Form 8-K
8-K — USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Accession: 0001213900-26-064453
Filed: 2026-06-03
Period: 2026-06-03
CIK: 0001970622
SIC: 1000 (METAL MINING)
Item: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Item: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant
Item: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
Item: Regulation FD Disclosure
Item: Other Events
Item: Financial Statements and Exhibits
Documents
8-K — ea0293402-8k_usarare.htm (Primary)
EX-10.1 — DIRECT FUNDING AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, 2026, BY AND AMONG USA RARE EARTH, INC., THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY THERETO AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (ea029340201ex10-1.htm)
EX-10.2 — LOAN GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, 2026, BY AND AMONG USA RARE EARTH, INC., THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY THERETO AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (ea029340201ex10-2.htm)
EX-10.3 — SECURITIES ISSUANCE AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, BY AND BETWEEN USA RARE EARTH, INC. AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (ea029340201ex10-3.htm)
EX-10.4 — WARRANT, DATED JUNE 3, ISSUED BY USA RARE EARTH, INC. TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (ea029340201ex10-4.htm)
EX-99.1 — PRESS RELEASE, DATED JUNE 3, ANNOUNCING ENTRY INTO THE DIRECT FUNDING AGREEMENT, THE LOAN GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, SECURITIES ISSUANCE AGREEMENT AND WARRANT (ea029340201ex99-1.htm)
GRAPHIC (ea029340201_img1.jpg)
GRAPHIC (ea029340201_ex10-3img1.jpg)
XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT (R1.htm)
8-K — CURRENT REPORT
8-K (Primary)
Filename: ea0293402-8k_usarare.htm · Sequence: 1
false
0001970622
0001970622
2026-06-03
2026-06-03
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
June 3, 2026
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Delaware
001-41711
98-1720278
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS. Employer
Identification No.)
100 W Airport Road,
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075
(Address of principal executive offices, including
zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code: (813) 867-6155
N.A.
(Former name or former address, if changed since
last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
USAR
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth
company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check
mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive
Agreement.
Direct Funding Agreement & Loan Guarantee
Agreement
On January 26, 2026, USA Rare
Earth, Inc. (“USAR”) previously announced its entry into a non-binding letter of intent by and between USAR and the
United States Department of Commerce (the “DOC”) with respect to funding in an aggregate amount equal to $1.6 billion,
including $277.0 million in direct funding awards and $1.3 billion in senior secured debt with a 15-year term and an expected rate of
Treasury + 150 bps, under the CHIPS Incentives Program—Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment under
the CHIPS Act of 2022. In furtherance thereof, on June 3, 2026, USAR entered into (x) a Direct Funding Agreement (the “Direct
Funding Agreement”), by and among USAR, as the recipient, certain subsidiaries of USAR, as guarantors, and the DOC and (y) a
Loan Guarantee Agreement (the “Loan Guarantee Agreement” and, together with the Direct Funding Agreement, the “Funding
Agreements”), by and among USAR, as the borrower, certain subsidiaries of USAR, as guarantors, and the DOC.
Under the Direct Funding Agreement,
the DOC has agreed to provide direct funding awards (the “Direct Funding”) with a maximum award amount of $277.0 million
in the aggregate, comprised of (a) $132.0 million for the construction of a rare earth mining and processing facility in Sierra Blanca,
Texas (the “Round Top Mine Project”), (b) $50.0 million for the expansion and modernization of the existing magnet
making facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma (the “Stillwater Magnet Project”), (c) $20.0 million for the expansion
and modernization of the existing strip casting and metal making facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma (the “Stillwater Metal
Project”), (d) $60.0 million for the construction of a new magnet making facility (the “Magnet Project 2”)
and (e) $15.0 million for the construction of a new strip casting and metal making facility (the “Metal Project 2”).
With respect to each Project, Direct Funding under the Direct Funding Agreement is available from the date of the Direct Funding Agreement
until the Milestone Completion Longstop Date (as defined in the Direct Funding Agreement) for the last disbursement milestone for such
Project. The obligations of USAR under the Direct Funding Agreement are guaranteed by each of the subsidiary guarantors party thereto.
Under the Loan Guarantee Agreement,
the DOC has agreed to guarantee the repayment by USAR and its affiliates of advances in an aggregate principal amount of $1.3 billion
(“FFB Advances” and, together with the Direct Funding, the “Awards”) made by the Federal Financing
Bank (“FFB”), an instrumentality of the United States, to USAR. The FFB Advances are comprised of (a) $550.0 million
for the Round Top Mine Project, (b) $250.0 million for the Stillwater Magnet Project, (c) $100.0 million for the Stillwater
Metal Project, (d) $325.0 million for the Magnet Project 2 and (e) $75.0 million for the Metal Project 2. With respect to each
Project, FFB Advances under the Loan Guarantee Agreement are available from the date of the Loan Guarantee Agreement until the Project
Completion Longstop Date (as defined in the Loan Guarantee Agreement) for such Project. If USAR or its affiliates default on any payment
with respect to FFB Advances due to FFB, then the DOC becomes obligated to make payments to FFB, and USAR and its affiliates become immediately
obligated to reimburse the DOC for such payments. The obligations of USAR under the Loan Guarantee Agreement are guaranteed by each of
the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and secured by first-priority liens on substantially all of the assets of USAR and the subsidiary
guarantors.
Interest accrues on the FFB
Advances under the Loan Guarantee Agreement at rates specified in the applicable notes to be entered into with respect to each FFB Advance
(each, an “FFB Note”). Each FFB Advance matures fifteen (15) years after the first FFB Advance made under the applicable
FFB Note. Under the Loan Guarantee Agreement, USAR is required to pay to the DOC (i) a one-time commitment fee equal to 2.0% of the
FFB commitment amount, (ii) a ticking fee equal to 2.0% per annum on the unutilized FFB commitment, and (iii) an annual maintenance
fee equal to the lesser of 0.1% of the outstanding guaranteed loan balance and $200,000.
The Round Top Mine Project,
Stillwater Magnet Project, Stillwater Metal Project, Magnet Project 2 and Metal Project 2 are collectively referred to herein as the “Projects.”
1
Conditions to the Awards
Under the Funding Agreements,
USAR may request disbursements of the Awards based on the achievement of various milestones to reimburse USAR and its applicable subsidiaries
for certain eligible uses of funds with respect to the Projects. Milestones for the Awards are Project-specific, such as the achievement
of feasibility studies, site design, facility completion, equipment installation, technology transfer, production capacity qualification
at various thresholds, securing customer purchase agreements, and attainment of target production volumes. Disbursements of the Awards
for each milestone are subject to various conditions precedent, including: (i) completion of the applicable disbursement milestone; (ii)
evidence that USAR has made equity contributions to its subsidiaries in cash to fund Project costs; (iii) compliance with representations,
warranties and covenants; and (iv) the absence of defaults under the applicable Funding Agreement and related documents. Under the Loan
Guarantee Agreement, additional conditions precedent to each FFB Advance include: (i) evidence that certain financial ratio thresholds
have been satisfied; (ii) evidence that the proceeds will be applied to eligible uses of funds; (iii) payment of all fees and expenses
due to the DOC; (iv) certification that budget amounts have not been exceeded; and (v) delivery of required permits and approvals.
Representations, Warranties and Covenants
The Funding Agreements contain
representations, warranties and covenants applicable to USAR and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, including, but not limited to:
(i) reporting, maintenance, and the operation of the Projects; (ii) compliance with applicable laws, taxes, environmental requirements,
Davis-Bacon Act requirements and various regulations; (iii) restrictions on the eligible uses of the Awards; (iv) restrictions
on joint research and transactions with foreign countries and entities of concern; (v) the issuance of indebtedness other than permitted
indebtedness; (vi) restrictions on dividends, share repurchases and equity redemptions; (vii) restrictions on liens other than
permitted liens; (viii) maintenance of first priority security interests in the collateral for the benefit of the secured parties;
(ix) requirements for equity contributions to satisfy funding plans and project completion requirements; (x) insurance requirements
and loss proceeds application; (xi) restrictions on mergers, dispositions, and change of control transactions without consent of
the DOC; (xii) restrictions on affiliate transactions; (xiii) limitations on capital expenditures other than permitted capital
expenditures; (xiv) intellectual property maintenance and protection; (xv) maintenance of required approvals, permits, and licenses;
and (xvi) liquidity requirements and financial covenants, including fixed charge coverage ratios and book value to debt ratios.
Equity Raise Requirements
Under the Funding Agreements,
USAR is required to raise equity (which could include, at USAR’s option, up to $300.0 million of convertible loan notes) in the
following amounts by the corresponding dates (with equity raised on or after January 1, 2026 credited against the required amounts):
● On or prior to December 31, 2026, USAR is required to raise an aggregate
amount of equity equal to $1.45 billion. As previously announced, on January 28, 2026, USAR closed a private placement of 69,767,442 shares
of common stock at $21.50 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $1.5 billion, which satisfied the equity raise requirement
for 2026.
● On or prior to March 31, 2027, USAR is required to raise an additional
aggregate amount of equity equal to $375.0 million plus the total cash acquisition costs for the announced proposed acquisition
of Serra Verde Group (“SVRE”).
● On or prior to December 31, 2027, USAR is required to raise an additional
aggregate amount of equity equal to $875.0 million.
USAR’s obligation to
raise the equity described above is reduced by an amount equal to (x) 100% of any dividends received from SVRE up to an aggregate
amount equal to the total cash acquisition costs for the acquisition of SVRE and (y) thereafter, 50% of any dividends received from
SVRE.
Under the Funding Agreements,
USAR is required to establish a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $250.0 million by June 30, 2027.
In addition to the equity raise requirements described above, USAR is required to raise an aggregate amount of equity that is sufficient
to satisfy the cash collateral required under such working capital facility.
2
Events of Default; Acceleration; Termination
The Funding Agreements contain
events of default, including (i) clawback events, including failure to achieve project completion by applicable deadlines, engagement
in certain joint research or transaction activities involving any foreign country or entity of concern in violation of the guardrail provisions,
the impermissible use or disposition of a Project and, under the Direct Funding Agreement, property disposition and cumulative disbursement
ratio clawback events; (ii) payment defaults; (iii) cross defaults for indebtedness in excess of certain thresholds; (iv) certain
significant events of default such as the violation of specified covenants, abandonment of a Project, change of control without consent,
and the bankruptcy or insolvency of USAR or the subsidiary guarantors; and (v) other events of default, including breaches of certain
representations, warranties and covenants, major project document breaches, failure of security documents to provide first priority liens,
and violations of sanctions, export control laws, anti-money laundering laws or anti-corruption laws.
Rights and remedies in connection
with events of default include: (i) termination of the Funding Agreements or any awards thereunder; (ii) imposition of additional
conditions pending corrective actions; (iii) suspension or termination of the FFB commitment or the maximum award amount, or withholding
of disbursements; (iv) acceleration of all outstanding amounts due under the financing documents (automatic upon bankruptcy, insolvency
or dissolution); (v) foreclosure upon the collateral; (vi) recovery of awards or disbursements for clawback events; (vii) set-off
rights; (viii) specific performance; and (ix) initiation of debarment proceedings.
The Direct Funding Agreement
shall remain in effect until the later of (a) the second anniversary of the completion date of the last Project to be completed and
(b) the tenth anniversary of the execution of the Direct Funding Agreement. The Loan Guarantee Agreement shall remain in effect until
the indefeasible payment in full of all secured obligations and expiration or termination of the FFB commitment. Certain provisions, including
those relating to expansion transactions with any foreign country of concern, dispute resolution, and indemnification, shall survive termination.
Securities Issuance Agreement
Concurrently with the execution
and delivery of, and as inducement to enter into, the Direct Funding Agreement, USAR has entered into a Securities Issuance Agreement
(the “Securities Issuance Agreement”) with the DOC pursuant to which USAR will issue to the DOC 16,132,790 shares of
USAR Common Stock (the “SIA Shares”) and a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 17,600,584 shares
of USAR Common Stock (the “Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $17.17 per share. Among other things, the Securities
Issuance Agreement provides for (i) a transfer restriction on the SIA Shares and the Warrant, including the Warrant Shares, received as
consideration pursuant to the Securities Issuance Agreement for 12 months following the issuance of such securities, (ii) customary resale
shelf registration rights on Form S-3 (or Form S-1 if USAR is not then eligible for Form S-3) and piggyback registration rights in favor
of the DOC, and (iii) a covenant that the DOC will not vote any SIA Shares or Warrant Shares, except with respect to certain matters required
by law and any merger, consolidation or similar business combination involving USAR.
Warrant
Concurrently with the execution
and delivery of, and as provided for under, the Securities Issuance Agreement, USAR has issued a Warrant (the “Warrant”)
for the Warrant and the underlying Warrant Shares. Among other things, the Warrant provides for (i) customary anti-dilution protections
for stock splits, subdivisions, reclassifications, or combinations, extraordinary dividends and share purchases with respect to the USAR
Common Stock, (ii) redemption rights pursuant to which the warrantholder may, in connection with any Business Combination (as defined
in the Warrant), require the acquiror to repurchase all or a portion of the Warrant at the Redemption Price (as defined in the Warrant)
and (iii) exchange rights pursuant to which the warrantholder may require, as a condition precedent to any Business Combination, that
the successor party assume all covenants, agreements and conditions of USAR under the Warrant.
The foregoing summaries of
the Funding Agreements, the Securities Issuance Agreement and Warrant do not purport to be a complete description of all the parties’
rights and obligations under such agreements, as applicable, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such
agreements.
Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation
or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
The information under Item
1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K related to the Funding Agreements is incorporated by reference herein.
3
Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
The information under Item
1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K related to the issuance of USAR Common Stock pursuant to the Securities Issuance Agreement and
the Warrant is incorporated herein by reference.
This Current Report on Form
8-K does not constitute an offer to sell any securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale
of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure
On June 3, 2026, USAR issued
a press release announcing its entry into the Funding Agreements, a copy of which is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated
by reference herein.
The information provided
under this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is “furnished” and shall not be deemed “filed”
with the Securities and Exchange Commission or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
or the Securities Act.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form
8-K and the documents included as exhibits hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include those relating to the Awards, the expected timing and completion of the Awards,
the expected benefits of the Awards including anticipated financial results, our anticipated operating and financial performance, our
business plans, strategy, goals and prospects, our plans for and prospects of our acquisitions, investments and other business development
activities, including the announced proposed acquisition of SVRE and transactions with Carester SAS (“Carester”) and Texas
Mineral Resources Corp. (“TMRC”), our plans for capital raising activities, and our ability to successfully capitalize on
growth opportunities and prospects. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current
facts. Words such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “ongoing,”
“anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “predict,” “intend,”
“plan,” “believe,” “aim,” “build,” “continue,” “potential,” “vision,”
and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not
forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from
our expectations, including without limitation: our ability to achieve the conditions to funding under the Funding Agreements, including
the requirement to raise additional equity capital; the risk that the Funding Agreements may be challenged in the future; risks that the
proposed transactions with SVRE, Carester and TMRC may not be consummated on their anticipated timelines or at all; we may not realize
the anticipated benefits of our proposed and prior acquisitions, including expected synergies, financial performance, estimated EBITDA
and, in the case of SVRE, integration of operations, on the anticipated timeline or at all; the ability of our Stillwater magnet manufacturing
facility to commence commercial operations on the timing and with the production capacity anticipated or at all; our limited operating
history; our ability to commercially extract minerals from the Round Top deposit on our anticipated timeline or at all; risks that we
may experience delays, unforeseen expenses, increased capital costs, and other complications while operating our business; our ability
to raise necessary capital on acceptable terms or at all; potential dilution to existing stockholders and the possible adverse effect
on our stock price if we issue additional common stock or equity-linked securities; the volatility of our stock price; the availability
of rare earth oxide, metal feedstock and other materials, utilities (including power and water) and equipment in quantities and prices
that allow us to develop and commercially operate our Stillwater facility and other facilities; our ability to meet individual customer
specifications and manufacture a consistently high quality product; fluctuations in demand for and prices of our products, including without
limitation as a result of dumping, predatory pricing and other tactics by USAR’s competitors or state actors or the overall competitive
environment; our ability to achieve positive cash flow or profitability or the ability to access cash flow within our corporate structure
due to restrictions contained in our financing agreements; our ability to convert current commercial discussions and/or memorandums of
understanding with customers for the sale of our products into definitive orders; geopolitical developments or disruptions, such as changes
in the political environment, export/import or environmental policy of the People’s Republic of China, the United States or other
countries in which we operate or sell products or otherwise; war, terrorism, natural disasters or public health emergencies; our ability
to retain or recruit key personnel; environmental, health and safety regulations; and our ability to comply with requirements for federal,
state and local government incentives and financing.
4
Additional risks and detailed
information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially has been and will be included in USAR’s filings
with the SEC, including USAR’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and subsequent filings. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K (or such other date
as is specified in such statements), and USAR undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information
or future events or developments, except to the extent required by law.
Item 8.01. Other Events
USAR is providing the additional
risk factors set forth below to supplement the risks described in “Risk Factors” in USAR’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
Risk Factors
The execution of the Funding Agreements, the Securities Issuance
Agreement and the Warrant with the Department of Commerce, the receipt of funding thereunder and the consummation of the related transactions
are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and the DOC’s ownership of a significant equity interest in USAR may subject
USAR and its stockholders to additional risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on USAR’s business, financial condition
and results of operations or adversely impact the interests of our other stockholders.
● The timing and amount of funding under the Funding Agreements
is subject to the satisfaction of project milestones and other conditions to disbursement that we may not meet on the anticipated timeline
or at all. Disbursements of the Awards are conditioned on the achievement of specified Project milestones (including design, construction,
production qualification and capacity thresholds for the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater Magnet Project, the Stillwater Metal
Project, the Magnet Project 2 and the Metal Project 2), the making of cash equity contributions to our subsidiaries to fund Project costs,
the satisfaction of financial ratio and liquidity thresholds, the receipt of required permits and approvals and other customary conditions.
In addition, the Funding Agreements impose specified equity raising and credit facility requirements that USAR will need to satisfy on
the timeline contemplated by the Funding Agreements. There can be no assurance that we will achieve these milestones or satisfy the other
conditions on the anticipated timeline or at all, and any failure to do so could delay or reduce the funding we receive, result in a
clawback of amounts previously disbursed or give rise to an event of default under the Funding Agreements.
● The authorization of, and continued support for, the transactions
remain subject to changes in laws, regulations, administrations and appropriations. Although the DOC has confirmed its authority
to enter into the Funding Agreements, the Securities Issuance Agreement and the Warrant under the CHIPS Incentives Program—Facilities
for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment under the CHIPS Act of 2022, there can be no assurance that the transactions
will not be modified, challenged or impaired in the future. Potential sources of uncertainty include changes in federal or international
laws, regulations, administrative actions and interpretations thereof; a determination by any branch of the federal government that any
aspect of the agreements was unauthorized, void or voidable; future changes in administration or legislative priorities; the continued
availability of Congressional appropriations; geopolitical developments; and the defenses and remedies available to a government counterparty.
No other federal agency or branch is contractually bound to support, or refrain from challenging, the transactions, which may also be
subject to litigation or administrative challenge by third parties.
5
● The Funding Agreements contain extensive affirmative and
negative covenants, domestic content and national security guardrail provisions and ongoing reporting obligations that restrict our operational
and financial flexibility. These include restrictions on the incurrence of indebtedness, the granting of liens, asset dispositions,
dividends, share repurchases and equity redemptions; restrictions on mergers, dispositions and change of control transactions without
DOC consent; restrictions on joint research and transactions with foreign countries and entities of concern; limitations on capital expenditures
and affiliate transactions; compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act and other applicable laws; financial and liquidity covenants; and comprehensive
reporting obligations covering financial, operational, cybersecurity and supply chain matters. These requirements may be subject to broad
or changing interpretation, and any violation could result in the suspension, clawback or termination of funding. Compliance with these
covenants and conditions could restrict our ability to take actions that management believes are important to our long-term strategy,
including capital allocation, strategic transactions, geographic expansion and financing activities.
● The FFB Advances are secured by first-priority liens on
substantially all of our assets, and defaults under the Funding Agreements could trigger cross-defaults across our financing arrangements.
The FFB Advances and USAR’s related obligations are guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors and secured by first-priority liens
on substantially all of the assets of USAR and the subsidiary guarantors. The Funding Agreements contain express cross-default provisions
in respect of indebtedness above specified thresholds. Upon an event of default, the DOC may, among other remedies, accelerate the FFB
Advances, terminate any of the Funding Agreements, withhold or claw back disbursements, foreclose on the collateral, exercise set-off
rights and initiate debarment proceedings. An event of default under the Funding Agreements, or under any of USAR’s or its subsidiaries’
other material indebtedness, could also, depending on the terms of the relevant contracts, trigger cross-default, change of control or
similar provisions under our and our subsidiaries’ other material contracts.
● The transactions are dilutive to existing stockholders,
the DOC will retain the equity issued to it regardless of the level of funding we receive and we will require substantial additional
capital. USAR has issued to the DOC 16,132,790 SIA Shares and the Warrant to purchase 17,600,584 Warrant Shares at an exercise price
of $17.17 per share, each of which is dilutive to existing stockholders. The DOC will retain 100% of these securities whether or not
we receive any or all of the funding contemplated by the Funding Agreements and even if any such funding is received and subsequently
clawed back, which would materially increase the effective dilution to other stockholders. Additional equity capital will also be required
to satisfy the equity contribution and other capital requirements under the Funding Agreements, and there can be no assurance that this
capital will be available on acceptable terms, on the required timeline, or at all.
● The DOC’s equity interest in USAR and its broader
role as a counterparty and regulator may limit our ability to pursue strategic transactions and may affect our relationships with customers,
suppliers, partners and other counterparties. The existence of a significant federal government equity interest, together with the
DOC’s contractual rights and remedies (including transfer restrictions, registration rights and anti-dilution protections) and
its broader authority over the laws, regulations and policies affecting our industry, may limit our ability to pursue potential future
strategic transactions that could be beneficial to stockholders, including by limiting the willingness of third parties to engage in
such transactions with us. The announcement or completion of the transactions and the presence of the federal government as a significant
stockholder could also prompt adverse reactions from, or increased scrutiny by, customers, suppliers, strategic partners, foreign governments,
employees, competitors or regulators (including under foreign subsidy, competition, investment screening, antitrust or similar regimes).
Given the scarcity of recent U.S. precedents for transactions of this type, it is difficult to foresee all of the potential consequences,
and there may also be litigation relating to the transactions and increased public and political scrutiny.
6
● The financial, tax and accounting treatment of the transactions
remains uncertain. Given the novelty and complexity of the transactions and the highly integrated nature of the Funding Agreements,
the Securities Issuance Agreement and the Warrant, USAR’s analysis of the financial, tax and accounting implications of its commitments
and obligations has not been completed and may take considerable time and require significant attention from management. The analysis
may require adjustment over time as a result of changes in tax law or regulations, changes in accounting practices, amendments to or
termination of any of the agreements or other unforeseen developments, any of which could result in the recognition of additional costs,
charges, losses or liabilities, restatements or other modifications of USAR’s financial statements or adjustments to previously
provided estimates or guidance.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and
Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits:
The following exhibits are attached with this current
report on Form 8-K:
Exhibit No.
Description
10.1
Direct Funding Agreement, dated June 3, 2026, by and among USA Rare Earth, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and the United States Department of Commerce
10.2
Loan Guarantee Agreement, dated June 3, 2026, by and among USA Rare Earth, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and the United States Department of Commerce
10.3
Securities Issuance Agreement, dated June 3, by and between USA Rare Earth, Inc. and the United States Department of Commerce
10.4
Warrant, dated June 3, issued by USA Rare Earth, Inc. to the United States Department of Commerce
99.1
Press Release, dated June 3, announcing entry into the Direct Funding Agreement, the Loan Guarantee Agreement, Securities Issuance Agreement and Warrant
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
* The annexes, schedules, and certain exhibits to this Exhibit
have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any
omitted annex, schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.
7
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Date:
June 3, 2026
By:
/s/ Valerie Ford Jacob
Name:
Valerie Ford Jacob
Title:
Chief Legal Officer
8
EX-10.1 — DIRECT FUNDING AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, 2026, BY AND AMONG USA RARE EARTH, INC., THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY THERETO AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
EX-10.1
Filename: ea029340201ex10-1.htm · Sequence: 2
Exhibit
10.1
EXECUTION
VERSION
Dated as of June 3, 2026
USA
RARE EARTH, INC.
as
Recipient
other
parties hereto
as
Recipient Parties
and
UNITED
STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
as
the Department
round
top, stillwater AND ADDITIONAL PROJECTs
DIRECT
FUNDING AGREEMENT
AWARD
ID NO. AP-2026-0044
table of Contents
Page
Article 1 Definitions
2
Article 2 Award and Disbursements
2
Section 2.1.
Award Amount
2
Section 2.2.
Disbursement Procedure
3
Section 2.3.
No Interest; No Approval of Work
5
Article 3 Payments
5
Section 3.1.
Place and Manner of Payments to the Department
5
Section 3.2.
Net of Tax
5
Section 3.3.
Payment of Costs and Expenses
6
Article 4 Conditions Precedent
to the Award Date
6
Section 4.1.
Financing Documents
6
Section 4.2.
Award Date Certificate
6
Section 4.3.
Financial Model; Sources and Uses Plan; Budget; Schedule
6
Section 4.4.
Financial Statements
7
Section 4.5.
[Reserved.]
7
Section 4.6.
Legal Opinions
7
Section 4.7.
Federal Requirements and Approvals
7
Section 4.8.
[Reserved.]
7
Section 4.9.
Fees and Expenses
7
Section 4.10.
No Violation
7
Section 4.11.
Lock-Up Agreement; Semiconductor MOUs
8
Section 4.12.
[Reserved.]
8
Section 4.13.
Implementation of Safety Review Report
8
Section 4.14.
Third Party Validation of Nuclear Licensing
8
Section 4.15.
Power Infrastructure Plan
8
Section 4.16.
Equity Documents; Equity Issuance
8
Section 4.17.
Round Top Mine Project Real Property and Land Rights
8
Section 4.18.
Award Date Investment Policy
8
Section 4.19.
Additional Documents
8
Article 5 Conditions Precedent
to Each Disbursement
9
Section 5.1.
Conditions Precedent to Each Disbursement
9
i
Article 6 Title to Trust
Property
11
Section 6.1.
Trust Relationship
11
Section 6.2.
Use of Trust Property
11
Section 6.3.
Dispositions of Trust Property
11
Section 6.4.
Liens and Encumbrances on Trust Property
11
Section 6.5.
Maintenance of Trust Property
11
Section 6.6.
Trust Property Management
12
Section 6.7.
Recording and Preservation of the Federal Interest
12
Article 7 Representations
and Warranties
13
Section 7.1.
Organization
13
Section 7.2.
Authorization; No Conflict
13
Section 7.3.
Compliance with Laws
13
Section 7.4.
Legality; Validity; Enforceability
14
Section 7.5.
Real Property
14
Section 7.6.
Liens on Trust Property
14
Section 7.7.
Required Approvals
15
Section 7.8.
Intellectual Property
15
Section 7.9.
Litigation
15
Section 7.10.
Labor Disputes
16
Section 7.11.
Taxes
16
Section 7.12.
Financial Statements
16
Section 7.13.
Contracts; Other Transactions
16
Section 7.14.
Construction and Tool Installation Budget; Project Schedule
16
Section 7.15.
Adequate Project Funding
17
Section 7.16.
Environmental Laws
17
Section 7.17.
Federal Requirements
17
Section 7.18.
Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control Laws;
Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws
18
Section 7.19.
Insolvency Proceedings; Solvency
19
Section 7.20.
No Defaults
19
Section 7.21.
No Force Majeure
19
Section 7.22.
No Event of Loss
19
Section 7.23.
Material Adverse Effect
19
Section 7.24.
Full Disclosure
19
Section 7.25.
No Immunity
19
Section 7.26.
No Federal Debt Delinquency
19
Section 7.27.
No Debarment
20
Section 7.28.
Information Technology; Cyber Security; Data
20
Section 7.29.
CFIUS
20
ii
Article 8 Affirmative Covenants
20
Section 8.1.
Reporting Covenants
20
Section 8.2.
Affirmative Covenants
21
Article 9 Negative Covenants
32
Section 9.1.
Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern.
32
Section 9.2.
Debarment Regulations.
32
Section 9.3.
Affiliate Transactions.
32
Section 9.4.
Merger; Disposition; Sharing of Assets; Transfer.
33
Section 9.5.
Environmental Laws.
33
Section 9.6.
Telecommunication and Video Surveillance.
33
Section 9.7.
No Subawards.
33
Section 9.8.
No Indebtedness.
33
Section 9.9.
Accounting Policies; Corporate Form.
33
Section 9.10.
Stock Buyback and Dividend Restrictions.
33
Section 9.11.
Serra Verde Acquisition.
34
Section 9.12.
Indian Ocean Rare Metals.
34
Article 10 Events of Default;
Remedies
34
Section 10.1.
Events of Default
34
Section 10.2.
Remedies for Events of Default
39
Section 10.3.
Automatic Acceleration
40
Section 10.4.
Specific Performance
40
Section 10.5.
Right of Set-Off
41
Section 10.6.
Department Rights
41
Article 11 Miscellaneous
41
Section 11.1.
Addresses
41
Section 11.2.
Use of Websites
42
Section 11.3.
Further Assurances
42
Section 11.4.
Non-Discrimination
42
Section 11.5.
Waiver and Amendment
42
Section 11.6.
Entire Agreement
43
Section 11.7.
Governing Law
43
Section 11.8.
Severability
43
Section 11.9.
Limitation on Liability
43
Section 11.10.
Waiver of Jury Trial
43
Section 11.11.
Consent to Jurisdiction
44
Section 11.12.
Dispute Resolution
44
iii
Section 11.13.
Successors and Assigns
46
Section 11.14.
Reinstatement
46
Section 11.15.
No Partnership; Etc
47
Section 11.16.
Marshaling
47
Section 11.17.
Indemnification.
47
Section 11.18.
Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
48
Section 11.19.
Benefits of Agreement
48
Section 11.20.
Termination; Survival
48
Section 11.21.
Recipient Party Agent
49
Article 12 Guarantee
50
Section 12.1.
Recipient Party Guarantee
50
Section 12.2.
No Discharge or Diminishment of Guarantee; Waivers
50
Section 12.3.
Agreement to Pay; Contribution; Subrogation
52
Section 12.4.
Termination of Guarantee; Reinstatement
52
ANNEX
Annex A
Definitions
Annex B
Rules of Interpretation
Annex C
Guardrail Provisions
Annex D
Program Requirements
Annex E
Davis-Bacon Act Requirements
Annex F
Reporting Covenants
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A
Form of Award Date Certificate
Exhibit B
Form of Disbursement Request
Exhibit C
Form of Disbursement Date Certificate
Exhibit D
Form of Project Completion Certificate
SCHEDULES
Schedule A
Fiscal Year Appropriations
Schedule B
Disbursement Milestone Schedule
Schedule C
Project Sites
Schedule D
Affiliate Transactions
Schedule E
Addresses
Schedule F
Dispute Resolution
Schedule G
Production Volume Schedule
Schedule H
Key Person Schedule
iv
This
DIRECT FUNDING AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of June 3, 2026, is entered into by and among (a) USA RARE
EARTH, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as the recipient (the “Recipient”),
a Recipient Party and the Recipient Party Agent; (b) USA RARE EARTH, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the
laws of Delaware, as a Recipient Party; (c) USA RARE EARTH MAGNETS, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the
laws of Delaware, as a Recipient Party; (d) ROUND TOP MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under
the laws of Delaware, as a Recipient Party; (e) USA RARE EARTH REAL ESTATE, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under
the laws of Oklahoma, as a Recipient Party; (f) LACONIA INTERMEDIATE ACQUISITION SUB, INC., a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of Delaware, as a Recipient Party; (g) LACONIA ACQUISITION SUB LIMITED, a limited liability company organized and existing under
the laws of England and Wales with registered number 16740602, as a Recipient Party; (h) LCMG LIMITED, a limited liability company organized
and existing under the laws of England and Wales with registered number 06619924, as a Recipient Party; (i) LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED,
a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales with registered number 02690088, as a Recipient
Party; and (j) the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (the “Department” and together with the Recipient and
each other Recipient Party, the “Parties” and each a “Party”), an agency of the United States of
America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce (or appropriate authorized representative thereof).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Recipient has undertaken, or caused the relevant Recipient Parties to undertake: (a) the construction of a new facility for the purpose
of rare earth mining and processing located in Sierra Blanca, Texas (the “Round Top Mine Project”); (b) the expansion
and modernization of the existing facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, used for the purposes of (i) magnet making (the “Stillwater
Magnet Project”) and (ii) strip casting and metal making (the “Stillwater Metal Project”); and (c) the construction
of a new facility to be used for the purposes of (i) magnet making (the “Magnet Project 2”) and (ii) strip casting
and metal making (the “Metal Project 2”, and together with the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater Magnet Project,
the Stillwater Metal Project, and the Magnet Project 2, the “Projects” and each, a “Project”);
WHEREAS,
pursuant to the CHIPS Incentives Program—Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment Notice of Funding Opportunity
No. 2023-NIST-CHIPS-SMME-01 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “NOFO”), the Recipient
submitted applications with the CHIPS ID Nos. 002467 and 002455 (the “Applications”) to the Department’s CHIPS
Incentives Program Portal for Awards for the Projects under the CHIPS Incentives Program established pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 4652
of the CHIPS Act (the “CHIPS Incentives Program”);
WHEREAS,
in furtherance of Executive Order 14241 “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production”, Executive Order 13953
“Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries, and Supporting
the Domestic Mining and Processing Industries”, and Executive Order 13817 “A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable
Supplies of Critical Minerals”, the Department has agreed to issue an Award for each Project subject to, and in accordance with,
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which is entered into pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §§ 4652 and 4659(a)(1) of the CHIPS
Act as an other transaction on such terms as the Secretary considers appropriate;
WHEREAS,
in connection with the Applications, the Department requires, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 4659(a)(3), that the Recipient make (or cause
its related parties to make) a payment to the Department in the form of certain Equity Interests on the terms and conditions set forth
in certain Equity Documents;
1
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valid consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
expressly acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
Article
1
Definitions
Capitalized
terms used in this Agreement and its Exhibits and Schedules shall have the meanings set forth in Annex A (Definitions),
or if applicable, the Guardrail Provisions, and the rules of interpretation set forth in Annex B (Rules of Interpretation)
shall apply to this Agreement, except, in each case, as otherwise expressly provided herein.
Article
2
Award and Disbursements
Section
2.1. Award Amount.
(a)
The total maximum amount of the Award:
(i)
for Direct Funding for the Round Top Mine Project is one hundred thirty-two million Dollars ($132,000,000) (the “Round
Top Mine Project Maximum Award Amount” and such award, the “Round Top Mine Project Award”);
(ii)
for Direct Funding for the Stillwater Magnet Project is fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000) (the “Stillwater Magnet Project
Maximum Award Amount” and such award, the “Stillwater Magnet Project Award”);
(iii)
for Direct Funding for the Stillwater Metal Project is twenty million Dollars ($20,000,000) (the “Stillwater Metal Project
Maximum Award Amount” and such award, the “Stillwater Metal Project Award”);
(iv)
for Direct Funding for the Magnet Project 2 is sixty million Dollars ($60,000,000) (the “Magnet Project 2 Maximum Award
Amount” and such award, the “Magnet Project 2 Award”); and
(v)
for Direct Funding for the Metal Project 2 is fifteen million Dollars ($15,000,000) (the “Metal Project 2 Maximum Award
Amount” and together with the Round Top Mine Project Maximum Award Amount, the Stillwater Magnet Project Maximum Award Amount,
the Stillwater Metal Project Maximum Award Amount, and the Magnet Project 2 Maximum Award Amount, the “Maximum Award Amount”
and such award, the “Metal Project 2 Award” and together with the Round Top Mine Project Award, the Stillwater Magnet
Project Award, the Stillwater Metal Project Award, and the Magnet Project 2 Award, the “Award”);
which,
collectively, represent the total amount of funds that may be disbursed by the Department to the Recipient upon execution and delivery
of one or more Funding Obligations in accordance with Schedule A (Fiscal Year Appropriations).
(b)
For any Project, the Department may execute and deliver one or more Funding Obligations authorizing the obligation of funds for the
Applicable Award up to the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount as set out in Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone
Schedule) subject to the satisfactory progress of such Project as determined by the Department. No obligation of funds for the
Award by the Department shall occur upon execution of this Agreement. An obligation of funds for the Award shall occur only upon
delivery of a Funding Obligation.
2
(c)
The Department shall not be obligated to make, and shall be prohibited from making, any Disbursement with respect to any Project
pursuant to this Agreement in excess of the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount with respect to such Project as authorized in executed
and delivered Funding Obligations related to such Project.
Section
2.2. Disbursement Procedure.
2.2.1
ASAP System. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, each Disbursement shall be made through the Department of Treasury’s
Automated Standard Application for Payment System (“ASAP”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
this Article 2, the Recipient shall comply with all requirements and technical instructions necessary to receive a Disbursement
through ASAP as set out in the Award Handbook. The Recipient may designate a payment requestor through ASAP.
2.2.2
Disbursement Request.
(a)
Subject to the other requirements of this Section 2.2, the Recipient may request a Disbursement for a Disbursement Milestone
for any Project on any date that is (i) on or after the date on which the Recipient reasonably determines that the Actual Milestone Completion
Date for such Disbursement Milestone has been achieved (without regard to, solely with respect to a Disbursement Request, the Department’s
confirmation thereof); and (ii) prior to the Milestone Completion Longstop Date for such Disbursement Milestone, by delivering to the
Department a completed Disbursement Request, substantially in the form of Exhibit B (Form of Disbursement Request), evidencing
the satisfactory completion of the applicable Disbursement Milestone and satisfaction of the conditions in Section 5.1 (Conditions
Precedent to Each Disbursement), except for the conditions set out in Sections 5.1.1 (Funding Obligation) and 5.1.6
(Receipt of Disbursement Date Certificate).
(b)
The Recipient shall be entitled to submit a Disbursement Request for any Project only during the Disbursement Period for such
Project in accordance with this Section 2.2. The Recipient may not request a Disbursement for a Project more frequently than once
per fiscal quarter without the Department’s prior written consent.
2.2.3
Disbursement Approval Notice. The Department shall have up to ninety (90) days to review Disbursement Requests received
by the Recipient and either (a) issue a Disbursement Approval Notice to the Recipient if the Department has determined that the relevant
Disbursement Milestone has been achieved and all other conditions precedent to the relevant Disbursement have been satisfied in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement; or (b) issue a notice to Recipient denying the Disbursement Request if the Department has determined
that the relevant Disbursement Milestone has not been achieved or one or more of the other conditions precedent to the relevant Disbursement
have not been satisfied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Within thirty (30) days of issuance of a Disbursement Approval
Notice to the Recipient, the Department shall make a Disbursement to the Recipient.
2.2.4
Disbursement Date. The actual Disbursement Date for any Disbursement Milestone for any Project may occur after the Milestone
Completion Longstop Date for such Disbursement Milestone.
2.2.5
Disbursement Date Certificate. The Recipient shall deliver an Officer’s Certificate of the Recipient Party Agent,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C (Form of Disbursement Date Certificate) one (1) Business Day prior to the scheduled Disbursement
Date in accordance with Section 5.1.6 (Receipt of Disbursement Date Certificate).
3
2.2.6
Disbursement Amount2.2.7. With respect to any relevant Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the amount of the
Applicable Award available to be disbursed as a Disbursement (such amount, the “Available Disbursement Amount”) shall
be determined as follows:
(a)
in the case of a Full Disbursement Milestone, the amount of the Applicable Award available to be disbursed in connection with
such relevant Disbursement Milestone shall be an amount equal to:
(i)
the Scheduled Disbursement Amount for such Disbursement Milestone;
plus
(ii)
if applicable, any True-Up Amount,
and,
solely in the case of the final Disbursement Milestone for any Project, as the same may be further adjusted in accordance with paragraph
(d) below;
(b)
in the case of a Partial Disbursement Milestone, the amount of the Applicable Award available to be disbursed in connection with
such relevant Disbursement Milestone shall be an amount equal to:
(i)
the Milestone Disbursement Ratio for such Disbursement Milestone multiplied by the Incremental Capex Amount for such Disbursement
Milestone (such amount, the “Partial Disbursement Amount”);
plus
(ii)
if applicable, any True-Up Amount;
and,
solely in the case of the final Disbursement Milestone for any Project, as the same may be further adjusted in accordance with paragraph
(d) below;
(c)
in the event that (i) any Disbursement Milestone is a Partial Disbursement Milestone and (ii) the Actual Cumulative Capex Amount
for the relevant Project’s Disbursement Milestone immediately following such Partial Disbursement Milestone is greater than the
Scheduled Cumulative Capex Amount for such Partial Disbursement Milestone, the amount available to be disbursed in connection with such
immediately following Disbursement Milestone shall be increased by an amount equal to the difference between: (i) the Scheduled Disbursement
Amount for such Partial Disbursement Milestone less (ii) the Partial Disbursement Amount for such Partial Disbursement Milestone
(such amount, the “True-Up Amount”); and
(d)
with respect to the last Disbursement Milestone of any Project, if the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Ratio at the time the Recipient
submits the Disbursement Request for such last Disbursement Milestone for such Project is greater than the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement
Ratio for such Project at such time, then the amount of the Applicable Award available to be disbursed as a Disbursement shall be decreased
by an amount necessary to ensure that, after giving effect to such last Disbursement, the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Ratio shall
equal the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Ratio.
4
(e)
The amount of any Disbursement requested to be made hereunder shall in no event exceed the Available Disbursement Amount with
respect to the relevant Disbursement Milestone as of the date of the requested Disbursement.
(f)
As of the date the Recipient submits any Disbursement Request, after giving effect to the Scheduled Disbursement Amount to be
made on such date, the aggregate outstanding amount of all Disbursements shall not exceed the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount.
Section
2.3. No Interest; No Approval of Work. For the avoidance of doubt, no interest or penalties shall accrue on the amount of a requested
Disbursement between the date of the Disbursement Request and the Disbursement Date, and the making of any Disbursement under the Financing
Documents shall not be deemed an approval or acceptance by the Department of any work, labor, supplies, materials or equipment furnished
or supplied with respect to any Project.
Article
3
Payments
Section
3.1. Place and Manner of Payments to the Department.
(a)
All payments to be made to the Department under this Agreement shall be sent by the Recipient in Dollars in immediately available
funds before 1:00 p.m. on the date when due and shall be payable pursuant to payment instructions provided by the Department to the Recipient
(as such instructions may be amended from time to time by the Department upon notice to the Recipient made in accordance with this Agreement)
not less than five (5) Business Days prior to the date when such payments are due (unless expressly provided for otherwise in this Agreement);
provided, however, that if the Department does not provide such payment instructions to the Recipient at least five (5) Business Days
prior to the due date for any such payment, such due date shall be extended to the date that is five (5) Business Days from the date
the Department provides such payment instructions to the Recipient.
(b)
In the event that the date of any payment to the Department or the expiration of any time period hereunder occurs on a day that
is not a Business Day, then such payment or expiration of time period shall be made or occur on the next succeeding Business Day, and
such extension of time shall in such cases be included in computing interest or fees, if any, in connection with such payment.
Section
3.2. Net of Tax.
(a)
The Recipient understands and agrees that the Department is an agency or instrumentality of the United States and that all payments
by the Recipient to the Department hereunder are payable, and shall in all cases be paid, free and clear of all Taxes.
(b)
If the Recipient shall be required by Applicable Law to withhold or deduct any tax from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder
or under any other Financing Document to the Department, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making
all such required deductions, the Department receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made;
(ii) the Recipient shall make such deductions; and (iii) the Recipient shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority
or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.
5
Section
3.3. Payment of Costs and Expenses. The Recipient shall, whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
other Financing Documents are consummated, pay or reimburse, without duplication, (a) all reasonable and documented fees, out-of-pocket
costs and expenses of the Department (including all commissions, charges, costs and expenses for the conversion of currencies and all
other costs, charges and expenses, including all Periodic Expenses of the Department and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees
of the legal counsel, consultants and advisors for any of the foregoing) paid or incurred in connection with (i) the due diligence of
the Recipient Parties and the Projects; and (ii) the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement, and the Equity Documents or the other
Financing Documents and any other documents and instruments related to this Agreement or thereto (including any legal opinions,
any amendment or modification to, or the protection or preservation of any right or claim under, or consent or waiver in connection with,
this Agreement or any other Financing Document, any such other document or instrument related to this Agreement or thereto); and (b)
all documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Department (including all commissions, charges, costs and expenses for the conversion
of currencies and all other costs, charges and expenses including all Periodic Expenses of the Department and reasonable and documented
out-of-pocket fees of the legal counsel, consultants and advisors for any of the foregoing) in connection with (i) the administration,
preservation in full force and effect and enforcement of this Agreement, the other Financing Documents and any other documents and instruments
referred to herein or therein (including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Department and reasonable
travel costs); and (ii) any pursuit of any remedies under any of the Financing Documents, to the extent such costs and expenses are not
recovered from such foreclosure, sale or other disposition.
Article
4
Conditions Precedent to the Award Date
By
execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Recipient Party and the Department acknowledges and agrees that the following terms have
been satisfied in form and substance satisfactory to the Department as of the Award Date:
Section
4.1. Financing Documents. Each Financing Document (other than each Security Document, the FFB Documents, the Collateral Agency
Agreement, the Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement and the Funding Obligations) shall have been duly executed and delivered by
each party thereto and shall be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, and to the extent the Department is not a party
thereto, the Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the same.
Section
4.2. Award Date Certificate. The Department shall have received an Officer’s Certificate of the Recipient Party Agent on
behalf of the Recipient Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit A (Form of Award Date Certificate), together with the attachments
specified therein, and addressing such other matters as the Department may reasonably request.
Section
4.3. Financial Model; Sources and Uses Plan; Budget; Schedule. The Department shall have received for each Project:
(a)
the Base Case Financial Model;
(b)
as part of the Base Case Financial Model or separately, a Sources and Uses Plan;
(c)
a Construction and Tool Installation Budget consistent with the Base Case Financial Model; and
(d)
a Milestone Based Schedule.
6
Section
4.4. Financial Statements. The Department shall have received the most recent annual and quarterly Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Recipient and its Subsidiaries that are available.
Section
4.5. [Reserved.]
Section
4.6. Legal Opinions. The Department shall have received legal opinions dated as of the Award Date and addressed to the Department
from each of:
(a)
Latham & Watkins LLP, as New York counsel to the Recipient Parties;
(b)
McAfee & Taft, as Oklahoma counsel to the Recipient Parties; and
(c)
Latham & Watkins (London) LLP, as English counsel to the Recipient Parties.
Section
4.7. Federal Requirements and Approvals.
4.7.1
Lobbying Certification. The Department shall have received an executed (a) “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying”
(Standard Form LLL) or written confirmation that the Recipient is not required to disclose any lobbying activities pursuant to 31 U.S.C.
§ 1352; and (b) “Certification Regarding Lobbying” (Form CD-511), in each case, from each Recipient Party.
4.7.2
Foreign Interests. The Department shall have received an SF-328 Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests executed by
the Recipient dated as of a recent date not more than thirty (30) days prior to the Award Date.
4.7.3
Application for Federal Assistance. The Department shall have received an executed “Application for Federal Assistance”
(Standard Form 424) from the Recipient.
4.7.4
SAM Registration. The Department shall have received evidence of the registration by the Recipient in SAM.
4.7.5
ASAP Enrollment. The Department shall have received evidence of the enrollment by the Recipient in ASAP.
4.7.6
[Reserved.]
4.7.7
Program Requirements. The Recipient shall be in compliance with all provisions set forth in Annex D (Program
Requirements) applicable as of the Award Date.
Section
4.8. [Reserved.]
Section
4.9. Fees and Expenses. The Department shall have received evidence that all Periodic Expenses due and payable to the Department
and the Department’s Consultants on or prior to the Award Date have been paid or reimbursed in full or, in the case of the Department’s
Consultants, arrangements for payment have been made.
