Re: ShinEtsu: As was explained in one of the latest quarterlies...

Re: ShinEtsu: As was explained in one of the latest quarterlies they mutually agreed to let the MoU run out while waiting for the permit but ShinEtsu is still on board and they are continuing to work on a binding deal. Parts of the results can be seen in the FEED NR: Looks like ShinEtsu told them they really aren't interested in clogging theit plant with La/Ce at current prices, so Alk changed its circuit to get La/Ce and Y out before sending the rest to ShinEtsu. We'll sell the Y ourselves (since S-E isn't interested in that), most likely to some European customers, and will put the La/Ce on a big heap, waiting for prices to appreciate again (or for us to develop more uses in combintion with zirconium like colored tiles; we had been doing some research in that direction anyways IIRC). Guess that makes lots of business sense for both parties at current price levels (about $2 / ton for La and Ce - transport to Japan alone would likely eat much of that; instead we only send the high value / kg stuff).

Overall I see a lot of potential in that NR for future on site refining of our diverse products, slowly climbing the value chain ...