Close menu




August 9th, 2023 | 08:40 CEST

BYD, Defense Metals, Rheinmetall - Rare opportunities

  • Mining
  • Tungsten
  • RareEarths
  • armaments
  • Electromobility
Photo credits: pixabay.com

In the race to meet climate targets, both politics and business are entering uncharted territory. The rapid departure from fossil fuels calls for alternative energy sources, increasing dependence on metallic raw materials, especially copper, cobalt, nickel and rare earth metals. But these essential resources, predominantly sourced from China, pose not only economic but also security challenges for the West, as they also play a key role in armaments.

time to read: 3 minutes | Author: Stefan Feulner
ISIN: BYD CO. LTD H YC 1 | CNE100000296 , DEFENSE METALS CORP. | CA2446331035 , RHEINMETALL AG | DE0007030009

Table of contents:


    Defense Metals - The Hope of the West

    In an interview with news portal Kitco, Defense Metals CEO Craig Taylor commented on Western governments' investments in rare earth projects. According to him, China has basically weaponized rare earths. The Company's leader holds out hope that this will prompt Western governments to put more money into the sector. "The energy transition will encourage higher prices for rare earths," said Taylor. He drew a parallel with MP Materials, which has produced over 38,000 t of rare earths from its Mountain Pass mine since 2020.

    "The demand is overwhelming," Taylor said. "We need to double production over the next decade. That means we need to bring a Mountain Pass-like project online every year for the next 10 years. There are only two viable projects in North America: Defense Metals' Wicheeda project and Mountain Pass.

    Defense Metals, which owns 100% of the 4,262-hectare Wicheeda project in British Columbia, weighs in at CAD 55.28 million on the stock market. In comparison, MP Materials is already a heavyweight at USD 3.98 billion. In addition to the world-class infrastructure, the conditions are favorable due to similar metallurgy to Mountain Pass.

    Last year, the Canadians completed their preliminary economic valuation, which showed an after-tax net present value, at 8%, of CAD 397 million and an after-tax internal rate of return of 18%. Currently, Defense Metals is working on a preliminary feasibility study. According to the Company, this should be completed in the first quarter of next year. "We should be ready in the first quarter of 2024, and then we will be one of the few rare earths projects in North America and globally that has reached the pre-feasibility stage and then the feasibility stage," Taylor said.

    Rheinmetall - Demand is on the rise

    In addition to demand due to the energy transition, demand from the defence industry is also rising due to the ongoing arms buildup since the start of the Ukraine war. Neodymium-iron-boron magnets are considered the strongest permanent magnets in the world. They are contained in many military weapons systems, such as precision-guided weapons, satellite and stealth technologies, unmanned vehicles, and modern communications systems. They are of strategic importance to the functionality of modern and increasingly networked armed forces, which is why a growing number of countries see securing access to these elements as essential to future economic and military stability.

    For the integrated technology group, the procurement of scarce raw materials is likely a top priority, judging by the continuing full-order books. Another billion-dollar order with a volume of around USD 45 billion beckons Rheinmetall from the US armed forces. In the endgame, the German defence company is competing only with the US defence contractor General Dynamics. This involves the development of a successor to the US Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.

    From a chart perspective, Rheinmetall has once again risen above the EUR 270.00 mark. The all-time high to date is EUR 281.30. Should this be broken, prices well above EUR 300 should only be a matter of time.

    BYD - Another sound barrier broken

    In 2003, the Shenzhen-based company entered the car market, and in 2008 BYD sold its first electric vehicle. Today, 20 years later, the 5 millionth NEV from BYD rolled off the assembly line. BYD aims to sell at least 3 million vehicles this year and aims to reach 3.6 million, the Company's Chairman and President, Wang Chuanfu, said in late March this year. In the first half of the year, BYD extended its lead over its US rival, selling 29% more pure electric cars in China than Tesla.

    The Company, financed by Warren Buffett, intends to further increase sales primarily by expanding into other countries. BYD presented its Atto 3 model in South Africa at the end of July. The vehicle is a compact SUV from the C-segment based on the BYD e-platform 3.0. According to the manufacturer, the car achieves acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The WLTP range of the vehicle is 420 km.


    Increased demand due to the energy transition and the defence industry is expected to further increase demand for rare earth metals. Defense Metals, with its Wicheeda project, is considered one of the few alternatives in the Western world, along with the Mountain Pass mine.


    Conflict of interest

    Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as "Relevant Persons") may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a "Transaction"). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company.

    In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships.

    For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest.

    The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies.

    Risk notice

    Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on news.financial. These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such.

    The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user.

    The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use.


    Der Autor

    Stefan Feulner

    The native Franconian has more than 20 years of stock exchange experience and a broadly diversified network.
    He is passionate about analyzing a wide variety of business models and investigating new trends.

    About the author



    Related comments:

    Commented by Mario Hose on May 20th, 2025 | 12:30 CEST

    Almonty Industries: Why is the share price set to multiply, and is the supply chain breaking down?

    • Mining
    • Tungsten
    • Investments

    In corporate development, there are various triggers for growth spurts and rising profits. At Almonty Industries (TSX: AII), the reason is clear: the Company will begin operating one of the world's largest tungsten mines in South Korea this summer. While other mining projects often still have to contend with lengthy approval processes or environmental regulations, and often offer little realistic prospect of success, Almonty is on the verge of expanding its production to such an extent that it could meet the entire demand of the US in the future. Those looking to invest in tungsten should go for the "original" – Almonty shares. The situation on the tungsten market is now so tense that the price in Shanghai has risen to a 12-year high of over USD 56 per kg. Accordingly, the profitability of Almonty's mines in Portugal and South Korea is likely to increase further. Uncertain times lie ahead for defense companies such as Hensoldt, Renk, Rheinmetall, and their suppliers. When will the supply chain break down? – More on this in the report.

    Read

    Commented by Armin Schulz on May 20th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST

    Hydrogen from niche market to cash cow: BYD, First Hydrogen, and Plug Power – Who is performing best?

    • Hydrogen
    • Electromobility

    The mobility transition is looking for solutions beyond batteries - and is finding them in a technology that refuels faster and drives further than any electric vehicle. While electromobility shines in urban areas, hydrogen is revolutionizing logistics, long-haul transport, and the heavy-duty sector with its seamless practicality. Regulatory initiatives and billion-dollar infrastructure projects are fueling the market. But who will benefit first? Key players are not relying on visions of the future, but on hard facts such as scalable technology, government support, and an industry hungry for decarbonization. While BYD and First Hydrogen are progressing, Plug Power is struggling with financial issues on its path to profitability.

    Read

    Commented by Fabian Lorenz on May 19th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST

    RAW MATERIALS and DEFENSE! Sell Hensoldt? Buy Deutz and Globex Mining shares?

    • Mining
    • Gold
    • Defense

    Raw materials and defense remain among the hot topics of the year. Globex Mining is benefiting not only from the gold boom but also from the battle for raw materials. The stock of the mining incubator currently offers an exciting entry opportunity. Analysts recommend buying Deutz. However, after a solid quarter, the engine manufacturer needs to shift up a gear or two to justify its valuation. A highlight was the development in order intake. This is precisely what Hensoldt is lacking. When a growth company's revenue increases more strongly than its order intake, investors should at least keep an eye on it. Analysts are also skeptical regarding Hensoldt's valuation and recommend selling the stock.

    Read