Section
4.10. No Violation. Entering into the Financing Documents shall not result in a violation of any Applicable Law, any Financing
Document, any Governmental Approval, or any other material agreement or consent to which the Recipient is a party, or any material judgment
or approval to which the Recipient is subject.
7
Section
4.11. Lock-Up Agreement; Semiconductor MOUs. The Department shall have received a copy of each of the following:
(a)
the Lock-Up Agreement; and
(b)
at least two (2) Semiconductor MOUs.
Section
4.12. [Reserved.]
Section
4.13. Implementation of Safety Review Report. The Department shall have received evidence of implementation by the Recipient or
other applicable Recipient Party of all recommended actions from the Safety Review Report at the Wheat Ridge R&D Facility.
Section
4.14. Third Party Validation of Nuclear Licensing. The Department shall have received evidence to its satisfaction regarding third
party validation of the nuclear material licensing requirements at the Wheat Ridge R&D Facility.
Section
4.15. Power Infrastructure Plan. The Department shall have received evidence to its satisfaction of the resolution of the power
infrastructure plan for the Magnet Project 2.
Section
4.16. Equity Documents; Equity Issuance; Equity Contribution. The Department shall have received:
(a)
a fully executed copy of each Equity Document, and each such Equity Document shall be in full force and effect in accordance with
its terms;
(b)
the Equity Interests in the Recipient in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Equity Documents;
(c)
duly adopted board resolutions of the Recipient authorizing the execution and performance of the Equity Documents and the issuance
of Equity Interests in the Recipient to the Department in the amount specified in the Securities Issuance Agreement on or after the date
hereof; and
(d)
a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Recipient certifying that (i) the Recipient has made Equity Contributions to the other
Recipient Parties in cash in accordance with Section 8.2.8 (Equity Contributions),
and (ii) such funds have been used (or arrangements have been made for such funds to be used) exclusively to fund Project Costs in accordance
with the Construction and Tool Installation Budget, together with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection
with clauses (i) or (ii) above.
Section
4.17. Round Top Mine Project Real Property and Land Rights. The Department shall have received satisfactory evidence of the acquisition
by the Recipient of the Project Site (or the option to lease such land) for the Round Top Mine Project from the State of Texas.
Section
4.18. Award Date Investment Policy. The Department shall have received a true, correct and complete copy of the investment policy
approved by the Recipient’s board of directors (or committee thereof) in effect as of the Award Date (the “Award Date
Investment Policy”), as certified by a Financial Officer of the Recipient.
Section
4.19. Additional Documents. The Department shall have received such other information, documents, legal opinions, certifications
or consents relating to any Project, any Recipient Party, or any of the matters contemplated by the Financing Documents as the Department
may reasonably request.
8
Article
5
Conditions Precedent to Each Disbursement
Section
5.1. Conditions Precedent to Each Disbursement. With respect to each Project, the obligation of the Department to make any Disbursement
(including the first Disbursement) shall be subject to the prior satisfaction (or waiver in writing), of each of the following conditions
precedent and the delivery to the Department of each of the documents indicated below, all in form and substance satisfactory to the
Department as of the Disbursement Date for such Disbursement, unless indicated otherwise, and to their continued satisfaction on the
relevant Disbursement Date. The Department may (but shall not be required to) consult with any of the Department’s Consultants
regarding the satisfaction of any condition precedent.
5.1.1
Funding Obligations. As set forth in Section 2.1(b) (Award Amount), the Department shall have executed and
delivered one or more Funding Obligations acknowledged by the Recipient that cumulatively obligates the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement
Amount (inclusive of the then requested Disbursement).
5.1.2
Disbursement Request. The Department shall have received a Disbursement Request from the Recipient in accordance with Section
2.2 (Disbursement Procedure) demonstrating completion of the applicable Disbursement Milestone as required by Section 5.1.5
(Completion of Disbursement Milestone), together with (a) relevant invoices demonstrating that the proceeds of the relevant Disbursement
reimburse payment of Eligible Uses of Funds by the Recipient, and (b) an inventory of invoices describing the categories of spending
to be reimbursed with the requested Disbursement.
5.1.3
Commencement of Project. With respect to the first Disbursement for each Project, the Project Commencement Date for such
Project shall have occurred no later than the applicable Project Commencement Clawback Date; provided that the Recipient and the
Department acknowledge and agree that, with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater Magnet Project, and the Stillwater
Metal Project, the Project Commencement Date for each such Project occurred prior to the applicable Project Commencement Clawback Date.
5.1.4
Equity Contribution. The Department shall have received a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Recipient certifying
that (a) the Recipient has made all Equity Contributions applicable to such Project then required to have been made to the relevant Recipient
Party in accordance with Section 8.2.8 (Equity Contributions) and (b) all equity amounts
then required to have been raised in accordance with Section 8.2.18 (Liquidity Requirements) have been duly raised and
received by the Recipient, together with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection with the same.
5.1.5
Completion of Disbursement Milestone. The Department shall have received satisfactory evidence that the Disbursement Milestone
for such Project that is required to have been achieved on or prior to the relevant Disbursement Date, in accordance with the applicable
Disbursement Milestone Schedule, has been achieved.
5.1.6
Receipt of Disbursement Date Certificate. One (1) Business Day prior to the Disbursement Date, or such other recent date
after the issuance of the applicable Disbursement Approval Notice as may be acceptable to the Department, the Department shall have received
an Officer’s Certificate of the Recipient Party Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit C (Form of Disbursement Date Certificate)
and addressing such other matters as the Department may reasonably request.
9
5.1.7 Representations
and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties made (or deemed made) by each Recipient Party in any Financing
Document to which it is a party shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation and
warranty itself is qualified by “materiality,” “material adverse effect” or a similar qualifier, in which
case it shall be true and correct in all respects) as of the date such representation or warranty is made (or deemed made), except
to the extent such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date or time (in which event such representation or
warranty shall be true and correct as of such date or time).
5.1.8
No Default. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the making
of such Disbursement or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
5.1.9
No Guardrail Suspension. The Secretary has not made any determination in accordance with the Guardrail Provisions to suspend
the Recipient’s ability to request Disbursements.
5.1.10
Major Project Documents. With respect to each Project, to the extent not previously delivered to the Department pursuant
to Section 4.11 (Lock-Up Agreement; Semiconductor MOUs), the Department shall have received a fully executed copy of all additional
Major Project Documents required to be delivered pursuant to the relevant Disbursement Milestone.
5.1.11
[Reserved.]
5.1.12
Site Plan; Real Property Documents. The Department shall have received, prior to the first Disbursement under this Agreement,
a site plan with respect to each Project, depicting the land and improvements (including those existing and those to be developed improvements
and site plan overlay) constituting such Project and the relevant Project Site, and true and correct copies of any Real Property Documents
related to any Project Site requested by the Department.
5.1.13
Site Acquisition. The Department shall have received, prior to the first Disbursement under this Agreement, satisfactory
evidence of the acquisition or lease by the applicable Recipient Party of the Project Site (or the option to lease such land) for each
applicable Project.
5.1.14
Trust Property. The Department shall have received, prior to the first Disbursement under this Agreement, (a) evidence
that any statement of interest, public notice, registration and filing, and/or notice and acknowledgement necessary or advisable to give
effect to the Federal Interest in the Trust Property shall have been duly filed and registered or recorded, as applicable, in every jurisdiction
where such filing or recording is necessary or advisable, and shall be in full force and effect; and (b) evidence that all fees, duties,
stamp taxes or other expenses in connection with such filing, registration or recording of the Federal Interest in the Trust Property
have been paid in full.
5.1.15
Additional Documents. The Department shall have received such other information, documents, legal opinions, certifications,
or consents relating to any Project or any Recipient Party, or the matters contemplated by the Financing Documents as the Department
may reasonably request, which for the avoidance of doubt may include an update to any item usually requested in connection with semi-annual
or annual reporting to the Department pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 of Annex F (Reporting Covenants) including, without limitation,
newly available unaudited quarterly Financial Statements, or updates to the Milestone Based Schedule, Construction and Tool Installation
Budget, and Sources and Uses Plan.
10
Article
6
Title
to Trust Property
Each
Recipient Party covenants and agrees during the Period of Performance that:
Section
6.1. Trust Relationship. Legal title of the Trust Property shall vest with the Recipient; provided, however, (a) all Trust Property
shall be held in trust by the Recipient (or any other Recipient Party), as trustee, for the Department, as beneficiary; and (b) the Department
shall retain an undivided, equitable, reversionary interest in the Trust Property (the “Federal Interest”).
Section
6.2. Use of Trust Property.
(a)
The Recipient (and each other Recipient Party permitted to have the use of any Trust Property) shall not use the Trust Property
for any other purpose or in any manner that is inconsistent with, or contrary to, the Authorized Purpose of the Projects.
(b)
If any Project IP is acquired or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of any Direct Funding such that it constitutes
Trust Property, the Recipient shall grant, and shall cause each other applicable Recipient Party and each licensor of such Project IP
under a Project IP Agreement to grant or otherwise permit to grant, to the Department an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable
without payment of royalty or other compensation) for the purpose of enabling the Department to exercise its rights, remedies, powers
and privileges in respect of such Project IP that constitutes Trust Property.
Section
6.3. Dispositions of Trust Property. The Recipient shall not Dispose of any Trust Property, or any interest therein, without the
prior written consent of the Department, unless the Recipient:
(a)
notifies the Department in writing of any proposed Disposition of any Trust Property, or any interest therein, at least thirty
(30) days prior to the intended date of such Disposition and provides the Department with such information and documentation as the Department
may reasonably request; and
(b)
Disposes of such Trust Property and applies the proceeds, if any, to (i) acquire replacement assets of similar value for use in
connection with any Project within one hundred eighty (180) days of such Disposition; or (ii) to the extent the proceeds are not applied
to the acquisition of such replacement assets within one hundred eighty (180) days of such Disposition, pay the Department an amount
equal to the product of (A) the net proceeds from the Disposition of the relevant Trust Property; and (B) the percentage of the Department’s
participation in the original cost of acquiring or improving such Trust Property for the relevant Project as set forth in the property
records maintained in accordance with Section 6.6(a) (Trust Property Management).
Section
6.4. Liens and Encumbrances on Trust Property(a). Other than Permitted Liens, the Recipient and each other Recipient Party shall
not, and shall not agree to, create, incur, assume or otherwise permit to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any portion of the Trust
Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired without the prior written consent of the Department.
Section
6.5. Maintenance of Trust Property. The Recipient and each other Recipient Party shall preserve, maintain, repair and replace (or
cause to be preserved, maintained, repaired and replaced) the Trust Property in accordance with the Financing Documents and Prudent Industry
Practice.
11
Section
6.6. Trust Property Management. The Recipient shall maintain
procedures for managing equipment and other personal property constituting Trust Property (including replacement equipment), which
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(a)
the Recipient shall maintain property records, which shall include a description of (i) the Trust Property; (ii) a serial number
or other identification number; (iii) the source of funding for the Trust Property (including the Federal Award Identification Number);
(iv) the Person who holds title; (v) the acquisition date; (vi) the cost of the Trust Property; (vii) the percentage of Direct Funding
used to acquire or improve the Trust Property; (viii) the location, use and condition of the Trust Property; and (ix) any ultimate Disposition
data, including the date of disposal and sale price of the Trust Property;
(b)
the Recipient shall conduct a physical inventory of the Trust Property, and reconcile the results of such inventory with the Recipient’s
property records, at least once every two (2) years;
(c)
the Recipient shall develop a control system to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the Trust Property
and investigate any such loss, damage, or theft;
(d)
the Recipient shall develop adequate maintenance procedures to ensure the Trust Property is maintained in good condition; and
(e)
the Recipient shall establish a proper sales procedure to ensure the highest possible return on the Trust Property.
Section
6.7. Recording and Preservation of the Federal Interest. The Recipient shall, at its own cost and expense (and the Department may):
(a)
(i) execute, file, register and record (or cause to be executed, filed, registered or recorded), as applicable, statements of
interest, public notices of record and other documents, as of the Award Date (or such later date with respect to assets acquired after
the Award Date), in all places necessary or advisable (in the opinion of the Department) to indicate that the use and disposition conditions
set forth in this Article 6 (Title to Trust Property) apply to the Trust Property; and (ii) deliver or publish notice to
third parties that may be required or requested by the Department to indicate that the Federal Interest in the Trust Property has been
created under Applicable Law as a result of the Award;
(b)
take all actions that are necessary or advisable (in the opinion of the Department), or otherwise requested by the Department,
to establish, maintain, preserve, protect and continue good and marketable title to the Trust Property and the Federal Interest in the
Trust Property;
(c)
furnish timely notice of any such action, together with any such instruments, in execution form, and such other information as
may be required or reasonably requested by the Department; and
(d)
pay all costs, fees, Taxes and Periodic Expenses in connection with any of the foregoing.
12
Article
7
Representations and Warranties
Each
Recipient Party, as applicable, makes each of the following representations and warranties to and in favor of the Department as of:
(a) the Award Date; (b) each Disbursement Date; and (c) each Project Completion Date, as applicable (in all cases, both immediately
before and immediately after giving effect to the Disbursements, if any, being made on such date), except as such representations
and warranties are expressly made as to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties will be true as of such
earlier date:
Section
7.1. Organization. It (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or such similar concept in the relevant jurisdiction,
if such a concept is applicable in the relevant jurisdiction) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization; (b) is duly
qualified to do business in the jurisdiction of its organization, the state jurisdiction where each Project is located, and in each other
jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) has all requisite
power and authority to (i) own or hold under lease and operate the Property it purports to own or hold under lease; (ii) carry
on its business as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted in respect of the Projects; and (iii) execute, deliver, perform
and observe the terms and conditions of each of the Financing Documents to which it is a party and carry out the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby.
Section
7.2. Authorization; No Conflict. It has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Financing Documents to which it is a party,
and neither its execution and delivery thereof nor its consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby nor its compliance
with the terms of this Agreement or thereof does or will (a) contravene its Organizational Documents or any Applicable Laws in any
material respect; (b) contravene or result in any breach or constitute any default under any material Governmental Judgment; (c) contravene
or result in any breach or constitute any default under, or result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any of its material Properties
under any material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Properties may be bound, except for any
Permitted Liens; or (d) require the consent or approval of any Person other than the Required Approvals and any other consents or
approvals that have been obtained and are in full force and effect.
Section
7.3. Compliance with Laws. It has conducted and is conducting its business and each Project in compliance with:
(a)
the CHIPS Act;
(b)
the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (31 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq.);
(c)
the False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. § 287);
(d)
the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. § 1001);
(e)
the Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733);
(f)
all applicable federal labor and employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e
et seq.), the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 203), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. § 653) and
the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.) in all material respects;
(g)
all applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve only unintentional
minor, technical infractions, which either (i) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of such Recipient Party’s
becoming aware of the violation and promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (ii) otherwise could
not reasonably be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority;
and
13
(h)
without prejudice to Section 7.2 (Authorization; No Conflict), any other provision of this Section 7.3,
Section 7.7 (Required Approvals), Section 7.8 (Intellectual Property), Section 7.16 (Environmental
Laws), Section 7.17 (Federal Requirements), Section 7.18 (Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons;
Sanctions; Export Control Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws), in all material respects, all other Applicable Laws,
Required Approvals and its Organizational Documents.
Section
7.4. Legality; Validity; Enforceability. Each Financing Document to which it is (or will be when executed) a party constitutes
a legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other Applicable Laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally and by general principles of equity.
Section
7.5. Real Property.
(a)
It or another Recipient Party owns and has valid legal and beneficial title to, or holds a valid leasehold interest in, all Real
Property in each Project Site (other than, as of the Award Date, the Project Site with respect to the Additional Projects).
(b)
All easements, leasehold and other Property interests and utility and other services, means of transportation, facilities, other
materials and rights held that are reasonably necessary for the construction, completion and operation of any Project (other than, as
of the Award Date, any Additional Project) have been obtained or are commercially available to such Project at the applicable Project
Site (other than, as of the Award Date, the Project Site with respect to the Additional Projects).
(c)
Any Leases material to any Project and in existence on the date of this representation and under which any Recipient Party is
a lessee are valid and subsisting, such Recipient Party is not in default in any material respect under any of such Leases, such Recipient
Party enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession of all Property subject to such Leases, and such Recipient Party has the right to continue
to enjoy such possession during the time when any such Property is necessary for any Project.
(d)
Each Project Site is sufficient and appropriate in all material respects for the development, siting, design, engineering, construction,
ownership, operation, maintenance and use of the relevant Project as contemplated by the Financing Documents.
(e)
Except as shown on the applicable ALTA Survey, all of the improvements on each Project Site lie wholly within the boundaries and
building restriction lines of such Project Site, and no improvements on adjoining properties encroach upon such Project Site, and no
improvements on such Project Site encroach upon or violate any easements or other encumbrances upon such Project Site, in each case,
so as to materially impair the development, construction, operation, or use by (or for the benefit of) the Recipient Party of such Project
Site for the applicable Project, except those that are or, on and following the date of the first Disbursement for such Project will
be, insured against. To its Knowledge, no ALTA Survey fails to reflect any material matters adversely affecting the applicable Project
Site or the title thereto.
(f)
No condemnation or adverse zoning or usage change proceeding has occurred or has been threatened in writing against any of the
Real Property that could materially impair the development, construction, operation, access to or use by (or for the benefit of) the
Recipient of any Project Site for any Project.
Section
7.6. Liens on Trust Property. It has not created, and is not under any obligation to create, and has not entered into any transaction
or agreement that would result in the imposition of, any Lien upon any of the Trust Property, except for Permitted Liens.
14
Section
7.7. Required Approvals.
(a)
Each Required Approval that is required to be obtained as of any date on which this representation is made has been duly and validly
issued, is in full force and effect and is, or, with the passage of time following the expiration of any relevant appeal period, will
be, Non-Appealable, and it has no reason to believe that any such Required Approvals already obtained will be revoked.
(b)
It has no reason to believe that it, any other Recipient Party or, to its Knowledge, any relevant Major Project Participant will
be unable to obtain the Required Approvals applicable to it in the ordinary course of business free from conditions or requirements or,
if any Recipient Party has Knowledge that any Major Project Participant is unable to do so, the relevant Recipient Parties have implemented,
or caused to be implemented, alternative arrangements that the Department in its sole discretion has confirmed in writing are acceptable
for the purposes of this Section 7.7) and, in each case, at such time or times as may be necessary to avoid any material delay
in, or impairment to the transactions contemplated by the Financing Documents.
(c)
It and, to its Knowledge, each Major Project Participant is in compliance in all material respects with all Required Approvals
that have been obtained by, or are otherwise applicable to, such Person (or, if any Recipient Party has Knowledge that any Major Project
Participant is not so in compliance, the relevant Recipient Parties have implemented alternative arrangements that the Department in
its sole discretion has confirmed are acceptable for the purposes of this Section 7.7).
Section
7.8. Intellectual Property.
(a)
The Recipient Parties, collectively, exclusively own or hold a valid and enforceable license, permit, certificate, franchise,
or other authorization or right to use all Project IP and have possession of or access to all material Intellectual Property Embodiments.
(b)
It is not in material breach of or default under any Project IP Agreement in effect. To its Knowledge, there are no facts or circumstances
that would be reasonably expected (after the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both) to give rise to any revocation or termination
of any Project IP Agreement, or the Recipient Party’s rights or licenses to any Project IP thereunder.
(c)
There is no pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened Action (in writing) challenging the ownership, validity, enforceability,
scope or use of, or otherwise relating to, any of the Project IP in any material respect.
(d)
There is no invention, assignment or other agreement granting any ownership rights in such Project IP to any Person that would
limit any Recipient Party’s ability to use such Project IP in any material respect.
Section
7.9. Litigation. There is no pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened Action (in writing) that relates to:
(a)
the legality, validity or enforceability of any Financing Document or any transaction contemplated by any of the Financing Documents;
(b)
any Recipient Party or any Project, that (excluding any Action contemplated under paragraph (a) above) either individually or
in the aggregate, has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
15
Section
7.10. Labor Disputes. There are no strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages ongoing or threatened in writing by any of its employees
or, to its Knowledge, any Major Project Participant or any employees thereof that have caused or could reasonably be expected to cause
a Material Adverse Effect (or, if any Recipient Party has Knowledge of any such strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages ongoing or threatened
in writing by any Major Project Participant or any employees thereof, the relevant Recipient Party has implemented alternative arrangements
that the Department in its sole discretion has confirmed are acceptable for the purposes of this Section 7.10).
Section
7.11. Taxes. It has:
(a)
filed all tax returns required by Applicable Laws to be filed by it and has paid: (i) all income Taxes that have become due
pursuant to such tax returns; and (ii) all other material Taxes and assessments payable by it that have become due (in each case
of clauses (i) and (ii), other than those Taxes that it is contesting in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves
have been established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements); and
(b)
not been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code.
Section
7.12. Financial Statements. Each Financial Statement of each Recipient Party or of any other Person delivered to the Department
pursuant to Section 4.4 (Financial Statements) or Annex F (Reporting Covenants), as applicable, is complete
and correct, has been prepared in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements and presents fairly, in all material respects,
the financial condition of such Person as of the respective dates of the Financial Statements for the respective periods covered therein.
Such Financial Statements reflect all liabilities or obligations of such Person, and other information of any nature whatsoever for the
period to which such Financial Statements relate that are required to be disclosed in accordance with Applicable Accounting Requirements.
With respect to any such Person, since the date of delivery of such Financial Statements, or the respective date of such Financial Statements,
whichever is earlier, such Person has not incurred or assumed any liabilities or obligations that would be required to be disclosed in
Financial Statements in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements which has not been disclosed to the Department in writing.
Section
7.13. Contracts; Other Transactions. It has not, directly or indirectly: (i) entered into any transaction or series of related
transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate at prices or on terms and conditions less favorable to it than as would reasonably
be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties; (ii) except as permitted pursuant to Section
9.3 ( Affiliate Transactions.) or as set forth on Schedule D (Affiliate Transactions), entered into any transaction or
series of related transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate; and (iii) established any sole and exclusive purchasing or
sales agency, or entered into any transaction, whereby any Recipient Party might pay more than the fair market value for products or
services of others with respect to any Project.
Section
7.14. Construction and Tool Installation Budget; Project Schedule.
(a)
With respect to each Project, the Construction and Tool Installation Budget (i) is complete and based on reasonable assumptions;
(ii) is consistent with the provisions of the applicable Major Project Documents in all material respects; (iii) has been prepared in
good faith and with due care; and (iv) fairly represents in all material respects the Recipient Parties’ expectation as to the
matters covered thereby as of any date on which this representation is made or deemed made.
(b)
With respect to each Project, the Construction and Tool Installation Budget represents each Recipient Party’s best estimate
of Total Project Costs anticipated to be incurred to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the final
Milestone Completion Longstop Date for such Project.
16
Section
7.15. Adequate Project Funding. The Total Funding Plan for each Project will be sufficient to pay all remaining Project
Costs for such Project and to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the final Milestone Completion Longstop
Date for such Project.
Section
7.16. Environmental Laws.
(a)
All Required Approvals that are required to be obtained for any Project as of each date on which this representation is given
relating to (i) air emissions; (ii) discharges to surface water or ground water; (iii) noise emissions; (iv) the use,
generation, storage, transportation or disposal of Hazardous Substances; or (v) otherwise required under applicable Environmental Law
have been obtained.
(b)
It has not received written notice of, and is not aware of nor otherwise has Knowledge of, any facts or circumstances that could
reasonably be expected to result in, any complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice of violation arising under Environmental
Law by any Governmental Authority that is, or could reasonably be expected to become, material.
(c)
There is not, and has not been, any condition, circumstance, action, activity or event with respect to any Project, any Recipient
Party, or any Project Site that could reasonably form the basis of any material violation of any Environmental Law or that could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d)
It is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Law in all material respects.
(e)
No Recipient Party nor, to the Knowledge of any Recipient Party, any other Person, has used, generated, manufactured, produced,
stored, or Released, any Hazardous Substances at, on, under or about any Project Site or any Facility or transported any Hazardous Substances
thereto or therefrom, in a manner that could reasonably be expected to: (i) result in, or form the basis of, a material Environmental
Claim; (ii) cause any Project to be subject to any material restrictions arising under any Environmental Law; (iii) have a Material Adverse
Effect; or (iv) result in material harm to the environment, or worker health or safety.
Section
7.17. Federal Requirements.
(a)
Davis-Bacon Act Requirements. Each representation and warranty set forth in Section 2 (Representations and Warranties)
of Annex E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements) is true and correct.
(b)
Guardrail Provisions.
(i)
It is in compliance with all applicable Guardrail Provisions.
(ii)
Each of the lists of existing facilities and ongoing Joint Research and Technology Licensing, each as attached as Appendix 1 to
the Guardrail Provisions, is true and correct, and such appendices memorialize all information required to be set forth herein pursuant
to Section 1 ( Prohibition on Certain Expansion Transactions) and Section 2 (Prohibition on Certain Joint Research
or Technology Licensing) of the Guardrail Provisions.
(iii)
Each Person that as of the date hereof is a member of the Recipient’s “affiliated group,” as such term is defined
under 26 U.S.C. § 1504(a), without regard to 26 U.S.C. § 1504(b)(3) is set forth in Part 4 (Members of the Affiliated
Group) of Appendix 1 of the Guardrail Provisions.
17
(iv)
Each Mitigation Agreement, if any, required pursuant to the Guardrail Provisions, is in full force and effect and no violation
thereof has occurred.
(c)
Inverted Corporation Requirement. It is not a foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation
under Section 835(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. § 395(b)) or a Subsidiary of such an entity.
Section
7.18. Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
(a)
It is not a Foreign Entity of Concern.
(b)
It nor any of its respective members, directors, or officers is a Prohibited Person, and to its Knowledge, none of its employees,
agents or representatives acting in such capacities is a Prohibited Person.
(c)
To its Knowledge, no event has occurred, and no condition exists, that is reasonably likely to result in any Recipient Party becoming
a Prohibited Person.
(d)
There are no Actions pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened, against or affecting any Recipient Party or their respective members,
directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives acting in such capacities regarding any actual or alleged non-compliance with
any Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Anti-Corruption Laws.
(e)
Each Recipient Party has adopted and implemented and maintains policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance
with all applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws.
(f)
It and its respective members, directors, officers, and, to its Knowledge, employees, agents and representatives thereof acting
in such capacities, are, and for the last five (5) years have been, in compliance with (i) all applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws;
and (ii) all Sanctions and all applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve
only unintentional minor, technical infractions of an Export Control Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Export Control Law
which also constitutes a Sanction), which either (A) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of it becoming aware
of the violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (B) otherwise could not reasonably
be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority.
(g)
None of the Trust Property is owned, traded or used, directly or, to its Knowledge, indirectly by a Prohibited Person.
(h)
It and each of its Principal Persons, and, to its Knowledge, its employees, agents, and representatives acting in such capacities
have complied with all applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws in obtaining any
consents, licenses, approvals, authorizations, rights or privileges with respect to any Project and, otherwise, have conducted each Project
in compliance with all applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws.
18
(i)
None of the Recipient Parties, their members, directors, officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Recipient Parties, their employees,
agents or representatives acting in such capacities, has made, offered or promised to make, provided or paid any unlawful
contributions, entertainment or anything of value to any local or foreign official (including employees of state-owned or controlled
entities), foreign political party or party official or any candidate for foreign political office:
(i)
in order to influence any act or decision of any foreign official, foreign political party, party official or candidate for foreign
political office in his or her official capacity, including a decision to fail to perform his or her official functions;
(ii)
to secure an advantage; or
(iii)
with the intent to induce the recipient to misuse his or her official position to direct business to the Recipient or any of its
Affiliates or to any other Person,
in
each case, in violation of any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws or any other Applicable Law.
Section
7.19. Insolvency Proceedings; Solvency.
(a)
It is not the subject of any pending, or to its Knowledge, threatened, Insolvency Proceeding.
(b)
It is and, after giving effect to any requested Disbursement, will be Solvent.
Section
7.20. No Defaults. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
Section
7.21. No Force Majeure. No Event of Force Majeure has occurred and is continuing.
Section
7.22. No Event of Loss. No Threshold Event of Loss has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur.
Section
7.23. Material Adverse Effect. No event or circumstance (including any legal, arbitral or other dispute review proceeding or any
change in law) has occurred and is continuing since the date of the Applications, that has or could reasonably be expected to have or
result in a Material Adverse Effect.
Section
7.24. Full Disclosure. The statements and information contained in the Financing Documents, taken together with all documents,
reports or other written information pertaining to any Project that have been furnished by or on behalf of it to the Department or any
Consultant from time to time, are true and correct in all material respects and do not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit
to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading at the time they were
made.
Section
7.25. No Immunity. Neither it nor any of its assets is entitled to immunity in any jurisdiction in which judicial proceedings may
at any time be commenced with respect to this Agreement or any other Financing Document.
Section
7.26. No Federal Debt Delinquency. It does not have (a) any judgment Lien against any of its Property for a debt owed to the United
States; or (b) any Indebtedness owed to the United States or any Governmental Authority thereof that is in delinquent status, as the
term “delinquent status” is defined in 31 C.F.R. 285.13(d), including any Tax liabilities (other than those Taxes that it
is contesting in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves have been established to the extent required by the Applicable
Accounting Requirements) except to the extent such delinquency has been resolved with the appropriate Governmental Authority in accordance
with Applicable Law.
19
Section
7.27. No Debarment.
(a)
No event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in its debarment or suspension or of its members, directors
or officers from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
(b)
Neither it nor any of its members, directors or officers is or has been subject to any debarment or suspension.
Section
7.28. Information Technology; Cyber Security; Data.
(a)
The information technology (including data communications systems, equipment and devices) used in the business of such Recipient
Party (collectively, the “IT Systems”) operates and performs in all material respects as necessary: (i) with respect
to the Recipient, (A) for the development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, starting up, commissioning, ownership, operation
or maintenance of each Project; and (B) to complete the activities designated to achieve, for each Project, the Project Completion Date;
and (ii) with respect to each other Recipient Party, to exercise such Recipient Party’s rights and perform its obligations under
the Financing Documents in a timely manner.
(b)
The Recipient has implemented and maintains, has caused, or no later than the first Disbursement Date for the relevant Project,
will have caused, each other applicable Recipient Party and Major Project Participant to implement and maintain in connection with the
relevant Project, commercially reasonable privacy, information security, cyber security, disaster recovery, business continuity, data
backup and incident response plans, policies and procedures consistent with Prudent Industry Practice (including administrative, technical
and physical safeguards) designed to protect: (i) Sensitive Information from any unauthorized, accidental, or unlawful Processing or
loss; (ii) each applicable IT System from any unauthorized or unlawful access, acquisition, use, control, disruption, destruction, or
modification; and (iii) the integrity, security and availability of the Sensitive Information and IT Systems.
(c)
It has taken and will take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other confidential
or sensitive personal or business information created or obtained in connection with each Award.
Section
7.29. CFIUS. All direct and indirect investments in the Recipient Parties or any of their Affiliates contemplated by or in connection
with this Agreement and the Projects, if any, do not require CFIUS Approval as such investments would not constitute a “covered
transaction” under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act.
Article
8
Affirmative Covenants
Section
8.1. Reporting Covenants. Unless the Department waives compliance in writing, during the Period of Performance, the Recipient Party
Agent shall, at its own expense, furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Department on behalf of the Recipient Parties, all information
as and when required in accordance with Annex F (Reporting Covenants).
20
Section
8.2. Affirmative Covenants. Each Recipient Party, as applicable, covenants and agrees that during the Period of Performance,
unless the Department waives compliance in writing:
8.2.1
Internal Controls; Monitoring and Reporting.
(a)
Each Recipient Party acknowledges and understands that the Department is responsible for protecting taxpayer resources, including
by ensuring strong compliance and accountability measures for the relevant Recipient Parties with respect to each Disbursement.
(b)
Each Recipient Party shall establish and maintain effective internal control over the proceeds of any Disbursements to provide
reasonable assurance that any costs of the Recipient or any Person paid or reimbursed with such Disbursement constitute Eligible Uses
of Funds.
(c)
Each Recipient Party shall monitor activities funded by any Disbursement to provide reasonable assurance that the proceeds of
such Disbursement are used in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the performance expectations with respect to the Projects
set forth herein and in the other Financing Documents. Upon request by the Department, each Recipient Party shall provide any invoices,
other financial records, and performance reporting information provided by any third party that has received any proceeds of any Disbursement
for the purpose of demonstrating performance in alignment with this Agreement.
8.2.2
Operations. The Recipient shall own, operate and maintain (or cause the other relevant Recipient Parties to own, operate
and maintain) each Project in accordance with Prudent Industry Practice.
8.2.3
Compliance with Applicable Law. Each Recipient Party shall comply with and conduct its business, operations, assets, equipment,
property, leaseholds, each Project and each Facility in compliance with:
(a)
the CHIPS Act;
(b)
the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (31 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq.);
(c)
the False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. § 287);
(d)
the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. § 1001);
(e)
the Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733);
(f)
all applicable federal labor and employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e
et seq.), the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 203), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. § 653) and
the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.) in all material respects;
(g)
all applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve only unintentional
minor, technical infractions, which either (i) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of the relevant Recipient
Party becoming aware of the violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (ii) otherwise
could not reasonably be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental
Authority; and
21
(h)
without prejudice to any other provision of this Section 8.2.3, Section 8.2.11 (Required Approvals) and
Section 8.2.15 (Federal Requirements), all other Applicable Laws in all material respects.
8.2.4
Insurance. Each Recipient Party shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, in effect at all times insurance with reputable
insurance companies, with respect to its then-existing Properties (including liability and business interruption coverage), against such
risks and hazards, in such amounts, and in such form, as is usually carried by companies of a similar size that are engaged in the same
or a similar business and that own similar properties in the same or similar geographic area and are acting in accordance with Prudent
Industry Practice.
8.2.5
Taxes.
(a)
Each Recipient Party shall pay or cause to be paid on or before the date payment is due: (i) all Taxes (including stamp taxes),
duties, fees, Periodic Expenses or other charges payable on or in connection with the execution, issue, delivery, registration or notarization,
or for the legality, validity or enforceability, of the Financing Documents (other than those Taxes that it is contesting in good faith
and by appropriate proceedings for which reserves have been established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements);
provided that, each Recipient Party shall promptly pay any valid, final judgment rendered upon the conclusion of any relevant Action
enforcing any Tax and cause it to be satisfied of record; and (ii) all claims, levies or liabilities (including claims for labor,
services, materials and supplies) (other than those claims, levies or liabilities that it is contesting in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings for which reserves have been established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements), for sums that
have become due and payable and that have or, if unpaid, might become a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon the Property of the Recipient
(or any part thereof).
(b)
Each Recipient Party shall file all tax returns required by Applicable Laws to be filed by it and shall pay or cause to be paid
on or before the date payment is due (i) all income Taxes required to be paid by it; and (ii) all other material Taxes and assessments
required to be paid by it (other than those Taxes that it contests in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves are
established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements).
(c)
Unless otherwise agreed by the Department in writing, each Recipient Party shall duly and punctually file to obtain all Section
45X Internal Revenue Code federal income tax credits available to it or any Project.
8.2.6
Eligible Uses of Funds. The Recipient shall apply the proceeds of each Disbursement for any Project exclusively to reimburse
itself or any other applicable Recipient Party, as the case may be, for Eligible Uses of Funds incurred and paid by such Recipient Party
for the relevant Project, which Eligible Uses of Funds have not been paid with the proceeds of (a) any federal grants, assistance or
loans; (b) other funds guaranteed by the United States federal government; or (c) tax credits.
8.2.7
Diligent Execution of Projects.
(a)
Each Recipient Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve, or cause to be achieved, each Disbursement Milestone
for each Project by the relevant Anticipated Completion Date.
(b)
Each Recipient Party shall construct, modernize or expand, as applicable and complete, or cause to be constructed, modernized or
expanded and completed, as the case may be, each Project diligently in accordance with the applicable Construction Contracts and the
other applicable Major Project Documents, Prudent Industry Practice, the Disbursement Milestone Schedule, and the applicable
Construction and Tool Installation Budget, as each is permitted to be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified under this
Agreement.
22
8.2.8
Equity Contributions. The Recipient covenants and agrees that it shall make, or cause to be made, one or more Equity Contributions
to the other Recipient Parties:
(a)
to ensure that the Total Funding Plan for the Projects will be sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs for each Project
and to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the final Milestone Completion Longstop Date for such Project;
(b)
as and when required by the Sources and Uses Plan and the Construction and Tool Installation Budget to enable the Recipient Parties
to pay for Project Costs in accordance with this Agreement;
(c)
to ensure that each Recipient Party will be able to pay its debts as they become due and maintain sufficient capital as is reasonably
necessary to satisfy all of its current and anticipated obligations; and
(d)
in order to satisfy the Recipient’s obligations pursuant to Section 8.2.7 (Diligent
Execution of Project).
8.2.9
Equipment. Each Recipient Party shall own, maintain, repair and replace (or cause to be owned, maintained, repaired and
replaced) all material Properties (other than the Trust Property which shall be maintained pursuant to Article 6 (Title to
Trust Property)) and equipment, spare parts, and inventory necessary for the operation and maintenance of any Project in accordance
with the Financing Documents and Prudent Industry Practice.
8.2.10
Intellectual Property. Each Recipient Party shall at all times: (i) acquire and maintain ownership of all Project IP then
required; or (ii) obtain and maintain its licenses or rights to use all other Project IP owned by any other Person then required, in
each case, as applicable at the relevant time.
8.2.11
Required Approvals. Each Recipient Party shall procure or otherwise cause the procurement of each Required Approval at
or prior to such time as such Required Approval is required or necessary for the diligent execution of any Project and maintain, or cause
to be maintained, each such Required Approval in full force and effect and comply in all material respects with the terms thereof.
8.2.12
ASAP Account. The Recipient shall maintain an account in ASAP at all times.
8.2.13
Corporate Separateness. Each Recipient Party shall do all things necessary to maintain its corporate existence separate
and apart from each other Recipient Party.
8.2.14
Public Announcements. Each Recipient Party shall, prior to the making thereof, coordinate with the Department with respect
to any public statement or announcement made by such Recipient Party:
(a)
in connection with material developments in respect of any Project (including, inter alia, any Project’s ground-breaking
ceremony or going into operation) or satisfaction of any Disbursement Milestone; or
23
(b)
that directly refers to any Award or any Financing Document (including by submitting the full text of any proposed public statement
to the Department for review and refraining from making any such public statement without the Department’s prior written approval),
in
each case of paragraphs (a) and (b) above, other than any such statements that are, as may be reasonably determined by
any Recipient Party or any Affiliate thereof: (i) required by or to comply with Applicable Law or stock exchange rules or regulations
applicable to such Person; or (ii) made in connection with any Action brought by or against the Recipient Parties or any of their Affiliates.
8.2.15
Federal Requirements.
(a)
Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws. Each Recipient Party shall:
(i)
comply with all Sanctions and applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that
involve only unintentional minor, technical infractions of an Export Control Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Export Control
Law which also constitutes a Sanction), which either (A) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of such Recipient
Party becoming aware of the violation and promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (B) otherwise
could not reasonably be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental
Authority;
(ii)
comply with all Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with its activity under any Financing Document
or otherwise in connection with each Project or transaction contemplated by the Financing Documents;
(iii)
maintain in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with all applicable Sanctions,
Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws;
(iv)
maintain in effect disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material information regarding such
Recipient Party’s compliance with Applicable Laws (including Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption
Laws) is made known to Principal Persons of such Recipient Party; and
(v)
take all responsible and prudent steps to ensure that each of its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives
comply with applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws.
(b)
Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern. The Recipient Party Agent shall provide written notice to the Department
as soon as practicable from the date that any Recipient Party knew or should have known that any Principal Person of the Recipient or
any other Recipient Party has become a Prohibited Person or any Recipient Party has become a Foreign Entity of Concern. For the purposes
of this paragraph (b), (i) the date that the Recipient “should have known” such Principal Person became a Prohibited
Person shall include, if applicable, (A) the date on which such Principal Person was identified on any Sanctions List; and (B) the date
on which such Principal Person became domiciled in a Sanctioned Country; and (ii) the date that any Recipient Party “should have
known” that such Recipient Party became a Foreign Entity of Concern shall include, if applicable, the date on which the change
in ownership or management that made such Recipient Party a Foreign Entity of Concern occurred.
24
(c)
Lobbying Restriction. Each Recipient Party shall:
(i)
comply with all requirements of 31 U.S.C. § 1352, as amended, including the requirement that no proceeds of any Disbursement
be expended by the Recipient or any of its Affiliates to pay any Person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee
of any federal agency, a member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress
in connection with the making of any Award or any other action described in 31 U.S.C. § 1352(a)(2) and with the implementing regulations
at 15 C.F.R. Part 28; and
(ii)
disclose to the Department any registrations under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (2 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq.) or the Foreign
Agents Registration Act (22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq.) related to the Projects.
(d)
Program Requirements. Each Recipient Party shall, and to the extent applicable shall cause each other Recipient Party to,
comply with each of the Program Requirements set forth in Annex D (Program Requirements).
(e)
Davis-Bacon Act. The Recipient shall comply with the affirmative covenants set forth in Section 3 (Affirmative
Covenants) of Annex E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements).
(f)
Guardrail Provisions. Each Recipient Party shall, and shall cause each other Recipient Party to, comply with the Guardrail
Provisions and each Mitigation Agreement, if any, required pursuant to the Guardrail Provisions.
(g)
Compliance with Whistleblower Protections. Each Recipient Party shall:
(i)
promptly disclose in writing, (A) to each of the Director of the CHIPS Program Office, the Department’s Chief Counsel for
Semiconductor Incentives and the OIG, whenever, in connection with this Agreement or a Project, such Recipient Party has credible evidence
that a principal, officer, director, employee, agent or entity has committed a violation of (1) federal criminal law involving fraud,
conflict of interest, bribery or gratuity violations (see Title 18 of the United States Code); or (2) the Civil False Claims Act (see
31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733); and (B) to the OIG (through https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Hotline.aspx),
whenever, in connection with this Agreement or a Project, it has credible evidence of fraud, waste or abuse;
(ii)
comply with 41 U.S.C. § 4712 and the whistleblower protections afforded to employees thereby to not discharge, demote, or
otherwise discriminate against an employee as a reprisal for disclosing to a Body of Information that the employee reasonably believes
is evidence of gross mismanagement of any Award, a gross waste of any Award, an abuse of authority relating to any Award, a substantial
and specific danger to public health or safety, or a violation of law, rule or regulation related to a Federal award, subaward or contract
under a Federal award or subaward; and
(iii)
inform its employees and contractors in writing, in the predominant native language of the workforce, of the rights under this
Section 8.2.15(g).
8.2.16
Code of Conduct; Conflict of Interest.
(a)
Each Recipient Party shall establish and maintain written standards of conduct that include (i) safeguards to prohibit any Principal
Persons and such Recipient Party’s employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the
appearance of personal or organizational Conflict of Interest, or personal gain in the administration of any Award or the
transactions contemplated hereby; and (ii) the performance of such Recipient Party’s employees engaged in the selection, award
and administration of contracts.
25
(b)
Each Recipient Party shall only provide any in-kind goods or services for the purposes of transportation, travel, or any other
expenses for any United States federal government employee to the extent it falls within a permissible exception or de minimis
threshold in accordance with Applicable Law.
8.2.17
Authorized Purpose. Each Recipient Party shall use, construct and operate each Project, or otherwise cause each Project
to be used, constructed and operated, as the case may be, in accordance with its Authorized Purpose.
8.2.18
Liquidity Requirements.
(a)
The Recipient shall raise the following equity amounts (and if applicable, proceeds from the Permitted Convertible Loan Notes)
(excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds) by the applicable date specified below:
(i)
on or prior to December 31, 2026, an aggregate amount equal to one billion four hundred fifty million Dollars ($1,450,000,000)
plus any initial Working Capital Facility Collateral, such that Cumulative Equity Raised as of such date is no less than such
aggregate amount;
(ii)
on or prior to March 31, 2027, an additional amount equal to the aggregate of three hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($375,000,000)
plus the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs plus any additional Working Capital Facility Collateral, such that Cumulative
Equity Raised as of such date is no less than an amount equal to the aggregate of: (A) one billion eight hundred twenty-five million
Dollars ($1,825,000,000) plus (B) the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs plus (C) the total Working Capital Facility
Collateral; and
(iii)
on or prior to December 31, 2027, an additional amount equal to the aggregate of eight hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($875,000,000)
plus any additional Working Capital Facility Collateral, such that Cumulative Equity Raised as of such date is no less than an
amount equal to the aggregate of: (A) two billion seven hundred million Dollars ($2,700,000,000) plus (B) the Total Serra Verde
Cash Acquisition Costs plus (C) the total Working Capital Facility Collateral (such aggregate amount, the “Total Equity
Raise Requirement”);
provided
that the Recipient’s obligations to raise equity under this Section 8.2.18 shall
be reduced by an amount equal to the aggregate amount of any Eligible Serra Verde Dividends, applied against such obligations in inverse
chronological order.
(b)
The Recipient shall maintain, on a Consolidated Basis, at least one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) in Unrestricted Cash
at all times.
8.2.19
Key Person Requirements(a).
(a)
The Recipient shall ensure that either the Award Date Key Person A or a Satisfactory Replacement Employee employed in accordance
with paragraph (d) below, as applicable, is and remains employed as an employee of the Recipient, that such individual’s duties
as an employee are substantially similar to those duties carried out by the Award Date Key Person A as of the Award Date and that such
Key Person carries out all such duties, in each case, until each Project has achieved its Project Completion Date;
26
(b)
The Recipient shall ensure that either the Award Date Key Person B or a Satisfactory Replacement Employee employed in accordance
with paragraph (d) below, as applicable, is and remains employed as an employee of the Recipient, that such individual’s duties
as an employee are substantially similar to those duties carried out by the Award Date Key Person B as of the Award Date and that such
Key Person carries out all such duties, in each case, until each Project has achieved its Project Completion Date.
(c)
The Recipient shall ensure that either (i) at least three (3) of the four (4) individuals comprising the Award Date Key Person
Group C, (ii) at least three (3) Satisfactory Replacement Employees employed in accordance with paragraph (d) below, as applicable or
(iii) a combination of the foregoing (such that there are a total of no less than three Key Person Group C individuals at any time),
as the case may be, are and remain employed as employees of the Recipient, that each such individual’s duties as an employee are
substantially similar to those duties carried out by the relevant Award Date Key Person C as of the Award Date and that such Key Person
carries out all such duties, in each case, until each Project has achieved its Project Completion Date.
(d)
In the event the Recipient ceases at any time to be in compliance with any of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) above, as promptly as
possible and in any event not to exceed six (6) months from the date of resignation or termination of the relevant Key Person or other
event giving rise to such non-compliance, as applicable, the Recipient shall employ or engage a replacement employee who, in each case,
(i) is satisfactory to the Department (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and (ii) has equivalent or superior expertise relevant
to the role of the Key Person being replaced (each such newly employed, engaged or elected individual, a “Satisfactory Replacement
Employee”).
8.2.20
Books, Records and Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters.
(a)
Each Recipient Party shall:
(i)
keep proper records and books of account in which full, true and correct entries in accordance with the Applicable Accounting
Requirements and all Applicable Laws are made in respect of all dealing and transactions relating to the Project-related business and
activities of such Recipient Party; and
(ii)
maintain adequate internal controls, reporting systems and cost control systems that are designed to ensure that such Recipient
Party satisfies its obligations under the Financing Documents:
(A)
for overseeing its financial operations, including its cash management, accounting and financial reporting;
(B)
for overseeing its relationship with the Department;
(C)
for facilitating the effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of any Project; and
(D)
for maintaining such records as are necessary to facilitate an effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of any
Project as required by the CHIPS Act and the Guardrail Provisions.
27
(b)
Each Recipient Party shall:
(i)
reasonably cooperate with the Department, OIG and the Consultants regarding any Project upon the Department’s request in
connection with monitoring the construction, operation and performance of such Project and the compliance by the Recipient Parties with
the Financing Documents;
(ii)
upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times during normal business hours, and subject to reasonable access restrictions and
security controls, permit officers and designated representatives of the Department, its employees, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller
General and the Consultants to visit, audit and inspect each Project and any other facilities and Properties of any Recipient Party,
in connection with (A) determining whether Disbursement Milestones have been achieved; (B) monitoring any Recipient Party’s progress
on any Disbursement Milestone; or (C) performing any audit or investigation of a Project or any Recipient Party;
(iii)
perform an audit of each Project in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards, if so requested by the Department,
its employees, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General or their authorized representatives;
(iv)
cooperate with any reasonable request of the Department, its employees, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General or their authorized
representatives for information or documentation deemed necessary by such party to respond to any audit, evaluation, compliance review,
or congressional inquiry, including, but not limited to, the biannual GAO audit requirement described in 15 U.S.C. § 4652(c) of
the CHIPS Act and the compliance review authorized by 15 U.S.C. § 4652(a)(6)(C) of the CHIPS Act with respect to an Event of Default
under Section 10.1.1(c) (Expansion Clawback Event); and
(v)
provide to officers and designated representatives of the Department, its employees, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General
and the Consultants access to any pertinent books, documents, papers and records of any Recipient Party related to any Project for the
purpose of audit, examination, inspection and monitoring as may be reasonably requested by the Department in connection with the Financing
Documents.
(c)
Each Recipient Party shall retain all records relating to Eligible Uses of Funds by it with respect to which Disbursements were
made for a minimum of three (3) years after the Period of Performance.
8.2.21
Maintenance of Existence, Property. Each Recipient Party shall:
(a)
preserve and maintain (i) its legal existence and organizational status; and (ii) all of its licenses, rights, privileges and
franchises material to the conduct of its business or any Project;
(b)
keep (or cause to be kept) all its Properties and IT Systems in good working order and condition to the extent necessary to ensure
that its business can be conducted properly and in compliance with the CHIPS Act and all other Applicable Laws, the Required Approvals
and its Organizational Documents at all times; and
(c)
except as otherwise permitted hereunder, preserve and maintain good and marketable title to or leasehold interest in or rights to
the Property and such rights to use each Project Site as are necessary to construct, operate and maintain the Projects in accordance
with the requirements of the Financing Documents and shall, at its own expense, take all actions to ensure that it or another
Recipient Party has sufficient rights to the Project Sites as is necessary for the development, construction and operation of the
Projects as contemplated by the Financing Documents.
28
8.2.22
SAM Registration. The Recipient shall maintain its SAM database registration at all times.
8.2.23
Independent Accountant. Each Recipient Party shall at all times maintain one or more engagements with independent public
accountants of nationally recognized standing.
8.2.24
Close Out Procedure. Each Recipient Party shall cooperate with the Department to complete the Recipient’s final reports,
reconcile all accounting matters, enable the Department to complete its final reports and otherwise perform reasonable tasks as requested
by the Department to close out any Award at the expiration of the applicable Period of Performance.
8.2.25
[Reserved].
8.2.26
Execution of Project Contracts. Prior to a Recipient Party’s execution of any contract or agreement subsequent to
the date hereof that is necessary for or material to the construction and operation of a Project and which (i) has a term of greater
than one (1) year and (ii) obligates such Recipient Party to make payments in an aggregate amount exceeding ten million Dollars ($10,000,000)
in total in the case of a single contract or annually in the case of multiple contracts with the same counterparty, the Recipient Party
Agent shall submit on behalf of the relevant Recipient Party a copy of the relevant contract or agreement along with a summary of key
terms to the Department for its review and consent. The Department shall have ten (10) Business Days to review such contract or agreement
and provide its consent. If the Department fails to respond to the Recipient Party Agent’s request within this ten (10) Business
Day period, the relevant Recipient Party may execute such contract or agreement without the Department’s prior consent, provided
that the Department shall have up to ninety (90) days to designate such contract or agreement a Major Project Document.
8.2.27
Serra Verde Acquisition and Serra Verde Holdco.
(a) Each
Recipient Party shall ensure that as of the later of (x) the date of the Serra Verde Acquisition and (y) the date of the first Disbursement
the Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the Organizational Documents of Serra Verde Holdco;
(b) each
Recipient Party shall ensure that, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the Serra Verde Acquisition, the Department shall
have received, in form and substance satisfactory to it, a calculation of the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs, certified by
a Financial Officer of the Recipient;
(c) each
Recipient Party shall ensure that, from and after the formation thereof, Serra Verde Holdco preserves and maintains (i) its legal existence
and organizational status and (ii) all of its licenses, rights, privileges, and franchises material to the conduct of its business; and
(d) each
Recipient Party shall ensure that Serra Verde Holdco shall not:
(i) enter
into any partnership, profit-sharing or royalty agreement or other similar arrangement whereby Serra Verde Holdco’s income or profits
are, or might be, shared with any other Person;
(ii) make
any Investments;
29
(iii) incur,
assume, guarantee or permit to exist, or otherwise become liable for, Indebtedness; provided that this sub-paragraph (iii) shall
not be construed to prohibit Serra Verde Holdco from granting a Lien on its Equity Interests in Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. pursuant to
the Serra Verde Mortgage of Shares;
(iv) make
any Capital Expenditure in any year;
(v) create,
assume or agree to create or assume, or otherwise permit to exist any Lien upon any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
or in any proceeds or income therefrom, other than any Lien by Serra Verde Holdco on its Equity Interests in the Serra Verde Borrower
or Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., as the case may be, created pursuant to the Serra Verde Mortgage of Shares and the Serra Verde Call Option
Agreement;
(vi) form
or have any direct Subsidiaries, other than Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.;
(vii) enter
into any partnership or a joint venture;
(viii) acquire
any direct Equity Interests in or make any capital contribution to any other Person, other than Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.;
(ix)
permit any restriction on its ability to declare, make, or authorize any dividend or any other payment or distribution of cash
or Property to USARE LLC; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this sub-paragraph (ix), any (A) contractual
restriction agreed to by Serra Verde Holdco with respect to Serra Verde Holdco’s ability to make or declare dividends or other
distributions with respect to its Equity Interests in Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.; (B) contractual restriction agreed to by a Subsidiary
of Serra Verde Holdco with respect to such Subsidiary’s ability to make or declare dividends or other distributions; (C) Lien granted
by Serra Verde Holdco or such a Subsidiary, or any foreclosure on such a Lien; and (D) any transfer of the Equity Interests in Middlebury
Merger Sub Ltd., as a result of the exercise of the call option pursuant to the Serra Verde Call Option Agreement, in each case, shall
be deemed not to constitute a restriction on the ability of Serra Verde Holdco to make dividends or other payments or distributions to
USARE LLC;
(x) enter
into any transaction of merger or consolidation for which Serra Verde Holdco shall not be the surviving entity of such transaction without
the prior written consent of the Department;
(xi) amend
or modify its Organizational Documents if such change could reasonably be expected to affect its ability to declare, make, or authorize
any dividend or any other payment or distribution of cash or Property to USARE LLC;
(xii) amend
or modify its legal form, its accounting policies, its reporting practices, its Fiscal Year or its capital structure (including the issuance
of any options, warrants or other rights with respect thereto), in each case, if such change could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Department’s rights to receive any payments under the Financing Documents; or
(xiii) engage
directly or indirectly in any business other than as a holding company for Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. and its Subsidiaries after giving
effect to the Serra Verde Acquisition.
30
8.2.28
Permitted Convertible Loan Notes. No later than five (5) Business Days after the date of issuance of any Permitted Convertible
Loan Note, the Recipient shall deliver to the Department a true and correct copy thereof, as certified by an Authorized Officer of the
Recipient.
8.2.29
Working Capital Facility. The Recipient shall deliver to the Department a true and correct copy, as certified by an Authorized
Officer of the Recipient, of all credit documentation entered into in connection with any Working Capital Facility, as and when such
Working Capital Facility is required to be entered into in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule and in any event no later
than June 30, 2027.
8.2.30
Indian Ocean Rare Metals. Each Recipient Party covenants and agrees that:
(a)
such Recipient Party shall ensure that as promptly as possible and in any event no later than the date falling fourteen (14) months
after the Award Date (or such later date as the Department may approve in writing in its sole discretion), Indian Ocean Rare Metals shall
have completed its liquidation and winding up and shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, evidence to the Department (in form
and substance satisfactory to it) of the same.
8.2.31
Reimbursement of Funds for LCM Europe. If any Recipient Party makes a Permitted LCM Europe Investment in reliance on clause
(c) of the definition thereof, then such Recipient Party shall (a) ensure that, by no later than the scheduled funding date with respect
to the applicable LCM Europe Committed Capital (or applicable portion thereof) as set forth in the agreement governing such LCM Europe
Committed Capital (as in effect on the date approved by the Department in accordance with the definition thereof), the Recipient receives
a reimbursement of such Permitted LCM Europe Investment from LCM Europe in an aggregate amount at least equal to the portion of such
LCM Europe Committed Capital that is scheduled to be funded on such scheduled funding date and (b) no later than five (5) Business Days
after such scheduled funding date, deliver evidence to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to it, of such reimbursement;
provided that, if the applicable counterparty fails to fund all or any portion of the LCM Europe Committed Capital on such scheduled
funding date, then such Recipient Party’s failure to receive such a reimbursement shall not constitute a breach of this Section
8.2.31 if within thirty (30) days after such scheduled funding date, the Recipient (x) obtains Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds in
an amount at least equal to the amount of LCM Europe Committed Capital that was not so funded on such scheduled funding date and (y)
delivers evidence to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to it, of the receipt of such Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds.
8.2.32
Hamer LLC. Each Recipient Party shall, as soon as practicable (and in any event within thirty (30) days) after the
closing of the TMRC Acquisition:
(a)
cause Hamer LLC to execute and deliver to the Department a joinder to this Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the
Department; and
(b)
ensure that the Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the Organizational Documents of Hamer LLC.
8.2.33
Magnet Purchase CommitmentsSection
8.3.. With respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project and the Magnet Project 2, it shall ensure that at all times on and following the
date of achievement of any Disbursement Milestone for which a minimum aggregate Magnet Purchase Commitment of any Product is required
in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule, the relevant Recipient Parties shall maintain in full force and effect, and comply
with the terms of, Magnet Purchase Commitments evidencing commitments for the sale of the relevant Product in an aggregate sales volume
of no less than the minimum cumulative amount specified for such Disbursement Milestone in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule.
31
The
Recipient shall deliver true and correct copies to the Department of all Magnet Purchase Commitments no later than five (5) Business
Days following the execution thereof by the relevant Recipient Party.
Article
9
Negative Covenants
Each
Recipient Party covenants and agrees that during the Period of Performance, unless the Department waives compliance in writing:
Section
9.1. Prohibited
Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern.
(a)
Each Recipient Party shall not become (whether through a transfer or otherwise) a Prohibited Person or a Foreign Entity of Concern.
(b)
No Recipient Party shall use, or permit to be used, any proceeds of any Disbursement, or lend, contribute, or otherwise make available
such funds to any Person:
(i)
to fund any activities or business of or with any Prohibited Person, or in or with any Sanctioned Country; or
(ii)
in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption
Laws by any Person.
Section
9.2. Debarment
Regulations.
(a)
Unless authorized by the Department in writing, no Recipient Party shall enter into any transactions in connection with the construction,
operation or maintenance of any Project with any Person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from
participation in procurement or non-procurement transactions with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant
to any of the Debarment Regulations.
(b)
No Recipient Party shall fail to comply with any or all Debarment Regulations in a manner that results in such Recipient Party
being debarred, suspended, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in procurement or non-procurement transactions
with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any Debarment Regulations.
Section
9.3. Affiliate
Transactions.
No
Recipient Party shall, directly or indirectly:
(a)
enter into any transaction or series of related transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate at prices or on terms and
conditions less favorable to such Recipient Party than as would reasonably be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated
third parties;
(b)
except as permitted pursuant to paragraph (a) above, enter into any transaction or
series of related transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate other than any transaction contemplated in a contract or agreement
set forth on Schedule D (Affiliate Transactions); or
(c) establish
any sole and exclusive purchasing or sales agency, or enter into any transaction, whereby any Recipient Party might pay more than the
fair market value for products or services of others with respect to any Project provided that this Section 9.3 shall not apply to transactions
solely among Recipient Parties.
32
Section
9.4. Merger; Disposition; Sharing of Assets; Transfer.
No
Recipient Party shall, and shall not agree to or permit any other Recipient Party to:
(a)
enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation for which a Recipient Party shall not be the surviving entity of such transaction
without the prior written consent of the Department; or
(b)
carry out a Disposition of all or any part of its ownership interests in any Project or any other part of its business or Properties
(other than the Trust Property, which shall be governed by Article 6 (Title to Trust Property)) of any kind whatsoever,
whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, whether now or hereafter acquired except for Permitted Dispositions.
Section
9.5. Environmental
Laws.
The
Recipient shall not, and shall ensure that each other Recipient Party and any Person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing shall not,
undertake any action or Release any Hazardous Substances in violation of any Environmental Law or construct, operate or otherwise carry
out any Project or part thereof in any manner that would pose a hazard to public health or safety or to the environment or violate any
Environmental Law in any material respect.
Section
9.6. Telecommunication
and Video Surveillance.
The
Recipient shall not, and shall cause any contractors or subrecipients of proceeds of any Award not to, obligate or expend any proceeds
of any Award to procure or obtain, or extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain, covered telecommunication and video surveillance
services or equipment as described in Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of
2019 (Pub. L. No. 115- 232).
Section
9.7. No
Subawards.
The
Recipient shall not enter into any construction Subawards for any part of any Award to any agency or employee of the Department or to
any other federal employee, department, agency, or instrumentality, without the Department’s prior written consent.
Section
9.8. No
Indebtedness.
The
Recipient shall not incur, assume, guarantee or permit to exist, or otherwise become liable for, Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness.
Section
9.9. Accounting
Policies; Corporate Form.
The
Recipient shall not amend or modify its accounting policies, reporting practices, or corporate form if such change could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Department’s rights to receive any payments under the Financing Documents.
Section
9.10. Stock
Buyback and Dividend Restrictions.
The
Recipient covenants and agrees that, from Award Date until the date that is five (5) years after the Award Date, the Recipient shall
not conduct stock buybacks or issue dividends, except:
(a)
the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to any Recipient Party by any Subsidiary thereof;
33
(b)
(x) the payment of interest on Permitted Convertible Loan Notes or (y) the payment of principal under Permitted Convertible Loan
Notes on the scheduled maturity date thereof;
(c)
the declaration and payment of payment-in-kind dividends on the shares of the Recipient’s Series A preferred stock that
are outstanding as of the Award Date; or
(d)
the declaration and payment of payment-in-kind dividends on the shares of the Recipient’s convertible stock (but excluding,
for the avoidance of doubt, any Permitted Convertible Loan Note) issued after the Award Date in order to raise the equity amounts required
pursuant to this Agreement.
Section
9.11. Serra
Verde Acquisition.
The
Recipient shall not enter into, consent to, or otherwise permit to be made any amendment, modification or supplement to the Serra Verde
Acquisition Agreement at any time on or following the Award Date without the prior written consent of the Department to the extent that
such amendment, modification or supplement has the effect of (i) causing the cash consideration payable by the Recipient thereunder to
exceed three hundred thirty million Dollars ($330,000,000) or (ii) increasing the amount of the Aggregate Stock Merger Consideration
(as defined in the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement) by greater than twenty percent (20%) of the Aggregate Stock Merger Consideration
(as defined in the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement) as in effect, and disclosed to the Department, as of the Award Date.
Section
9.12. Indian
Ocean Rare Metals.
Each
Recipient Party shall not permit Indian Ocean Rare Metals to encumber, pledge, mortgage, charge, grant any security interest over, or
otherwise create any Lien on any of its assets to secure any Indebtedness for borrowed money, except with the prior written consent of
the Department.
Article
10
Events of Default; Remedies
Section
10.1. Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following events described in this Section 10.1 shall constitute an
Event of Default. For the avoidance of doubt, each paragraph of this Section 10.1 shall operate independently, and the occurrence
of any such event shall constitute an Event of Default.
10.1.1
Clawback Events.
(a)
Project Completion Clawback Event. The Project Completion Date for any Project shall not have occurred by the applicable
Project Completion Clawback Date.
(b)
Technology Clawback Event. During the Technology Clawback Term for any Project, the Recipient or any Related Entity engages
in any Joint Research or Technology Licensing activity in violation of the Guardrail Provisions.
(c)
Expansion Clawback Event. During the Expansion Clawback Term, the Recipient or any Member of its Affiliated Group engages
in any expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capacity in violation of the Guardrail Provisions.
34
(d)
Authorized Purpose Clawback Event. The occurrence of an Event of Default under Section 10.1.3 (Other Breaches
Under Financing Documents) with respect to Section 8.2.17 (Authorized Purpose).
(e)
Property Disposition Clawback Event. Any Disposition of Trust Property in breach of Section 6.3 (Dispositions
of Trust Property).
(f)
Cumulative Disbursement Ratio Clawback Event. For any Project, the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Ratio calculated on the
Project Completion Date after giving effect to all Disbursements for such Project is greater than the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement
Ratio for such Project.
10.1.2
Payment Defaults. Any Recipient Party fails to pay, in accordance with the terms of any Financing Document, any fee, charge
or any other amount due under any Financing Document on or before the date such amount is due and such failure to pay shall continue
unremedied for a period of fifteen (15) days after the date on which such amount was due.
10.1.3
Other Breaches Under Financing Documents.
(a)
The Recipient fails to perform or observe any covenant, term or
obligation described in any provision of Article 6 (Title to Trust Property), Section 8.2.8 (Equity Contributions),
Section 8.2.10 (Intellectual Property), Section 8.2.15 (Federal Requirements), Section 8.2.19 (Key
Person Requirements), Article 9 (Negative Covenants), or Article 2 (Program Requirements not Subject to Cure Period)
of Annex D (Program Requirements).
(b)
The Recipient fails to perform or observe any covenant, term or obligation described in any provision of Article 3 (Program
Requirements subject to Cure Period) of Annex D (Program Requirements), subject to the cure period set forth therein.
(c)
Any Recipient Party fails to perform or observe any covenant, term or obligation under this Agreement or any other Financing Document
to which it is a party (other than any covenant, term or obligation expressly referred to in another provision of this Section 10.1.3),
unless, such failure (i) could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) if capable of being remedied, has
been remedied (as determined by the Department based on evidence in form and substance satisfactory to it) within (A) the relevant cure
period, if any, specified for such term, covenant or agreement (as applicable) in such Financing Document; or (B) if no cure period is
specified therein, thirty (30) days following such failure.
10.1.4
Cross Default. At any time during the Period of Performance, any of the Recipient Parties shall default in the payment
of any principal, interest or other amount due under any agreement or instrument evidencing, or under which such Recipient Party has
outstanding at any time, any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (other than the Guaranteed Loan (as defined in the Loan Guarantee Agreement))
in an aggregate amount in excess of fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000) (in the case of the Recipient) or fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000)
(in the case of any other Recipient Party), in each case, for a period beyond any applicable grace period, or any other default occurs
under any such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, such Indebtedness
for Borrowed Money (other than the Guaranteed Loan (as defined in the Loan Guarantee Agreement)) in an aggregate amount in excess of
fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000) (in the case of the Recipient) or fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000) (in the case of any other Recipient
Party).
35
10.1.5
Unenforceability, Termination, Repudiation or Transfer of Any Financing Document. Prior to the Termination Date, any Financing
Document at any time and for any reason: (a) is or becomes invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable or any party thereto (other than
the Department) has repudiated or disavowed or taken any action to challenge the validity or enforceability of such agreement; (b) except
as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect except at the stated termination date thereof, or shall
be assigned or otherwise transferred or terminated by any party thereto (other than the Department) during the Period of Performance
(other than with the prior written consent of the Department); or (c) is suspended, revoked or terminated (other than upon expiration
in accordance with its terms when fully performed), or any party thereto (other than the Department) has given irrevocable notice of
its intention to terminate except at the stated termination date thereof.
10.1.6
Required Approvals. At any time during the Period of Performance (a) the Recipient or any other Recipient Party fails to
obtain, renew, maintain or comply in all material respects with any Required Approval; (b) any such Required Approval is rescinded, terminated
(other than in accordance with its terms), suspended, withdrawn or withheld, is determined to be invalid or ceases to be in full force
and effect (other than as a result of the termination of such Required Approval in accordance with its terms); (c) any such Required
Approval is modified in a manner that materially adversely impacts any Recipient Party or any Project; or (d) any notice shall be issued
or any proceedings shall be commenced by or before any Governmental Authority for the purpose of rescinding, terminating, suspending,
modifying, withdrawing or withholding any such Required Approval and such proceedings have not been stayed, withdrawn or suspended within
thirty (30) days.
10.1.7
Bankruptcy; Insolvency; Dissolution. Prior to the Termination Date:
(a)
the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding against the Recipient or any other Recipient Party, and such proceeding continues
undismissed for a period of at least sixty (60) days;
(b)
the institution by the Recipient or any other Recipient Party of any Insolvency Proceeding, or the admission by it in writing
of its inability to pay its Indebtedness generally as it becomes due or its general failure to pay its Indebtedness as it becomes due,
or any other event has occurred that under any Applicable Law would have an effect analogous to any of those events listed above, or
any action is taken by any such Recipient Party for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or
(c)
the dissolution of the Recipient or any other Recipient Party.
10.1.8
Attachment. At any time during the Period of Performance, an attachment or analogous process is levied or enforced upon
or issued against any of the assets of any Recipient Party in excess of twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000) or which, in any case,
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
10.1.9 Judgments.
At any time during the Period of Performance, one or more Governmental Judgments shall be entered against (a) any Recipient Party or
(b) any Key Person in connection with his or her employment by any Recipient Party with respect to the primary revenue generating
activities of the Recipient Parties and, in either case, (i) such Governmental Judgments have not been vacated, discharged,
satisfied or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of thirty (30) days, and the aggregate amount of all such Governmental
Judgments outstanding at any time (except to the extent any applicable insurer(s) have acknowledged liability therefor) exceeds
twenty five million Dollars ($25,000,000), or such Governmental Judgment could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect; or (ii) such Governmental Judgment is in the form of an injunction or similar form of relief that is not satisfied or
discharged for any period of thirty (30) days after the date of entry and requires suspension or Abandonment of operation of any
Project; provided that, with respect to any Governmental Judgment entered against any Key Person, such Governmental Judgment
shall not be an Event of Default hereunder if (A) such Key Person resigns or is terminated and a replacement Key Person is employed
or engaged in accordance with Section 8.2.19(d) (Key Persons Requirements) and (B) upon and following the resignation or
termination and replacement of such Key Person, no Material Adverse Effect would reasonably be expected to occur or be
continuing.
36
10.1.10
Abandonment. At any time during the Period of Performance, any Recipient Party (a) Abandons any Project; (b) otherwise
permanently ceases to pursue the construction or operation of any Project; or (c) relinquishes all possession and control of any Project.
10.1.11
Environmental Matters. At any time during the Period of Performance, (a) any material Action under or relating to
any Environmental Law or asserting any Environmental Claim has been instituted against any Recipient Party or otherwise in connection
with any Project; or (b) in connection with any Recipient Party or any Project, any Governmental Judgment is issued relating to
any material Environmental Claim, Environmental Law or any Required Approval issued under any Environmental Law, and such Action or Governmental
Judgment is not dismissed within thirty (30) days.
10.1.12
Force Majeure. At any time during the Period of Performance, an Event of Force Majeure shall occur and continue for a period
of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days; provided, that, no Event of Default shall occur pursuant to this Section 10.1.12
if the Recipient (a) has submitted to the Department within thirty (30) days following such Event of Force Majeure, a plan, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Department, to overcome such Event of Force Majeure; and (b) has commenced the implementation of such plan
within sixty (60) days following the date on which the Department has confirmed that such plan is satisfactory in accordance with clause (a) above
and is diligently carrying out such plan in accordance with the terms thereof.
10.1.13
Misstatements; Omissions. At any time during the Period of Performance, any representation or warranty confirmed or made
in any Financing Document by or on behalf of the Recipient or any other Recipient Party or in any certificate, Financial Statement or
other document provided by or on behalf of any such Recipient Party to the Department or any Consultant in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the Financing Documents shall be found to have been incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when made
or deemed to have been made.
