received a US equity investment commitment. The agreement aims to diversify sourcing amid concerns over China’s dominance and supply chain vulnerabilities. The US Export-Import Bank will also issue letters of interest for financing.