News Summary
On December 15, 2025, Mkango Resources announced a positive update for its HyProMag USA rare earth magnet recycling project in Texas. With the detailed engineering design approximately 30% complete, the company reported significantly improved project economics.
Key highlights include:
– Increased Post-Tax Net Present Value (NPV): The NPV has risen to US$780 million based on forecast prices (up from US$503M) and US$409 million based on current prices (up from US$262M).
– Higher Magnet Production: Annual magnet production capacity has increased to 941 metric tonnes, up from the previously planned 750 tonnes.
– Updated Capital Cost: The total initial capital cost is now estimated at US$142 million.
– Strategic Review for US Listing: HyProMag USA, the joint venture entity, has initiated a strategic review to evaluate a potential separate listing of its shares in the United States, targeting late 2026 or early 2027.
Material Impact
This news is materially positive, providing a significant upward revaluation of a key asset and introducing a major potential value-unlocking catalyst.
The increase in the project’s NPV is substantial. The forecast-price NPV of US$780 million is a 55% increase from the November 2024 feasibility study, while the current-price NPV of US$409 million represents a 56% increase. This demonstrates that ongoing engineering work is adding tangible value and de-risking the project. The increase in magnet production capacity by over 25% to 941 tpa further underpins these enhanced economics.
The most significant new element is the strategic review for a potential separate US listing of HyProMag USA. This is a logical and potentially highly accretive corporate structuring move. It would separate the near-term, high-growth recycling business from the longer-term, more capital-intensive upstream mining assets (Songwe Hill and Pulawy), which are already slated for a separate NASDAQ listing via a SPAC. A distinct US listing for the recycling business could attract a different investor base focused on recycling and the circular economy, potentially leading to a higher valuation multiple.
This announcement builds upon a year of consistent positive news flow. Over the past 12 months, Mkango has methodically de-risked its projects:
– HyProMag USA: Advanced from a feasibility study (Nov 2024) to detailed engineering, secured a non-binding financing LOI from the US EXIM Bank (June 2025), finalized key feedstock agreements (July/Nov 2025), and secured a long-term site lease (Dec 2025). Today’s news is the culmination of that progress.
– Songwe/Pulawy: Secured “Strategic Project” designation from the EU for both projects, signed a definitive business combination agreement for a NASDAQ listing (July 2025), and secured US$4.6 million in project development funding from the U.S. DFC for Songwe Hill (Sept 2025).
However, a critical perspective is required. The initial capital cost has increased to US$142 million. While the EXIM Bank LOI for US$92 million is a positive step, it is non-binding and leaves a significant funding gap that must be filled. The company’s future remains entirely dependent on successfully securing this project financing. The proposed US listing for HyProMag USA is a plan, not a certainty, and is contingent on market conditions and project execution.
Overall, the news confirms that management is executing its strategy effectively and adding significant value to its core projects. It validates the recycling strategy and presents a clear path to potentially unlock that value for shareholders.
Catalysts
– Financing for Texas Hub: The immediate catalyst is securing binding financing agreements for the US$142 million CAPEX. Watch for updates on the US EXIM Bank loan and agreements with equity partners.
– SPAC Merger Closing: Progress and final closing of the business combination with Crown PropTech Acquisitions to list the Songwe Hill and Pulawy assets on NASDAQ. This is critical for funding the upstream business.
– Feedstock Agreements: Further binding feedstock supply agreements for the HyProMag USA facility. Securing feedstock is as crucial as securing financing.
– UK & Germany Operations: News on first commercial sales from the UK (Tyseley) and German (Pforzheim) recycling plants, expected in the near term. This would provide the first meaningful revenue and proof of concept at scale.
– Songwe Hill FEED Study: Updates on the Front-End Engineering and Design study being funded by the U.S. DFC.
Materiality Conclusion
The announcement is Material – Positive. The significant enhancement of the Texas Hub’s NPV validates the project’s economic viability and the company’s development strategy. The plan to explore a separate US listing for the recycling business is a new, significant catalyst that could unlock substantial shareholder value by creating two focused, pure-play public companies.