10.1.14
Change of Control. At any time during the Period of Performance, a Change of Control occurs without the consent of the
Department.
10.1.15
Certain Governmental Actions. At any time during the Period of Performance, any Governmental Authority: (a) lawfully
condemns or assumes custody of all of the Property or assets (or a substantial part thereof) of any Recipient Party; or (b) takes
lawful action to displace the management of any Recipient Party.
10.1.16
Compliance with Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws. At any time prior
to the Termination Date:
(a)
the making or use of any Disbursement or any use of any proceeds of any Award violates, or causes any Person to violate, any Sanctions,
Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws;
(b)
any violation by any Recipient Party of any Sanctions or any Export Control Laws, except for any actual or potential violations that
involve only unintentional minor, technical infractions of an Export Control Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Export
Control Law which also constitutes a Sanction), which either (i) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of
the Recipient Party becoming aware of the violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS;
or (ii) otherwise could not reasonably be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty
by any Governmental Authority;
37
(c)
any violation by any Recipient Party of any Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws;
(d)
any Recipient Party becomes a Prohibited Person; or
(e)
any Principal Person of any Recipient Party becomes a Prohibited Person, unless such Recipient Party removes or replaces such
Principal Person within thirty (30) days from such Recipient Party’s Knowledge of such occurrence.
10.1.17
Breach of the Lock-Up Agreement. Any party to the Lock-Up Agreement fails to perform or observe any covenant, term or obligation
described in any provision thereof.
Section
10.2. Remedies for Events of Default. Subject to Section 10.3 (Automatic Acceleration) below, upon the occurrence
and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Department may, subject to the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as amended,
without further notice of default, presentment or demand for payment, protest or notice of non-payment or dishonor, or other notices
or demands of any kind, all such notices and demands being waived (to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws), exercise one or more
of the rights and remedies set forth below (in any combination or order that the Department may elect):
(a)
provide the Recipient Party Agent with written notice specifying the nature and extent of the Event of Default and requiring the
applicable Recipient Party to remedy the same in accordance with a corrective action plan in form and substance satisfactory to the Department;
(b)
impose additional conditions pending implementation of any corrective actions required by the Department;
(c)
suspend or terminate, all or any portion of, the Maximum Award Amount;
(d)
temporarily withhold or suspend a Disbursement;
(e)
terminate this Agreement and any Award;
(f)
refuse, and the Department shall not be obligated, to review any Disbursement Request;
(g)
with respect to a breach of any covenant of Article 6 (Title to Trust Property), enter into possession of the Trust
Property (or any portion thereof) and perform any and all work and labor necessary to complete any Project, if applicable, and to operate
and maintain any Project, or otherwise enforce its reversionary rights, lease, foreclose upon or take possession and cause the sale or
Disposition of any Trust Property, and all sums expended by the Department or any Person on its behalf in taking any such action, together
with interest on such amount in accordance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act, shall be repaid by the Recipient to such Person
upon demand, notwithstanding that such expenditures may, together with the aggregate amount of Disbursements under the Applicable Award,
exceed the amount of the total applicable Maximum Award Amount;
38
(h)
set off and apply proceeds of any sale or Disposition of the Trust Property (or any portion thereof) to the satisfaction of the
Department Obligations under all of the Financing Documents;
(i)
take such other actions as the Department may reasonably require to provide for the care, preservation, protection, and maintenance
of the Trust Property so as to enable the United States to achieve maximum recovery upon the occurrence of an Event of Default;
(j)
with respect to an Event of Default under Section 10.1.1(a) (Project Completion Clawback Event),
demand recovery on a progressive basis up to the full amount of the proceeds paid to the Recipient for the applicable Project in a manner
to be determined and notified by the Department to the Recipient in connection with such demand; provided that, in establishing a progressive
recovery schedule, the Department may consider the following factors, as determined by the Department:
(i)
the time the Department estimates will be required beyond the Project Completion Clawback Date for the Recipient to achieve the
Project Completion Date;
(ii)
the likelihood, in the Department’s belief, that the Recipient can achieve the Project Completion Date;
(iii)
the then-current production of the Projects relative to expected capacity;
(iv)
the reasons for the delay in achieving the Project Completion Date, including economic cyclicality; and
(v)
any other relevant factors determined by the Department;
provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Recipient does not achieve the Project Completion Date by the Project
Completion Clawback Date, in no instance shall the Department recover more than twenty percent (20%) of the Disbursements paid to the
Recipient if the Recipient is expected to achieve the Project Completion Date within one (1) year after the Project Completion Clawback
Date;
(k)
with respect to an Event of Default under Section 10.1.1(b) (Technology Clawback Event) or Section 10.1.1(c)
(Expansion Clawback Event), exercise the remedies, mitigation, and clawbacks available under Section 7 (Remedies, Mitigation
and Clawbacks) of the Guardrail Provisions;
(l)
with respect to an Event of Default under Section 10.1.1(e) (Property Disposition
Clawback Event), demand recovery of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the relevant Disposition
as a debt payable to the Department in a manner to be determined and notified by the Department to the Recipient in connection
with such demand;
(m)
with respect to an Event of Default under Section 10.1.1(f) (Cumulative
Disbursement Ratio Clawback Event) for a Project, demand recovery of a portion of the Disbursements for the Project in the amount
required to cause the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Ratio, calculated on the Project Completion Date for such Project after giving effect
to all Disbursements and any required return of a portion of such Disbursements, to equal the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Ratio
for such Project, as a debt payable to the Department in a manner to be determined and notified
by the Department to the Recipient in connection with such demand;
39
(n)
with respect to any Fundamental Event of Default, demand recovery of all or part of the Disbursements paid to the Recipient as
a debt payable to the Department in accordance with the terms of such demand;
(o)
with respect to a breach of Section 8.2.6 (Eligible Uses of Funds), demand recovery of an amount equal to the proceeds
of the relevant Disbursement used for Ineligible Uses of Funds in a manner to be determined and
notified by the Department to the Recipient in connection with such demand;
(p)
take such action available to the Department pursuant to the Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733);
(q)
reject any current or future application for any CHIPS Incentives submitted by any Recipient Party or any Affiliate;
(r)
initiate suspension or debarment proceedings in accordance with Applicable Law;
(s)
exercise any other rights and remedies available under the Financing Documents or otherwise available under Applicable Law by
appropriate proceedings, including to enforce the payment of any amount due and payable under the Financing Documents, to charge interest,
penalties and administrative costs on overdue debts in accordance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act, for damages, or for the specific
performance of any provision of this Agreement or any other Financing Document, as further set out in Section 10.4 (Specific
Performance);
provided,
however, that (i) for the occurrence of any Event of Default under Section 10.1.1(e)
(Property Disposition Clawback Event), the Department shall be limited to the remedy set forth in Section
10.2(l) above; and (ii) the Parties agree that, where the Department is entitled to recover all or part of the Disbursements described
in this Section 10.2, the Recipient shall be required to repay such amounts no later than
one hundred twenty (120) days from the date on which the Department demands such payment.
Section
10.3. Automatic Acceleration. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to in any provision of Section 10.1.7
(Bankruptcy; Insolvency; Dissolution), (a) the Maximum Award Amount shall automatically be terminated; and (b) the full amount
of the Disbursements theretofore disbursed and all other liabilities of the Recipient accrued hereunder shall automatically become due
and payable as a debt to the Department, without any other presentment, demand, diligence, protest, notice of acceleration, or other
notice of any kind, all of which the Recipient hereby expressly waives.
Section
10.4. Specific Performance
(a)
The Parties acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage, for which monetary damages (even if available) would not be an adequate
remedy, would occur in the event that any Recipient Party does not perform the provisions of this Agreement or any other Financing Document
to which it is a party in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. Accordingly, the Parties acknowledge
and agree that the Department shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and/or other equitable relief of the following
obligations under this Agreement: Section 8.1 (Reporting Covenants), Section 8.2.1
(Internal Controls; Monitoring and Reporting), 8.2.8 (Equity Contributions)
Section 8.2.9 ( Equipment), Section 8.2.15(d)
(Program Requirements), Section 8.2.15(e) (Davis-Bacon Act), Section 8.2.15(f)
(Guardrail Provisions), Section 8.2.15(g) (Compliance with Whistleblower Protections),
Section 8.2.16 (Code of Conduct; Conflict of Interest), Section 8.2.20
(Books, Records and Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters), Section 8.2.22
(SAM Registration), Section 8.2.24 (Close Out Procedure), Section
9.2 (Debarment Regulations), Section 9.3 (Affiliate Transactions.), Section
9.4 (Merger; Disposition; Sharing of Assets; Transfer), Section 9.6 (Telecommunication
and Video Surveillance), Section 9.7 (No Subawards), Section
9.9 (Accounting Policies; Corporate Form) and Section 3.3 (Commitments to Worker
and Community Investment) of Annex D (Program Requirements), in addition to any other remedy to which the Department
may be entitled at law or in equity.
40
(b)
Each Recipient Party agrees that it shall not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and/or other equitable
relief on the basis that the Department has an adequate remedy at law or that any award of an injunction, specific performance and/or
other equitable relief is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or in equity.
(c)
In seeking (i) an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or any other Financing Document; (ii) to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Financing Document; and/or (iii) other equitable relief, the Department
shall not be required to show proof of actual damages or to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such remedy.
Section
10.5. Right of Set-Off. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under Applicable Laws or otherwise, and not by way of
limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Department is hereby authorized
at any time or from time to time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to any Recipient Party or to any other
Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and apply any amounts owing by any Recipient Party
to the Department to or for the credit or the account of the relevant Recipient Party against and on account of the liabilities of such
Recipient Party to the Department under this Agreement.
Section
10.6. Department Rights. The Parties agree that each determination by the Department of any amount or fees payable hereunder shall
be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
Article
11
Miscellaneous
Section
11.1. Addresses. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 11.2 (Use of Websites), any communications, including any
notices, between or among the parties to the Financing Documents shall be provided using the addresses listed in Schedule E (Addresses).
All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given under the Financing Documents shall be in writing and shall be
considered as properly given: (a) if delivered in person; (b) if sent by overnight delivery service for domestic delivery or international
courier for international delivery; (c) in the event overnight delivery service or international courier service is not readily available,
if mailed by first class mail (or airmail for international delivery), postage prepaid, registered or certified with return receipt requested;
(d) if sent by facsimile or telecopy with transmission verified; or (e) if transmitted by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address
set forth in Schedule E (Addresses). Notice so given shall be effective upon delivery to the addressee, except that communication
or notice so transmitted by facsimile or telecopy or other direct written electronic means shall be deemed to have been validly and effectively
given on the day (if a Business Day and, if not, on the following Business Day) on which it is validly transmitted if transmitted before
5:00 p.m., recipient’s time, and if transmitted after that time, on the next following Business Day. Any Party has the right to
change its address for notice under any of the Financing Documents to any other location by giving prior written notice to each of the
other Parties in the manner set forth hereinabove.
41
Section
11.2. Use of Websites.
(a)
Each Recipient Party hereby agrees that it shall provide to the Department all information, documents and other materials that it is
obligated to furnish to the Department pursuant to the Financing Documents, including, inter alia, all notices, requests,
financial statements, financial and other reports, certificates and other information materials, but excluding (i) any such
communication that relates to service of process; (ii) any notice, certificate or other document required under the terms of the
relevant Financing Document to be sent in a specific format or via a specific method; or (iii) any notifications, certifications or
additional information submitted pursuant to the Guardrail Provisions (all such non-excluded communications being referred to herein
collectively as “Communications”), by posting the Communications, in an electronic or soft medium in a format
acceptable to the Department and using procedures acceptable to the Department, on Salesforce or a substantially similar electronic
transmission system used by the Department and that is notified in writing to the Recipient (the “Platform”). In
addition, the Recipient agrees to continue to provide the Communications to the Department in any other manner specified in the
Financing Documents, but only to the extent requested by the Department. If, at any point, the Platform is not available, each
Recipient Party shall provide Communications to the Department pursuant to Section 11.1 (Addresses).
(b)
The Department may, but is not obligated to, furnish all notices, requests, demands, information or other communication (other
than service of process) to the Recipient Parties under the Financing Documents by posting them on the Platform. Nothing herein shall
prejudice the right of the Department to give any notice, request, demand, information or other communication pursuant to any Financing
Document in any other manner specified in such Financing Document.
(c)
Any communication or document as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) above made or delivered by one party to
another shall be effective only when actually made available in readable form on the Platform.
(d)
Any communication or document that becomes effective, in accordance with paragraph (c) above, after 5:00 p.m. in the
place in which the party to whom the relevant communication or document is made available has its address for the purpose of this Agreement
shall be deemed only to become effective on the following day.
Section
11.3. Further Assurances. Each Recipient Party shall execute and deliver to the Department such additional documents and take such
additional actions as the Department may reasonably require to carry out the purposes of the Financing Documents or that the Department
may reasonably request in writing to: (a) cause the Financing Documents to be properly executed, binding and enforceable in all
relevant jurisdictions; (b) maintain the Federal Interest; and (c) enable the Department to preserve, protect, exercise and enforce all
other rights, remedies, or interests granted or purported to be granted under the Financing Documents.
Section
11.4. Non-Discrimination. No person in the United States may, on the ground of race, color, national origin, handicap, age, religion,
or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, this Agreement.
Section
11.5. Waiver and Amendment.
(a)
No failure or delay by the Department in exercising any right, power or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise
impair any rights, powers, or remedies of the Department. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or remedy shall preclude
any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other legal right, power, or remedy.
42
(b)
The rights, powers or remedies provided for herein are, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, cumulative and are not exclusive
of any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or in any other Financing Document. The assertion or employment of any right,
power or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion of any other right, power or remedy.
(c)
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended, waived, discharged,
or terminated unless such amendment, waiver, discharge, or termination is in writing and executed by the Recipient Party Agent and the
Department; provided that the Department may, in its sole discretion, elect to unilaterally waive any Recipient Party’s non-compliance
with any provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the occurrence or continuance of any Event of Default hereunder, or
provide any consent under this Agreement by executing such waiver or consent in writing and delivering it to the Recipient Party Agent.
(d)
Any waiver of any Project Completion Clawback Date shall be subject to the waiver of the Secretary and congressional notification
pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 4652(a)(5)(D).
Section
11.6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including any agreement, document, or instrument attached to this Agreement or referred
to herein, integrates all the terms and conditions mentioned herein or incidental to this Agreement and supersedes all prior drafts,
discussions, term sheets, commitments, negotiations, agreements, and understandings, oral or written, of the Parties in respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement.
Section
11.7. Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed
and interpreted in accordance with, Federal Law. To the extent that Federal Law does not specify the appropriate rule of decision for
a particular matter at issue, it is the intention and agreement of the Parties that the law of the State of New York (without giving
effect to its conflict of laws principles (except Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law)) shall be adopted as the governing
federal rule of decision.
Section
11.8. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in any Financing Document should be illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected
or impaired thereby, and the Parties hereto shall engage the parties to the Financing Documents to enter into good faith negotiations
to replace the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision with a provision as similar in its terms and purpose to such illegal, invalid,
or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.
Section
11.9. Limitation on Liability. No claim shall be made by any Recipient Party against the Department or any of their Affiliates,
directors, employees, attorneys, or agents, including the Consultants, for any special, indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
(whether or not the claim therefor is based on contract, tort or duty imposed by law), in connection with, arising out of or in any way
related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Financing Documents or any act or omission or event occurring
in connection therewith; and each Recipient Party hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue upon any such claim for any such damages,
whether or not accrued, and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.
Section
11.10. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH,
THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF ANY RECIPIENT PARTY.
THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR EACH PARTY TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES
REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS DISCUSSED THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY WITH ITS COUNSEL, UNDERSTANDS THE RAMIFICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, AND KNOWINGLY
AND VOLUNTARILY AGREES TO THIS WAIVER.
43
Section
11.11. Consent to Jurisdiction. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Recipient Party irrevocably and unconditionally:
(a)
submits for itself and its Property in any legal action or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Agreement
or any other Financing Document, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general
jurisdiction of (i) the courts of the United States in or for the District of Columbia; (ii) the courts of the United States
in and for the Southern District of New York; (iii) any other federal court of competent jurisdiction in any other jurisdiction
where it or any of its Property may be found; and (iv) appellate courts from any of the foregoing;
(b)
consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in or removed to such courts, and waives any objection, or right to
stay or dismiss any action or proceeding, that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such
court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;
(c)
agrees that nothing herein shall (i) affect the right of the Department to effect service of process in any other manner
permitted by law; or (ii) limit the right of the Department to commence proceedings against or otherwise sue any Recipient Party
or any other Person in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the commencement of proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions
preclude the commencement of proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if, and to the extent, permitted by
the Applicable Laws; and
(d)
agrees that judgment against it in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction
within or outside the U.S. by suit on the judgment or otherwise as provided by law, a certified or exemplified copy of which judgment
shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such Recipient Party’s obligation.
Section
11.12. Dispute Resolution.
11.12.1
Scope and Severability. Any disagreement, claim, misunderstanding, or dispute (collectively, a “Dispute”)
between the Parties concerning any question of fact or law arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement, irrespective of whether
such Dispute concerns an alleged breach of this Agreement or interpretation of this Agreement, may be raised by either Party under this
Section 11.12, except that (a) any Dispute relating to any provision of this Agreement set forth in Section 11.12.9 (Exempt
Provisions) shall not be subject to this Section 11.12; (b) this Section 11.12 shall be subject to and superseded by
the rights and requirements of the Secretary under 15 CFR § 231.304 – 231.307, as applicable; and (c) no Party shall have
the right to raise any matter as a Dispute arbitrarily or capriciously, or concerning a question of fact or law that has previously been
raised (or in relation to which a substantially similar matter has already been raised) under this Section 11.12.
11.12.2
General Principles. If a Dispute arises, the Parties shall attempt to resolve the Dispute by discussion and mutual agreement
as soon as practicable. In no event shall a Dispute that arose more than sixty (60) days prior to the notification made under Section
11.12.3 (Dispute Notice) constitute the basis for relief under this Section 11.12 unless the Department, at its
sole discretion, waives this requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, failure of a Party to raise a Dispute within the sixty (60) day
period prior to the notification made under Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice) shall not prejudice any judicial remedies
available to such Party.
44
11.12.3 Dispute
Notice. Upon failure to resolve a Dispute by mutual agreement of the Parties as described under Section 11.12.2
(General Principles), the aggrieved Party may document the Dispute by notifying the other Party (the “Responding
Party”) in writing (such notice, a “Dispute Notice”), documenting the relevant facts, identifying
unresolved issues, specifying the clarification or remedy sought, documenting the rationale as to why the clarification/remedy is
appropriate, and identifying the type of event related to such Dispute in the column headed “Relevant Event” contained
in the table set forth in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) (any such event, a “Relevant Event”).
11.12.4
Referral to Initial Decision-Maker. The aggrieved Party shall deliver the Dispute Notice (the “Referral”)
to (a) the “Department Initial Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) corresponding
to the applicable Relevant Event if any Recipient Party is the aggrieved Party and (b) the “Recipient Initial Decision-Maker”
identified in the table in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant Event if the Department is
the aggrieved Party.
11.12.5
Decision by Initial Decision-Maker. During the ten (10) days after providing a Dispute Notice to the Responding Party in
accordance with Section 11.12.4 (Referral to Initial Decision-Maker), the aggrieved Party may provide any other new relevant
facts in writing to the Initial Decision-Maker of the Responding Party. Such Initial Decision-Maker shall conduct a review of the Dispute
and render a decision in writing with respect to the Dispute within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Dispute Notice. The Initial Decision-Maker
may make any reasonable inquiries to aid in the preparation of its decision with respect to the matter and seek extension of any applicable
time limits, by mutual agreement of the Parties. Any decision issued by the Initial Decision-Maker shall be the final and binding decision
of the Responding Party, unless the aggrieved Party shall, within ten (10) days from the receipt of the written decision of the Initial
Decision-Maker, request escalation as provided by Section 11.12.6 (Escalation).
11.12.6
Escalation.
(a)
Within ten (10) days of receipt of the written decision of the Initial Decision-Maker pursuant to Section 11.12.5 (Decision
by Initial Decision-Maker) above, the aggrieved Party may submit a notice to the Responding Party (the “Escalation
Notice”) requesting a formal consultation with (a) the “Department Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the
table in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant Event if the Recipient is the aggrieved Party
and (b) the “Recipient Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) corresponding
to the applicable Relevant Event if the Department is the aggrieved Party.
(b)
The Escalation Notice shall be submitted by (i) the “Recipient Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the table
in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant Event if the Recipient is the aggrieved Party and
(ii) the “Department Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution) corresponding
to the applicable Relevant Event if the Department is the aggrieved Party.
(c)
Unless mutually agreed otherwise by the Parties, each Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker (or authorized designee thereof
with full and final decision-making authority) shall meet in-person or electronically by video within thirty (30) days of receipt of
the Escalation Notice, at a mutually convenient time and place (the “Escalation Decision-Maker Meeting”).
(d)
The Responding Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker (or authorized designee thereof) shall submit a written decision with respect
to the Dispute as soon as possible after the Escalation Decision-Maker Meeting, and in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days
of the date of the Referral.
45
(e)
The decision issued by the Responding Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker shall be the final and binding decision of the Responding
Party.
11.12.7
Unresolved Dispute. In the event an aggrieved Party disagrees with the decision of the Responding Party’s Escalation
Decision-Maker described in Section 11.12.6 (Escalation), or in the absence of any written decision by the Responding Party’s
Escalation Decision-Maker (or authorized designee thereof) within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of the Referral, either Party
may pursue any right or remedy under the Financing Documents or provided by Applicable Law, provided that neither Party may pursue any
such right or remedy prior to the date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of the Referral (or such earlier date as
may be mutually agreed by the Parties).
11.12.8
Stay of Remedies. During the pendency of any Dispute under this Section 11.12, each of the Department’s remedies
(other than those remedies relating to a Dispute regarding an Event of Default in connection with the provisions under Section 11.12.9
(Exempt Provisions)) shall be stayed.
11.12.9
Exempt Provisions. The following provisions of this Agreement shall not be subject to this Section 11.12:
(a)
Section 7.18(a) (Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money
Laundering Laws);
(b)
Section 8.2.15(b) (Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern);
(c)
Section 9.1(a) (Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern);
(d)
Section 10.1.4 (Cross Default);
(e)
Section 10.1.7 (Bankruptcy; Insolvency; Dissolution);
(f)
Section 10.1.14 (Change of Control);
(g)
Section 10.1.16 (Compliance with Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws);
and
(h)
the Guardrail Provisions.
Section
11.13. Successors and Assigns.
(a)
The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors
and permitted assigns.
(b)
No Recipient Party shall assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or under any Financing
Document without the prior written consent of the Department.
Section
11.14. Reinstatement. This Agreement and each other relevant Financing Document shall continue to be effective or be reinstated,
as the case may be, if at any time payment or performance of the Recipient’s obligations hereunder, or any part thereof, is, pursuant
to Applicable Laws or Governmental Judgment, rescinded or reduced in amount or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Department.
In the event that any payment or any part thereof is so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, such obligations shall be reinstated
and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, and this Agreement and each other relevant
Financing Document shall remain in full force and effect until the indefeasible payment and discharge in full of such obligations.
46
Section
11.15. No Partnership; Etc. Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Financing Document shall be deemed or construed
to create a partnership, tenancy-in-common, joint tenancy, joint venture, or co-ownership by, between, or among the Department and any
Recipient Party or any other Person. The Department shall not be in any way responsible or liable for the indebtedness, losses, obligations,
or duties of any Recipient Party or any other Person with respect to any Project or otherwise. All obligations to pay Real Property or
other taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, and all other fees and expenses in connection with or arising from the ownership, operation,
or occupancy of any Project or any other assets and to perform all obligations under the agreements and contracts relating to any Project
or any other assets shall be the sole responsibility of the Recipient Parties.
Section
11.16. Marshaling. The Department shall not be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Recipient Party or any
other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Department Obligations.
Section
11.17. Indemnification.
(a)
The Recipient shall indemnify the Department and each of its officers, employees, attorneys and agents (each, an “Indemnified
Party”) from and against any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, judgments, lawsuits, costs and expenses
(other than attorneys’ costs and fees) (each, an “Indemnified Liability”) for which an Indemnified Party may
become responsible because of a claim asserted by a third party related to any Award, the use of Disbursements, this Agreement, any Financing
Document, or any Project; provided, that the Recipient shall not have any indemnification obligation hereunder if the third Party’s
claim is based solely on the conduct of the Department (and no other Party) or arises from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful
misconduct of any Indemnified Party (as determined pursuant to a final, Non-Appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction).
(b)
An Indemnified Party shall give timely notice to the Recipient of any action for which indemnification hereunder may be sought;
provided that any failure to give such notice shall not release the Recipient from any of its indemnification obligations hereunder.
(c)
The Recipient agrees that the Department has sole authority regarding the conduct of any litigation brought against any Indemnified
Party and the Recipient agrees that the decisions of the Department regarding any such litigation, trial or settlement shall not relieve
the Recipient of its indemnification obligations hereunder. The Department agrees that it will advise the Recipient regarding the conduct
of any such litigation and that Recipient shall be given the opportunity at its own cost and expense to advise the Department of its
views regarding such litigation, including any settlement related thereto. The Department agrees that it will not compromise or settle
any Indemnified Liability, until it has advised the Recipient, as provided above, and has been authorized by the government official
with authority to approve settlements pursuant to applicable rules. No provision herein shall restrict, modify or otherwise affect the
authority of the United States to settle or compromise any claim according to Applicable Law.
(d)
All sums paid and costs incurred by any Indemnified Party with respect to any matter indemnified hereunder shall be immediately
due and payable by the Recipient.
47
Section
11.18. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more duplicate counterparts and when executed
by all of the Parties shall constitute a single binding agreement. The delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by electronic
means, including by facsimile or by portable document format (PDF) attachment to email, shall be as effective as delivery of an original
executed counterpart of this Agreement. Except to the extent Applicable Law would prohibit the same, make the same unenforceable, or
affirmatively requires a manually executed counterpart signature: (a) the delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of
this Agreement by emailed PDF or any other electronic means approved by the Department in writing (which may be via email) that reproduces
an image of the actual executed signature page shall be as effective as the delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement;
(b) the delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by emailed PDF or any other electronic delivery means
approved by the Department in writing (which may be via email) that contains a DocuSign signature or, in the case of the Department’s
signature, a digital signature associated with a Personal Identity Verification card, or any other electronic signature means approved
by the Department in writing (which may be via email) shall be as effective as the delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this
Agreement; and (c) if agreed by the Department in writing (which may be via email) with respect to this Agreement, the delivery of an
executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by electronic means that types in the signatory to a document as a “conformed
signature” from an email address approved by the Department in writing (which may be via email) shall be as effective as the delivery
of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, the words “execution,” “signed,”
“signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to any document to be signed in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the
keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed
signature, physical delivery thereof, or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided
for in any Applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic
Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Section
11.19. Benefits of Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Financing Document, express or implied, shall give to any
Person, other than the Parties hereto and thereto and their successors and permitted assigns hereunder or thereunder, any benefit or
any legal or equitable right or remedy under this Agreement or any other Financing Document.
Section
11.20. Termination; Survival.
(a)
The terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Award, and all rights and obligations of the Parties thereunder, shall terminate
on the Termination Date, unless otherwise extended by mutual written agreement of the Parties; provided however the termination of this
Agreement and any Award on the Termination Date shall not affect any rights or remedies of any Party that have accrued prior to or on
the Termination Date, or any obligations or liabilities of any Recipient Party that expressly survive the Termination Date as set forth
in clauses (b) and (c) below or by Applicable Law.
(b)
All representations and warranties made by any Recipient Party in any Financing Document or other documents delivered in connection
therewith shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Department and shall survive the Termination Date.
(c)
The provisions of (a) Section 3.2 (Net of Tax), Section 3.3 (Payment of Costs and Expenses), Section
10.1.1(c) (Expansion Clawback Event), Section 11.7 (Governing Law), Section 11.10 (Waiver of Jury
Trial), Section 11.11 (Consent to Jurisdiction), Section 11.12 (Dispute Resolution), Section 11.14
(Reinstatement), and Section 11.17 (Indemnification); and (b) the Guardrail Provisions (excluding Section
2 (Prohibition on Certain Joint Research or Technology Licensing) and Section 7(d) (Remedies, Mitigation and
Clawbacks) thereof) and all other provisions and definitions set forth in this Agreement required to give effect thereto, including,
inter alia, Section 11.5 (Waiver and Amendment) shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless
of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the payment in full of the Department Obligations, the expiration or termination
of any Award, or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof on the Termination Date.
48
(d)
The provisions of each Equity Document, the Loan Guarantee Agreement, each Security Document, the Collateral Agency Agreement,
and the Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the termination of
this Agreement or any provision hereof on the occurrence of the Termination Date and, in each case, shall terminate solely in accordance
with its terms.
Section
11.21. Recipient Party Agent
11.21.1
Recipient Party Agent Appointment, Acceptance and Authority. Each Recipient Party (other than the Recipient) hereby appoints
and designates the Recipient to act as its representative and agent for all purposes under the Financing Documents (in such capacity,
the “Recipient Party Agent”), including requests, delivery or receipt of communications, preparation and delivery
of reporting materials, receipt and payment of Department Obligations, requests for waiver, amendments, consent, forbearances, and other
accommodations, actions under the Financing Documents (including in respect of compliance with covenants), and all other dealings with
the Department. The Recipient Party Agent hereby accepts such appointment.
11.21.2
Reliance. The Department shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any notice or communication
delivered by the Recipient Party Agent on behalf of any Recipient Party.
11.21.3
Agent Communications. The Department shall have the right, but not the obligation, to deal exclusively with the Recipient
Party Agent for all purposes under the Financing Documents. Each Recipient Party agrees that any notice, election, communication, delivery,
representation, agreement, action, omission or undertaking on its behalf by Recipient Party Agent shall be binding upon and enforceable
against it.
11.21.4
Process Agent Appointment. Further for the term of this Agreement, each Recipient Party hereby appoints the Recipient Party
Agent, as its agent for service of process to receive on its behalf and on behalf of its property, service of copies of the summons and
complaint and any other notice, document or process which may be served in such action, litigation or proceeding, and agree that failure
of the Recipient Party Agent to give notice of any such service or process to any Recipient Party shall not impair or affect the validity
of such service or of any judgment based thereon. Such service may be made by mailing or delivering a copy of such process to any Recipient
Party in care of the Recipient Party Agent, and each Recipient Party hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs the Recipient Party Agent
to accept such service on its behalf. As an alternative method of service, each Recipient Party also irrevocably consents to the service
of any and all process in any such action, litigation or proceeding by the mailing of copies of such process to it at its address specified
in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution). If the Recipient Party Agent becomes unable for any reason to act as agent for service of
process, the applicable Recipient Party Agent shall promptly appoint a successor agent on terms reasonably acceptable to the Department.
49
Article
12
Guarantee
Section
12.1. Recipient Party Guarantee.
12.1.1
Each Recipient Party (other than the Recipient) (each such Recipient Party, for the purposes of this Article 12, a “Guarantor”)
jointly and severally:
(a)
irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to the Department, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the
due and punctual payment of the Department Obligations;
(b)
agrees that the Department Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from
it, and that such Guarantor will remain bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Department Obligation;
(c)
waives presentment to, demand of, payment from and protest to any other Recipient Party of any of the Department Obligations,
and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment;
(d)
agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration
or otherwise) and not a guarantee of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Department to any collateral
security held for the payment of the Department Obligations or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Department
in favor of any other Recipient Party or any other Person;
(e)
failure by any other Guarantor to make a payment as required during the effectiveness of this guarantee will give rise to a separate
cause of action hereunder and separate suits may be brought hereunder as each cause of action arises;
(f)
agrees that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Financing Document, the maximum liability of such
Recipient Party under its guarantee hereunder shall not exceed an amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations
hereunder subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or any equivalent provision of any
other bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other Applicable Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally;
and
(g)
assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the financial condition and assets of each other Recipient
Party, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Department Obligations and the nature, scope and extent
of the risks that it assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that the Department will have no duty to advise it of information known
to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.
Section
12.2. No Discharge or Diminishment of Guarantee; Waivers.
(a)
Except for termination of the Guarantor obligations as set forth in Section 12.4(a) ( Termination of Guarantee;
Reinstatement) below, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment
or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject
to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability of the Department Obligations or otherwise (other than defense of payment). Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall not be discharged or
impaired or otherwise affected by, and each Guarantor hereby waives any defense to the enforcement hereof by reason of:
(i)
the failure of the Department to assert any claim or demand or to exercise or enforce any right or remedy under the provisions
of any Financing Document or otherwise;
50
(ii)
any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of any Financing Document
or any other agreement;
(iii)
the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the exchange, substitution, release or any impairment of, any security held
by the Department for the Department Obligations;
(iv)
any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Department Obligations;
(v)
any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor or otherwise operate
as a discharge of such Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds
of all the Department Obligations);
(vi)
any illegality, lack of validity or enforceability of any Department Obligations;
(vii)
any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any other Recipient Party, or any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization
or other similar proceeding affecting any other Recipient Party or any assets of such Recipient Party or any resulting release or discharge
of any Department Obligations;
(viii)
the existence of any claim, set-off or other rights that such Guarantor may have at any time against any other Recipient Party,
the Department, or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or any unrelated transactions;
(ix)
any action permitted or authorized hereunder; or
(x)
any other circumstance (including any statute of limitations) or any existence of or reliance on any representation by the Department
that might otherwise constitute a defense to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, the Recipient, any Guarantor, any other Recipient
Party (if any) or surety.
(b)
Each Guarantor expressly authorizes the Department to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Department
Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security
and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other Guarantors
or obligors upon or in respect of the Department Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder.
(c)
To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any
other Recipient Party or the unenforceability of the Department Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation
from any cause of the liability of any other Recipient Party, other than the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds
of all the Department Obligations (other than contingent indemnity or expense reimbursement obligations as to which no claim has
been made). The Department may, at its election, (i) foreclose on any security held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial
sales; (ii) accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure; (iii) compromise or adjust any part of the Department
Obligations; (iv) make any other accommodation with any other Recipient Party; or (v) exercise any other right or remedy available
to them against any other Recipient Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except
to the extent that the Department Obligations (other than contingent indemnity or expense reimbursement obligations as to which no
claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash or in immediately available funds. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable
Law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to Applicable
Law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against any
other Recipient Party, as the case may be, or any security.
51
Section
12.3. Agreement to Pay; Contribution; Subrogation.
(a)
Without limitation of any other right that the Department has at law or in equity against any Guarantor, upon the failure of any
Recipient Party to pay any Department Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice
of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises, jointly and severally, to and will forthwith pay in cash, or cause to be
paid in cash, to the Department such unpaid Department Obligations upon demand, in Dollars.
(b)
Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Department, all rights of such Guarantor against any other Recipient Party arising
as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate
and junior in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Department Obligations. In addition, any
Indebtedness of any other Recipient Party now or hereafter held by any Guarantor is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of the Department Obligations during the existence of an Event of Default. If any amount shall erroneously be paid to
any Guarantor on account of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such
Indebtedness of any other Recipient Party, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Department and shall forthwith be
paid to the Department to be credited against the payment of the Department Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement and the other Financing Documents.
(c)
If any Guarantor at any time pays to the Department an amount less than the full amount of the Department Obligations then due
and payable to the Department, without waiving any other rights in connection therewith, the Department may allocate and apply such payment
in any way or manner and for such purpose or purposes as the Department in its sole discretion determines, notwithstanding any instruction
that such Guarantor, the Recipient or any other Person may give to the contrary.
Section
12.4. Termination of Guarantee; Reinstatement.
(a)
The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall terminate (other than the provisions hereof that by their express terms survive
such termination) on the Termination Date.
(b)
In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a) above, the Department shall execute and deliver
to the Recipient Party Agent or any Guarantor, at such Guarantor’s expense, all documents that such Guarantor shall reasonably
request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 12.4 shall be
without recourse to, or warranty by, the Department.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 12.4, this Article 12 shall continue to be effective or be reinstated,
as the case may be, if at any time payment or performance of the Department Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to Applicable
Law or Governmental Judgment, rescinded, or reduced in amount or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Department. In the event
that any payment or any part thereof is so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, such Department Obligations shall be reinstated
and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, and this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect until the indefeasible payment and discharge in full of such Department Obligations.
[Signature
Pages Follow]
52
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties to this Agreement have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers or
representatives hereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
USA RARE EARTH, INC.,
as Recipient and Recipient Party
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
USA RARE EARTH, LLC,
as Recipient Party
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
USA RARE EARTH MAGNETS, LLC,
as Recipient Party
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
ROUND TOP MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT, LLC,
as Recipient Party
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
USA RARE EARTH REAL ESTATE, LLC,
as Recipient Party
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
LACONIA
INTERMEDIATE ACQUISITION SUB, INC.,
as
Recipient Party
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
LACONIA ACQUISITION SUB LIMITED,
as Recipient Party
By:
/s/ David Kronenfeld
Name:
David Kronenfeld
Title:
Director
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
LCMG
LIMITED,
as
Recipient Party
By:
/s/ David Kronenfeld
Name:
David Kronenfeld
Title:
Director
USA Rare Earth Project
- Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
LESS
COMMON METALS LIMITED,
as
Recipient Party
By:
/s/ David Kronenfeld
Name:
David Kronenfeld
Title:
Director
USA Rare Earth Project
- Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, an agency of the Federal Government of the United States of America
By:
/s/ Bill Frauenhofer
Name:
Bill Frauenhofer
Title:
Executive Director,
Semiconductor Innovation and Investment
USA
Rare Earth Project - Direct Funding Agreement Signature Page
Annex
A
Definitions
“Abandonment”
means, with respect to any Project, the relinquishment of possession and control of the relevant Project by any Recipient Party or its
contractors or the complete cessation of work or activity for ninety (90) consecutive days (or one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive
days in any Fiscal Year) at the relevant Project, except as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Force Majeure, and the term “Abandon”
shall have a correlative meaning.
“Action”
means any action, suit, proceeding (whether administrative, judicial or otherwise), governmental investigation or arbitration at law
or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign or other regulatory body or any arbitrator.
“Actual
Capex Amount” means, as of the Actual Milestone Completion Date for any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the amount
of Capital Expenditures certified in writing by the Recipient to the Department that have been incurred and paid by the relevant Recipient
Party in respect of such Disbursement Milestone.
“Actual
Cumulative Capex Amount” means, with respect to any Project and in connection with any requested Disbursement, the aggregate
Actual Capex Amount for all Disbursement Milestones for such Project for which an Actual Milestone Completion Date has occurred, including
the then-current Disbursement Milestone.
“Actual
Cumulative Disbursement Amount” means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount
of Disbursements made to the Recipient for such Project as of such date.
“Actual
Cumulative Disbursement Ratio” means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the ratio, expressed
as a percentage, equal to (a) the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Amount for such Project as of such date divided by (b) the Actual Cumulative
Capex Amount for such Project as of such date.
“Actual
Milestone Completion Date” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the date on which the relevant
Recipient Party has actually completed such Disbursement Milestone, as such date is confirmed by the Department after the receipt of
the applicable Disbursement Request.
“Additional
Project” means either the Magnet Project 2 or the Metal Project 2, as context may require.
“Affiliate”
means with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly Controls, or is under common Control with, or is Controlled
by, such Person.
“Agreement”
has the meaning given to that term in the preamble hereto, which agreement states the terms and conditions by which the Secretary agrees
to make an Award available to the Recipient and the obligations and duties of the Recipient Parties in connection therewith and satisfies
the meaning as “Required Agreement” in 15 C.F.R. § 112.
“ALTA”
means the American Land Title Association headquartered in Washington D.C.
Annex A-1
“ALTA
Survey” means, with respect to any Project, the ALTA or NSPS survey delivered with respect to the applicable Project Site for
such Project prior to the first Disbursement Date pursuant to the Financing Documents.
“Anti-Corruption
Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, or orders with jurisdiction over any Recipient Party, any Major Project Participant
or any Project concerning or relating to bribery or corruption in the public or private sector, including, the United States Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
“Anti-Money
Laundering Laws” means the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (otherwise known as the Bank Secrecy Act),
the Patriot Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, the Money Laundering Control Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any
similar Applicable Laws relating to money laundering, terrorist financing, or financial recordkeeping and recording requirements administered
or enforced by any United States of America governmental agency, or any other jurisdiction in which any Recipient Party operates or conducts
business.
“Anticipated
Completion Date” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the relevant date set forth in Part Two
of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule under the column entitled “Anticipated
Completion Date” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Applicable
Accounting Requirements” means: (a) with respect to the Recipient and each Recipient Party, GAAP; and (b) with respect to any
other Person, GAAP or IFRS, as the case may be.
“Applicable
Award” means:
(a) with respect to the Round Top Mine
Project, the Round Top Mine Project Award;
(b) with respect to the Stillwater Magnet
Project, the Stillwater Magnet Project Award;
(c) with respect to the Stillwater Metal
Project, the Stillwater Metal Project Award;
(d) with respect to the Magnet Project
2, the Magnet Project 2 Award; and
(e) with respect to the Metal Project
2, the Metal Project 2 Award.
“Applicable
Law” means, with respect to any Person, any constitution, statute, law, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, treaty, judgment,
order or any published directive, guideline, requirement or other governmental rule or restriction that has the force of law, or any
determination or interpretation of any of the foregoing by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over or a judicial authority,
that is binding on such Person or any of its properties, whether in effect as of the date of this Agreement or as of any date hereafter.
“Application”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“ASAP”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.2.1 (ASAP System).
“Authorized
Officer” means:
(a) with
respect to any Person that is (i) a corporation, the chairman, chief executive officer, president, vice president, assistant vice
president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, any Person holding equivalent positions in such corporations, or any other Financial
Officer of such Person; (ii) a partnership, each general partner of such Person or the chairman, chief executive officer, president,
a vice president, an assistant vice president, treasurer, an assistant treasurer, any Person holding equivalent positions in such
partnership, or any other Financial Officer of a general partner of such Person; or (iii) a limited liability company, the manager,
managing partner or duly appointed officer of such Person, the individuals authorized to represent such Person pursuant to the
Organizational Documents of such Person, or the chairman, chief executive officer, president, vice president, assistant vice
president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, any Person holding equivalent positions in such corporations, or any other Financial
Officer of the manager or managing member of such Person; and
Annex A-2
(b)
with respect to any Recipient Party, only those individuals holding any of the foregoing positions whose name appears on the certificate
of incumbency delivered to the Department, as such certificate of incumbency may be amended from time to time to identify the individuals
then holding such offices and the capacity in which they are acting.
“Authorized
Purpose” means (a) with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the construction and operation of the applicable Facility for
the purpose of rare earth mining and processing; (b) with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, the expansion, modernization, and
operation of the applicable Facility for the purpose of magnet-making; (c) with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, the construction,
expansion, modernization, and operation of the applicable Facility for purposes of strip casting and metal making; (d) with respect to
the Magnet Project 2, the construction, expansion, modernization, and operation of the applicable Facility for the purpose of magnet-making;
and (e) with respect to the Metal Project 2, the construction, expansion, modernization, and operation of the applicable Facility for
purposes of strip casting and metal making.
“Available
Disbursement Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2.6 (Disbursement
Amount).
“Award”
means any CHIPS Incentive provided by the Department to the Recipient pursuant to terms of the CHIPS Act and the Financing Documents.
“Award
Date” means the date on which this Agreement is executed by the Department and the Recipient Parties.
“Award
Date Investment Policy” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.18 (Award Date Investment Policy).
“Award
Date Key Person” means any individual person named in Schedule H (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award
Date Key Person A” means the Award Date Key Person named in Part A of Schedule H (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award
Date Key Person B” means the Award Date Key Person named in Part B of Schedule H (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award
Date Key Person C” means each Award Date Key Person named in Part C of Schedule H (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award
Date Key Person Group C” means, collectively, each Award Date Key Person named in Part C of Schedule H (Key Person Schedule)
hereto.
“Award
Handbook” means the CHIPS Incentives Program Award Phase Overview Handbook, dated January 2025, as updated from time to time,
available here: CHIPS Award Phase Overview.
Annex A-3
“Base
Case Financial Model” means the base case financial model delivered by the Recipient, and approved by the Department, in connection
with the Award Date pursuant to Section 4.3 (Financial Model; Sources and Uses Plan; Budget; Schedule), as the same may
be amended, updated, or otherwise supplemented in accordance with the terms of the Financing Documents.
“BIS”
means the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
“Body
of Information” means (a) a Member of Congress or a representative of a committee of Congress; (b) the OIG; (c) the Government
Accountability Office; (d) a Federal employee responsible for management of the Award; (e) an authorized official of the Department of
Justice or other law enforcement agency; (f) a court or grand jury; or (g) a management official or other employee of any Recipient Party
who has the responsibility to investigate, discover, or address misconduct subject to whistleblower protections.
“Business
Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which either the Department of Treasury or the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York is not open for business.
“Capital
Expenditures” means all expenditures that should be capitalized in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements.
“Capital
Lease” means, for any Person, any lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) any Property of such Person that
would be required, in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, to be capitalized and accounted for as a capital lease
on a balance sheet of such Person.
“CFIUS”
means the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
“CFIUS
Approval” means that any of the following shall have occurred: (a) the Parties shall have received written notice from
CFIUS that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not constitute a “covered transaction” under the Defense Production
Act of 1950, as amended by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018; (b) after the completion of any review
or investigation under the Defense Production Act, as amended by the Foreign Investment Production Act of 2018, the Parties shall have
received written notice from CFIUS that there are no unresolved national security concerns and all action under the Defense Production
Act is concluded with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (c) CFIUS shall have sent a report to the President
of the United States requesting the President’s decision and either (i) the President has not taken any action within fifteen
(15) days from the date the President received the report from CFIUS; or (ii) the President shall have announced a decision not
to take any action to suspend, prohibit or place any limitations on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Change
of Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following:
(a)
with respect to the Recipient, the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any of the following
without the consent of the Department: any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rule
13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of Equity Interests of the Recipient representing more than thirty five percent (35%) of either (i) the aggregate
voting power of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote pursuant to the Recipient’s Organizational Documents
(the “Outstanding Voting Interests”) of the Recipient or (ii) the economic value of the issued and outstanding Equity
Interests of the Recipient;
Annex A-4
(b)
with respect to any Recipient Party or LCM Europe:
(i) a Prohibited Person or a Foreign Entity of Concern acquires Control of such Recipient Party or LCM Europe;
(ii) (other than with respect to Round Top Mountain Development, LLC, Less Common Metals, and LCM Europe) the Recipient ceases to hold
and Control, directly or indirectly, one hundred percent (100%) of both the Outstanding Voting Interests and the economic value of the
issued and outstanding Equity Interests;
(iii) (other than with respect to the Recipient, Less Common Metals, and LCM Europe) the Recipient ceases to Control, directly or indirectly,
such Recipient Party;
(c) with respect to Round Top Mountain Development, LLC, the Recipient ceases to hold and Control, directly or indirectly, (i) eighty
one percent (81%) of both the Outstanding Voting Interests and the economic value of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests and
(ii) any additional Outstanding Voting Interests or economic value of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests that the Recipient
may acquire, directly or indirectly, after the Award Date; or
(d)
with respect to Less Common Metals or LCM Europe, the Recipient ceases to hold and Control, directly or indirectly, at least seventy-five
percent (75%) of both the Outstanding Voting Interests and the economic value of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests.
“CHIPS
Act” means Title XCIX—Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Pub. L. 116-283), as amended by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Division A of Pub.
L. 117-167).
“CHIPS
Incentives” means the provision of direct funding (via grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions), loans and loan
guarantees as described in the NOFO.
“CHIPS
Incentives Program” has the meaning given to that term in the Recitals.
“CHIPS
Program Office” means the office of the Department overseeing the administration of the CHIPS Incentives Program.
“Clawback
Event” means any of the events described in 10.1.1 (Clawback Events.).
“Collateral
Agency Agreement” has the meaning given to the term in the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
“Collateral
Agent” has the meaning given to the term in the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
“Communications”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 11.2 (Use of Websites).
“Comptroller
General” means the Comptroller General of the United States.
