Lynas founder backs mooted rare earths mega-merger with MP Materials

"Lynas confirms it has held confidential discussions with MP Materials Corp regarding a potential transaction, however, these discussions are not ongoing," the company at the weekend. "Lynas is implementing a strong organic growth plan. In addition, Lynas continues to seek opportunities to use our proven expertise to build scale, improve market functioning and add value for shareholders." The talks with MP Materials came on the back of a collapse in prices and new Chinese trade restrictions. China banned the export of rare earth extraction and separation technologies in December in a move to protect its market dominance, and has previously…