Noble Group Ltd. subsidiary Talaxis Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding to work with Chinalco Guangxi Nonferrous Rare Earth Development Co. Ltd. to source, develop and produce rare earths.

Under the proposed deal, Talaxis will supply Chinalco Guangxi with up to 42,000 tonnes of rare earth product per year, including concentrate and oxide. Chinalco Guangxi will help Talaxis with its rare earth projects, including its 75%-owned Songwe Hill project in Malawi and other rare earth projects Talaxis may sponsor.

The two companies also agreed to cooperate on best metallurgical processes for rare earth projects that Talaxis may sponsor to maximize recovery rates and product quality.

In August, an anonymous executive at Noble Group reportedly said the company was looking for further opportunities in the rare earths sector.