American Resources Corp (NASDAQ:AREC)’ CFO Kirk Taylor talked with Proactive about the company’s latest strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Materials and how it strengthens its position in the global critical minerals supply chain.
Proactive: Welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom. Joining me now is Kirk Taylor, Chief Financial Officer for American Resources Corp. Kirk, great to see you again. How are you?
Kirk Taylor: Yeah great. We've been really busy and happy to go through some of our latest updates.
You just got back from Japan dealing with a deal with Mitsubishi Materials. Tell me all about it.
Yeah, they’re a fantastic team—very thoughtful and respectful of how global markets work in the critical minerals supply chain. They have over 150 years of materials background and a strong focus on circularity, with substantial recycling infrastructure in Japan. They’ve been working with our technical team for several months to understand the value of the ReElement technology and how it changes the dynamics economically and environmentally, which is very important for the Japanese government. We were excited to be in person to memorialize the partnership.
This operates in both the US and Japan. Can you explain how?
We signed three agreements. First, an investment agreement where Mitsubishi is investing in ReElement Technologies Corporation to support US growth. Second, an MOU for offtake of separated rare earth oxides, where we’ll produce materials to their specifications. Third, an MOU to conduct a feasibility study for a ReElement refining facility in Japan.
That shows strong alignment between both companies.
Absolutely. We view supply chains similarly—keeping costs low, impact high, and output high. Minimising logistics and shipping costs is key, and having operations in Japan leveraging their recycling infrastructure is critical.
You also had a recent samarium announcement. Can you explain?
Samarium is a vital element used in magnets, particularly for defence applications in the US and allied nations. Supporting defence supply chains means delivering high-grade materials to ensure strong national security logistics.
The company seems well positioned across multiple elements.
We have a strong team and a broad mineral refinement platform that allows us to meet evolving customer needs and solve new challenges.
Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity