Sign in

    Aaron Vadakkan

    Research Analyst at University of Colorado Boulder

    Aaron Vadakkan is currently an undergraduate junior at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in Finance and Ecology with an additional certificate in Social Responsibility & Ethics. In 2024, he distinguished himself as a member of the first undergraduate team from CU Boulder to win the regional Venture Capital Investment Competition, showcasing strong skills in investment analysis, startup due diligence, and term sheet negotiation. Although early in his career, his recent experience includes investment banking, venture capital, and operations, all of which contributed to his team's competitive success and growth. Vadakkan has not yet acquired professional securities licenses or FINRA registration, but his academic and extracurricular record highlight notable achievement and leadership potential in financial analysis and entrepreneurship.

    Aaron Vadakkan's questions to ENERGY FUELS (UUUU) leadership

    Aaron Vadakkan's questions to ENERGY FUELS (UUUU) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Aaron Vadakkan of CU Boulder sought clarification on the components of the projected ~$30/kg NdPr processing cost and inquired about the rationale for producing a combined NdPr oxide and the potential capital cost for future rare earth plant expansions.

    Answer

    President and CEO Mark Chalmers explained the ~$30/kg figure represents the mill's processing cost, which becomes highly competitive when paired with low-cost monazite feedstock. He added that combined NdPr oxide meets magnet maker specifications. Regarding future capital, he noted a previous study for a smaller plant was ~$350M and expects the larger Phase 2 to be significantly less than competitor projects due to Utah's operational advantages.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Aaron Vadakkan's questions to ENERGY FUELS (UUUU) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Asked for clarification on the rare earth processing cost basis, the rationale for producing combined NdPr oxide, and the expected capital cost for the Phase 2 and 3 separation plants.

    Answer

    The ~$30/kg processing cost is for the mill itself; overall economics are highly favorable if the monazite feed is a low-cost byproduct from an independently viable project. NdPr is kept combined as that is the standard for the magnet industry. The Phase 2/3 plant will cost significantly more than Phase 1 (likely north of $350M), but will be much cheaper than comparable plants in other jurisdictions due to Utah's operational advantages.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI