Highlights

• Mont Royal Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saguenay Port Authority to explore cooperation on processing rare earth concentrates from the Ashram project.
• There is potential for locating a hydrometallurgical facility at the port's industrial zone.
• The port-centric processing approach aims to de-risk logistics by providing access to power, skilled labor, and infrastructure.
• This approach enables the export of refined intermediates to international markets.
• The partnership represents a strategic step toward building non-Chinese rare earth processing capacity in North America.
• This strengthens midstream supply chains for the U.S. and allied markets.

Mont Royal Resources (opens in a new tab) (ASX:MRZ) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (opens in a new tab) (MoU) with the Saguenay Port Authority (opens in a new tab) to explore cooperation on the Ashram rare earths project in Canada (opens in a new tab)—an incremental but strategically meaningful step in building non-Chinese rare earth processing capacity.

The MoU establishes a framework to coordinate an industrial project focused on processing and upgrading rare earth concentrates, with an emphasis on logistics and infrastructure. Central to the plan is a review of whether a hydrometallurgical processing facility could be located within the Port of Saguenay industrial zone. Mont Royal would pursue the facility through its wholly owned subsidiary, Commerce Resources, subject to technical, commercial, and regulatory approvals.

Port Saguenay is positioned as a year-round, integrated port–rail–road hub serving northeastern Canada and aligned with the Canadian Northern Corridor. The port authority may consider providing access to land and selected infrastructure—pending approvals—for the transport, handling, and export of rare earth concentrates and intermediate products tied to Ashram. This could enable off-site hydrometallurgical processing, followed by export of refined intermediates to international markets.

For North American supply chains, the significance lies less in the MoU’s non-binding nature and more in where value-added steps might occur. Relocating the hydromet portion away from the mine site to a port-based industrial zone can de-risk logistics, shorten timelines, and improve access to power, gas, skilled labor, and service industries—all persistent bottlenecks for Western rare earth projects. It also signals a pragmatic approach to building processing capacity that can scale and integrate with export markets.

Mont Royal Managing Director Nicholas Holthouse said the agreement marks an important step toward developing Ashram and highlighted the opportunity to move complex processing to Saguenay, citing ready access to infrastructure and workforce.

Why it matters for the U.S. and allies

While modest on its own, the MoU reflects a broader trend toward port-centric processing hubs for critical minerals—an approach that could accelerate commercialization and diversify supply chains away from China. If executed, Ashram’s downstream steps at Saguenay would strengthen North America’s rare earth midstream capacity and provide an export-ready platform for allied markets.

Disclaimer: This news item is based on industry reporting and information involving public authorities. While the port authority is a publicly governed entity, readers should independently verify all details, assumptions, and timelines using primary disclosures and third-party sources before making investment or procurement decisions.