TORONTO, ONTARIO – May 4, 2025 – The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is pleased to announce that Constantine Karayannopoulos, former President, CEO and Chairman of Neo Performance Materials Inc. (TSX: NEO) and one of the rare earth sector’s foremost company-builders, will anchor multiple sessions at CMI Summit IV on May 13–14 at The National Club in Toronto. He will headline a fireside chat, “Who Is Getting the Criticals Minerals Right?” on Tuesday, May 13 (12:55 – 1:20 PM ET) and share his expertise on Panel 01, “The Quest to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains: Reviewing What Works, What Doesn’t, and How We Move Forward” earlier that morning (10:00 – 10:50 AM ET). Karayannopoulos will then return on Wednesday, May 14 for Panel 07, “The Global Quest for Critical Minerals – Spotlight on Brazil” (12:50 – 1:40 PM ET).
Having retired in 2023 after more than three decades of profitably navigating the entire rare earth value chain—from mine gate to finished magnets—Karayannopoulos will spotlight Brazil’s government-backed drive to build a magnet supply chain and show how that momentum aligns with separation and alloy expertise in Canada, the United States, and Europe. During his one-on-one interview and in both panel discussions, he will argue that concentrating capital on proven jurisdictions and fully integrated processing hubs can deliver secure, competitive supply far faster—and with far less risk—than scattering investment across untested greenfield prospects.
A chemical engineer by training and a strategist by instinct, Karayannopoulos has shaped every major inflection point in the modern critical-minerals landscape. Beginning in the 1990s, he brokered the first durable Western access to Chinese rare earth feedstock, laying the groundwork for today’s magnet and battery industries. He subsequently re-industrialised value-added processing in Europe, championed supply-chain diversification across five continents, and executed two billion-dollar exits—while mentoring a new generation of critical-materials entrepreneurs and advising governments on securing strategic materials for the clean-energy transition.
“Brazil is committing billions to a resource-driven industrial strategy, with hundreds of millions in public and private sector funding earmarked to unlock its world class ionic clay deposits and build a fully integrated energy transition supply chain,” Karayannopoulos said. “When that momentum is paired with the separation, alloy and magnet expertise already established in Canada, the United States, Europe, Korea, and Japan, we can develop a resilient, competitive supply network years sooner — and with far less risk — than chasing unverified deposits across the globe.”
Tracy Hughes, Founder & Executive Director of CMI, commented:
“Constantine is singular in our industry—he has operated, financed, and scaled every link of the rare earth chain. His track record gives delegates a clear view of the tangible actions and disciplined investments required to turn critical mineral supply chains from concept into competitive reality.”
CMI Summit IV Event Details
Theme: The War for Critical Minerals and Capital Resources
Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, May 13–14, 2025
Summit Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Registration & coffee: 7:30 – 8:30 AM
Reception: Tuesday, May 13, 5:00 – 6:30 PM — hosted by ArcStone Securities and Investment Corp.
Location: The National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CriticalMineralSummit.com
To register or secure a CMI Summit IV 2-day Delegates Pass, click here
About Constantine Karayannopoulos
A licensed Professional Engineer with B.A.Sc. and M.A.Sc. degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto, Karayannopoulos pioneered Western access to Chinese rare earth supply in the 1990s, re-established value-added processing in Europe, and executed billion dollar exits while mentoring the next generation of critical minerals ventures. He remains an influential advisor to governments and industry on securing strategic materials for the clean energy transition.
About the Critical Minerals Institute
The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is a trusted global leader in connecting companies, capital markets, and experts in the critical minerals industry. By combining in-depth research, thought leadership, and extensive industry expertise, CMI provides exclusive insights, invaluable resources, and robust networking opportunities that empower its members to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Through collaboration with businesses, governments, and other stakeholders, CMI addresses both the challenges and opportunities within the critical minerals sector, highlighting the value, sustainability, and strategic importance of these essential materials. As a result, CMI ensures its members are equipped to drive innovation, lead in cutting-edge technology, and fuel industrial advancement worldwide.
To secure a CMI Membership, click here or to secure a CMI Summit IV 2-day Delegates Pass, click here
For further details, please contact Tracy Hughes, Executive Director, Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) | +1 647 289 7714 | CriticalMineralsInstitute.com • CriticalMineralSummit.com
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