Latest News

MP Materials loss steeper than expected on low unusual earths rates

U.S. unusual earths manufacturer MP Materials on Thursday reported a steeperthanexpected secondquarter loss due to falling rates for the tactical minerals and operational challenges, although executives forecast a rebound for later on this year

The company, which held unsuccessful merger talks this year. with competing Lynas Rare Earths, has actually struggled in recent months with falling costs and stiff competition from Chinese competitors.

The Las Vegas-based business published a net loss of $34.1. million, or 21 cents per share, compared to a net earnings of $7.4. million, or 9 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Leaving out one-time items, MP lost 17 cents per share. By. that procedure, experts expected a loss of 9 cents per share,. according to IBES information from LSEG.

Shares fell 2.2% $12.40 in after-hours trading.

We had a very challenging quarter, operationally and. economically, MP CEO Jim Litinsky said in a press release.

Litinsky, the company's largest investor, stated he was. meticulously positive that the business's unusual earths. production needs to rebound in the third quarter.

For the past 4 years, MP has actually processed rock it. extracts from its Mountain Pass mine in California into rare. earths concentrate that is delivered to China for refining. The. business sold 5,839 metric tons of that concentrate during the. quarter, about 43% lower than the year-ago period.

MP has been working to improve its own rare earths for. a long time. The business stated its refining equipment in California. produced 272 metric lots of neodymium and praseodymium - the two. most in demand uncommon earths - during the quarter, with 136 metric. tons offered.

Litinsky said production of those two rare earths should. increase 50% in the third quarter.

The business said it signed an unusual earths supply. agreement with a worldwide automaker for a substantial volume. commitment, without supplying information.

(source: Reuters)