“Conflict
of Interest” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(a)
participation by an Interested Party in a matter that has a direct and predictable effect on the Interested Party’s personal
or financial interests, which may include employment, stock ownership, a creditor or debtor relationship, or prospective employment with
the organization selected or to be selected for a Subaward;
Annex A-5
(b)
an appearance that an Interested Party’s objectivity in performing his or her responsibilities under the applicable Project
is impaired; and
(c)
non-financial gain to an Interested Party, such as benefit to reputation or prestige in a professional field.
“Consolidated”
or “Consolidated Basis” means
(a) with
respect to any Financial Statements of any Person to be delivered hereunder, such statements on a consolidated basis in accordance with
applicable principles of consolidation in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, including the consolidation adjustments
customarily applied to avoid double counting of transactions among any of the relevant consolidated entities; and
(b) with
respect to any financial item of any Recipient Party, any financial calculation to be made hereunder or any financial covenant compliance
to be assessed hereunder or under any other Financing Document (including, inter alia, Section 8.2.18 (Liquidity Requirements)
hereof), that such item, calculation or assessment shall be made by reference to the sum of all amounts of similar nature reported in
the relevant Financial Statements of each of the entities whose accounts are to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance
with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, other than any such entities which are not a Recipient Party (including, as of the Award
Date, any of Serra Verde Holdco, LCM Europe, Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., or any subsidiary thereof), plus or minus the
consolidation adjustments customarily applied to avoid double counting of transactions among any of those relevant entities, including
the Recipient.
“Construction
and Tool Installation Budget” means, with respect to any Project, the budget delivered by the Recipient to the Department on
or about the Award Date, as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this
Agreement.
“Construction
Contract” means, with respect to each Project, collectively:
(a)
each construction contract entered into between any Recipient Party and a construction contractor in connection with the construction
of any Project; and
(b)
any other document designated in writing as a Construction Contract by the Recipient and the Department for such Project.
“Consultants”
means, collectively, (a) Clifford Chance US LLP, as legal counsel to the Department; and (b) any other advisor, legal counsel or consultant
retained by the Department from time to time in connection with the Award, any Project or the Financing Documents.
“Contingent
Obligations” means as to any Person, any obligation of such Person with respect to any Indebtedness (“primary obligations”)
of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation
of such Person, whether or not contingent, as a guarantee or otherwise:
(a)
for the purchase, payment or discharge of any such primary obligation;
(b)
to purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire such primary obligations or any Property constituting direct or indirect security
therefor, including the obligation to make take-or-pay or similar payments;
(c)
to advance or supply funds;
Annex A-6
(d)
to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency or any
balance sheet item, level of income or financial condition of the primary obligor;
(e)
to purchase Property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of any such primary obligation of
the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation; or
(f)
otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof, including with respect
to letter of credit obligations, swap agreements, foreign exchange contracts and other similar agreements (including agreements relating
to derivative instruments),
provided
that, the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary
course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount
of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum anticipated
liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith.
“Control”
means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management or business or policies of a Person (whether
through the ownership of voting securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract, or otherwise); and the words “Controlling,”
“Controlled,” and similar constructions shall have correlative meanings.
“Cumulative
Equity Raised” means, as of any date of determination and without duplication, the aggregate amount of cash received by the
Recipient on or prior to such date, but in no event prior to January 1, 2026, for (a) the issuance of any capital stock or other securities
exercisable for or exchangeable into shares of capital stock; (b) the exercise of any warrants; (c) net proceeds received by the Recipient
from the issuance of Permitted Convertible Loan Notes; and (d) capital raised by the Recipient by any other means but excluding, in each
case, any capital raised via Indebtedness other than the Permitted Convertible Loan Notes; provided that, Cumulative Equity Raised
shall exclude Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds.
“Customer
Agreements” means any contract entered into by any Recipient Party for the sale of Product produced by any Project.
“Data
Protection Laws” means any and all foreign or domestic (including U.S. federal, state and local) Applicable Laws relating to
the privacy, security, notification of breaches, Processing of any data or information that identifies or can be used to identify an
individual, household or device, whether directly or indirectly, in each case, in any manner applicable to any Recipient Party or any
Subsidiary of any Recipient Party.
“Davis-Bacon
Act” has the meaning given to the term in Annex E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements).
“Debarment
Regulations” means all of the following:
(a)
OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) (2 C.F.R. Part 180); and
(b)
Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility (48 C.F.R. Subpart 9.4).
Annex A-7
“Debt
Collection Improvement Act” means the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, as amended from time to time.
“Defense
Production Act” means the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act
of 2018 (FIRRMA).
“Department”
has the meaning given to the term in the preamble hereto.
“Department
Obligations” means all amounts, without duplication, owing to the Department under the Financing Documents, including:
(a)
any payments, interest, charges, expenses, fees, attorneys’ or other Consultants’ fees and disbursements, indemnities
and other amounts payable by any Recipient Party under any Financing Document and any reimbursement amounts in respect of any of the
foregoing that the Department may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Recipient Party;
(b)
all liabilities, and obligations, howsoever arising, owed by any Recipient Party under the Financing Documents or otherwise to
the Department (whether or not evidenced by any note or instrument and whether or not for the payment of money), direct or indirect,
absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, pursuant to any of the Financing Documents, including
all interest, fees and Periodic Expenses chargeable to any Recipient Party and payable by such Recipient Party hereunder or thereunder;
and
(c)
any and all sums advanced by the Department in order to preserve the Trust Property or preserve the Department’s Federal
Interest in the Trust Property.
“Direct
Funding” means direct funding under the NOFO in the form of an other transaction.
“Disbursement”
means a disbursement of the Direct Funding for a Disbursement Milestone made in accordance with this Agreement.
“Disbursement
Approval Notice” means a notice issued by the Department pursuant to Section 2.2.3(a) (Disbursement Approval Notice).
“Disbursement
Date” means a Business Day on which funds are transferred through ASAP to make a Disbursement in accordance with Article
2 (Award and Disbursements).
“Disbursement
Milestone” means, with respect to any Project, any milestone for such Project set forth in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule
under the column entitled “Disbursement Milestone”.
“Disbursement
Milestone Schedule” means that schedule attached hereto as Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone Schedule).
“Disbursement
Period” means, with respect to any Project, the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on the earlier of:
(a)
the Milestone Completion Longstop Date for the last Disbursement Milestone set forth in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule;
(b)
the date of the Disbursement for the last Disbursement Milestone set forth in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule; and
(c)
the date on which the Maximum Award Amount is reduced to zero.
Annex A-8
“Disbursement
Request” means a request for a Disbursement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (Form Of Disbursement
Request), delivered to the Department.
“Disposition”
means, with respect to any Property or assets, any single or series of related sales, transfers, assignments, donations, conveyances,
leases, licenses, abandonment or other dispositions thereof, and the terms “Dispose” and “Disposed of” shall
have correlative meanings; provided, that the term “Disposition” shall not include the creation or existence of any
Permitted Lien, unless ownership is transferred to any party pursuant thereto.
“Dispute”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.1 (Scope and Severability).
“Dispute
Notice” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice).
“Dollars”
or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States.
“EAR”
means the Export Administration Regulations, 15 C.F.R. Parts 700-786, administered by BIS.
“Electronic
Signature” has the meaning assigned to it by 15 U.S.C. § 7006.
“Eligibility
Start Date” means January 25, 2026, which is the effective date of the LOI.
“Eligible
Facility” means a Facility that meets eligibility requirements set forth in the CHIPS Act and the Guardrail Regulations, including
those set forth in 15 U.S.C. § 4652 (Semiconductor incentives).
“Eligible
Serra Verde Dividends” means one hundred percent (100%) of any dividend payment received by USARE LLC from Serra Verde Holdco
which is attributable to distributions to Serra Verde Holdco from Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., up to an aggregate amount not to exceed
the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs, and thereafter, fifty percent (50%) of each such dividend payment and, in the case of any
such dividend payment, as certified by the chief Financial Officer of the Recipient.
“Eligible
Uses of Funds” means, with respect to any Project, Project Costs that:
(a)
are incurred or will be incurred for any of the following purposes to:
(i)
finance the construction, expansion or modernization of the applicable Eligible Facility or to acquire, maintain, repair or transport
equipment to be used for the applicable Eligible Facility, as determined necessary by the Secretary for purposes relating to the national
security and economic competitiveness of the United States;
(ii)
support workforce development for such Eligible Facility, as determined by the Secretary;
(iii)
support site development for such Eligible Facility, as determined by the Secretary; or
(iv)
pay reasonable costs related to the operating expenses for such Eligible Facility including specialized workforce, essential materials,
and complex equipment maintenance for such Project, as determined by the Secretary;
(b)
are incurred on or following the Eligibility Start Date; and
(c)
are not Ineligible Uses of Funds.
Annex A-9
“Environmental
Claim” means any and all obligations, liabilities, losses, administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands,
decrees, claims, liens, judgments, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (excluding routine inspections), proceedings,
clean-up, removal or remedial actions or orders, or damages (foreseeable and unforeseeable, including consequential and punitive damages),
penalties, fees, out-of-pocket costs, expenses, disbursements, attorneys’ or consultants’ fees, relating in any way to any
violation of Environmental Law or any violation of any Governmental Approval issued under any such Environmental Law including (a) any
and all indemnity claims by any Governmental Authority for enforcement, clean-up, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages
pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law; and (b) any and all indemnity claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution,
indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Substances, the violation or alleged violation
of any Environmental Law or Governmental Approval issued thereunder, or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to health, safety
or the environment.
“Environmental
Laws” means any Applicable Law in effect as of the date hereof or hereafter, and in each case as amended, regulating, relating
to or imposing obligations, liability or standards of conduct concerning or otherwise relating to (a) environmental impacts resulting
from the use of any Project Site or environmental conditions present on, in or under any Project Site; (b) pollution, protection
of human health or safety or the environment, including flora and fauna, or Releases or threatened Releases of pollutants, contaminants,
chemicals, radiation or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, including Hazardous Substances; or (c) the generation, manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals,
or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, including Hazardous Substances.
“Equity
Contribution” means an equity contribution to the Recipient Parties made in accordance with the Financing Documents in the
form of contributions in immediately available funds or Permitted Subordinated Loans.
“Equity
Documents” means, collectively:
(a)
the Securities Issuance Agreement;
(b)
the Warrant to be issued on the Award Date by the Recipient in favor of the Department; and
(c)
any other agreement designated in writing by the Recipient and the Department as an “Equity Document”.
“Equity
Interest” means any and all shares, interest, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of
or interests in (however designated) the common or preferred equity or preference share capital of an entity, including partnership interests,
limited liability interests and trust beneficial interests.
“Escalation
Decision-Maker” means any “Department Escalation Decision-Maker” or “Recipient Escalation Decision-Maker”
identified in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution), as applicable.
“Escalation
Decision-Maker Meeting” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.6(c) (Escalation).
“Escalation
Notice” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.6(a) (Escalation).
“Event
of Default” means any of the events described in Section 10.1 (Events of Default).
Annex A-10
“Event
of Force Majeure” means any event, circumstance or condition in the nature of force majeure that would entitle any Major Project
Participant to any abatement, postponement, or other relief from any of its contractual obligations under any Major Project Document
to which such Person is party.
“Event
of Loss” means any event that causes any portion of any Project or any other Property of any Recipient Party to be damaged,
destroyed or rendered unfit for normal use for any reason whatsoever, including through a failure of title, or any loss of such Property,
or a condemnation or taking (including by any Governmental Authority) of any portion of any Project, any Facility or the Properties (including
the Trust Property).
“Excluded
LCM Europe Equity Proceeds” means the aggregate amount of cash received by the Recipient after the Award Date in excess of
the Total Equity Raise Requirement from (a) the issuance of any capital stock or other securities exercisable for or exchangeable into
shares of capital stock; (b) the exercise of any warrants; and (c) capital raised by the Recipient by any other means but excluding,
in each case, any capital raised via Indebtedness, in each case, designated as Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds pursuant to an Officer’s
Certificate on or promptly after the date such cash is received by the Recipient.
“Expansion
Clawback Term” means, with respect to any Project, the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on to the tenth (10th)
anniversary of the Award Date.
“Export
Control Laws” means any and all U.S. laws that have as a purpose or effect of restricting or controlling the export, re-export,
transfer or access of controlled or sensitive information, commodities, software, technology or services between or within one or more
countries or their nationals, including without limitation, the EAR and ITAR.
“Facility”
means the Round Top Project Facility, the Stillwater Metal Project Facility, the Stillwater Magnet Project Facility, the Magnet Project
2 Facility, or the Metal Project 2 Facility, as context may require.
“Federal
Award Identification Number” means the Direct Funding Agreement Award ID No. AP-2026-0044.
“Federal
Interest” has the meaning given to the term in Section
6.1 (Trust Relationship).
“Federal
Law” means all applicable statutes, rules, regulations and orders of the United States or
any agency thereof.
“Federal
Register” means the publication provided for by the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C.
§1501 et seq.).
“FFB
Documents” has the meaning given to that term in the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
“Financial
Officer” means with respect to any Person, the general manager, any director, the chief financial officer, the controller,
the treasurer or any assistant treasurer, any vice president-finance or any assistant vice president-finance or any other vice president
or assistant vice president with significant responsibility for the financial affairs of such Person.
“Financial
Statements” means with respect to any Person, such Person’s quarterly unaudited or annual audited balance sheet and
statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flow for such fiscal period, together with all notes thereto and with comparable
figures for the corresponding period of its previous fiscal period, each prepared in Dollars and in accordance with the Applicable
Accounting Requirements.
Annex A-11
“Financing
Documents” means, collectively:
(a)
this Agreement;
(b)
the Loan Guarantee Agreement;
(c)
at all times prior to the Release Date (as such term is defined in the Loan Guarantee Agreement), the FFB Documents;
(d)
the Equity Documents;
(e)
the Security Documents;
(f)
the Collateral Agency Agreement;
(g)
the Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement;
(h)
each Funding Obligation;
(i)
each subordination agreement, if any, entered into from time to time by the Department (or if applicable, the Collateral Agent)
and the relevant Recipient Parties in connection with any Permitted Subordinated Loan;
(j)
each subordination agreement, if any, required to be entered into from time to time by, inter alios, the Department (or
if applicable, the Collateral Agent) and the relevant Recipient Parties in connection with any Guarantee referred to in sub-paragraph
(h) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”; and
(k)
each other document or agreement entered into after the date hereof that is designated as a “Financing Document” by
the Recipient and the Department (or the Collateral Agent acting on its behalf and at its instruction), but in all cases excluding any
Major Project Documents.
“Fiscal
Year” means: (a) with respect to any Recipient Party, the accounting year of such Recipient Party beginning on January 1 and
ending on December 31; and (b) with respect to any other Person, such Person’s accounting year.
“Fluor”
means Fluor Corporation or any successor to its construction advisory business.
“Foreign
Country of Concern” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Foreign
Entity” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Foreign
Entity of Concern” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Full
Disbursement Milestone” means any Disbursement Milestone for which the Incremental Capex Amount is greater than or equal to
ninety-seven and one-half percent (97.5%) of the Scheduled Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone.
Annex A-12
“Fundamental
Event of Default” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(a)
an Event of Default under Section 10.1.1(d) (Authorized Purpose Clawback);
(b)
an Event of Default under Section 10.1.17 (Breach of the Lock-Up Agreement);
(c)
any Recipient Party becomes a Foreign Entity of Concern or Sanctioned Person in breach of Section 9.1 (Prohibited Persons;
Foreign Entities of Concern);
(d)
the Recipient fails to perform or observe any covenant, term or obligation described in Article 2 (Program Requirements not
Subject to Cure Period) of Annex D (Program Requirements);
(e)
the Recipient acts or fails to act in a manner resulting in a material breach of Section 8.2.20(b) (Books, Records and
Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters) with respect to the Department’s auditing rights;
(f)
an Event of Default under Section 10.1.10 (Abandonment);
(g)
an Event of Default under Section 10.1.14 (Change of
Control); or
(h)
an Event of Default under Section 10.1.13 (Misstatements; Omissions), solely to the extent that any representation
or warranty of the Recipient or any other Recipient Party referenced therein shall be found to have been Knowingly incorrect, false or
misleading in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made.
“Funding
Obligation” means each Other Transaction Agreement Action Sheet issued by the Department in respect of the Maximum Award Amount
and acknowledged by the Recipient.
“GAAP”
means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from time to time including, where appropriate, generally
accepted auditing standards, including the pronouncements and interpretations of appropriate accountancy administrative bodies (including
the Financial Accounting Standards Board and any predecessor and successor thereto), applied on a consistent basis both as to classification
of items and amounts.
“GAO”
means the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
“Governmental
Approval” means any approval, consent, authorization, license, permit, order, certificate, qualification, waiver, exemption,
or variance, or any other action of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority, including any of the foregoing that under Applicable
Law are or may be deemed given or withheld by failure to act within a specified time period.
“Governmental
Authority” means any federal, state, county, municipal, or regional authority, or any other entity of a similar nature, exercising
any executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative function of government.
“Governmental
Judgment” means with respect to any Person, any judgment, order, decision, or decree, or any act of a similar nature, of or
by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person or any of its properties.
Annex A-13
“Guarantee”
means, as to any Person, obligations, contingent or otherwise (including a Contingent Obligation), guaranteeing or having the economic
effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of another Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation:
(a)
to purchase or pay any Indebtedness or to purchase or provide security for the payment of any Indebtedness;
(b)
to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the payment of any Indebtedness;
(c)
to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of any other Person; or
(d)
in respect of any letter of credit, letter of guarantee or bond issued to support any obligation or Indebtedness,
except
that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
“Guarantor”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 12.1.1 (Recipient Party Guarantee).
“Guardrail
Provisions” means Annex C (Guardrail Provisions) hereto, as the same may be deemed amended or otherwise modified
from time to time in accordance with Section 11.5 (Waiver and Amendment).
“Guardrail
Regulations” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Hamer
Inc.” means Hamer Merger Sub, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“Hamer
LLC” means Hamer Merger Sub, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“Hazardous
Substance” means any hazardous or toxic substances, chemicals, materials, pollutants or wastes defined, listed, classified
or regulated as such in or under any Environmental Laws, including: (a) any petroleum or petroleum products (including gasoline,
crude oil or any fraction thereof), flammable explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable,
urea formaldehyde foam insulation and polychlorinated biphenyls; (b) any chemicals, materials or substances defined as or included
in the definition of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “extremely hazardous wastes,” “restricted
hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,” “contaminants” or “pollutants,”
or words of similar import, under any applicable Environmental Law; and (c) any other chemical, material or substance, the import,
storage, transport, use or disposal of, or exposure to or Release of which is prohibited, limited or otherwise regulated under, or for
which liability is imposed pursuant to, any Environmental Law.
“Hedge
Transaction” means any currency, interest or commodity purchase, cap or collar agreement, forward rate agreement, interest
rate, currency or commodity future or option contract, foreign exchange or currency purchase or sale agreement, interest rate swap, currency
swap, commodity swap or combined interest rate, commodity and/or currency swap agreement and any other similar agreement.
Annex A-14
“IFRS”
means the International Financial Reporting Standards (formerly International Accounting Standards) (IFRS) promulgated by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB), together with its pronouncements thereon from time to time, applied on a consistent basis.
“Incremental
Capex Amount” means, with respect to any Project and in connection with any Disbursement Milestone, an amount equal to: (a)
the Actual Cumulative Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone less (b) the Scheduled Cumulative Capex Amount corresponding to the
immediately preceding Disbursement Milestone for such Project (and for the purposes of the first Disbursement Milestone for any Project,
sub-clause (b) shall be deemed to be equal to zero).
“Indebtedness”
means as to any Person, and at any date, without duplication:
(a)
all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of such Person;
(b)
all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, letters of credit or other similar instruments;
(c)
all obligations of such Person to purchase securities (or other Property) that arise out of or in connection with the sale or
acquisition of the same or similar securities (or Property);
(d)
all obligations of such Person issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of Property or services other than
trade credit in the ordinary course of business;
(e)
all Guarantees by such Person;
(f)
all obligations of such Person under leases that are or should be, in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements,
recorded as Capital Leases in respect of which such Person is liable;
(g)
all deferred obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid or advanced under a letter
of credit or other instrument;
(h)
the currently available amount of all surety bonds, performance bonds, letters of credit or other similar instruments issued for
the account of such Person;
(i)
all liabilities secured by (or for which the holder of such liabilities has an existing right, contingent, or otherwise, to be
secured by) any Lien upon or in Property (including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not
assumed or become liable for the payment of such liabilities;
(j)
all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in
either case with respect to Property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement
in the event of any default are limited to repossession or sale of such Property);
(k)
obligations pursuant to any agreement to purchase materials, supplies or other Property if such agreement provides that payment
shall be made regardless of whether delivery of such materials, supplies or other Property is ever made or tendered;
(l)
all obligations in respect of any hedging agreement or similar arrangement between such Person and a financial institution providing
for the transfer or mitigation of interest risks either generally or under specific contingencies (but without regard to any notional
principal amount relating thereto); and
Annex A-15
(m)
all Contingent Obligations of such Person with respect to Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through
(l) above.
“Indebtedness
for Borrowed Money” means, as to any Person, without duplication: (a) all Indebtedness (including principal, interest, fees,
and charges) of such person or entity for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than any deferral
(i) in connection with the provision of credit in the ordinary course of business by any trade creditor or utility; or (ii) of any amounts
payable under the Major Project Documents); and (b) the aggregate amount required to be capitalized under any Capital Lease under which
such Person is the lessee.
“Indemnified
Liability” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.17(a) (Indemnification).
“Indemnified
Party” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.17(a) (Indemnification).
“Indian
Ocean Rare Metals” means Indian Ocean Rare Metals Pte Ltd, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Singapore.
“Ineligible
Uses of Funds” means the uses of Direct Funding to:
(a)
construct, modify or improve a facility outside of the United States;
(b)
physically relocate existing facility infrastructure to another jurisdiction in the United States, unless the Department has concluded
that such relocation is in the interest of the United States;
(c)
purchase any equity security that is listed on a national securities exchange of any Recipient Party or any Affiliate of such
Recipient Party;
(d)
pay dividends or make other capital distributions with respect to the common stock (or equivalent interest) of any Recipient Party
or any Affiliate of such Recipient Party;
(e)
pay off any federal direct or guaranteed loan or any other form of federal debt;
(f)
pay any indirect cost of the Recipient;
(g)
pay profits, fees, or other incremental charges to any Recipient Party above the actual costs incurred in executing the approved
scope of work subject to the Award;
(h)
pay costs of certain covered telecommunications or video surveillance services or equipment prohibited by Section 889 of the National
Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115-232);
(i)
apply any costs for purposes contrary to Applicable Law; or
(j)
provide any funds to any Foreign Entity of Concern.
“Initial
Decision-Maker” means any “Department Initial Decision-Maker” or “Recipient Initial Decision-Maker”
identified in Schedule F (Dispute Resolution), as applicable.
“Insolvency
Proceeding” means any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, company reorganization, restructuring, controlled management, suspension
of payments, scheme of arrangement, appointment of provisional liquidator, receiver or administrative receiver, notification, resolution,
or petition for winding up or similar proceeding, under any Applicable Law, in any jurisdiction and whether voluntary or involuntary.
Annex A-16
“Intellectual
Property” means any and all rights, priorities and privileges with respect to intellectual property, whether arising under
United States, multinational or foreign laws or otherwise, including any and all of the following, as they exist anywhere in the world,
whether registered or unregistered and including all registrations, issuances and applications therefor (whether or not any such applications
are modified, withdrawn, abandoned or resubmitted) and all extensions and renewals thereof and whether now or hereafter existing, created,
acquired or held:
(a)
all U.S., international and foreign patents and patent applications and all reissues, divisions, renewals, extensions, provisionals,
continuations and continuations-in-part thereof;
(b)
all Trade Secrets;
(c)
all copyrights or other rights associated with works of authorship, including all copyright registrations and applications for
copyright registration, renewals and extensions thereof, and all other rights corresponding thereto throughout the world;
(d)
all mask work rights, mask work registrations and applications therefor, and any equivalent or similar rights in Semiconductor
masks, layouts, architectures or topology;
(e)
all rights in industrial designs and any registrations and applications therefor throughout the world;
(f)
all rights to trade names, logos, trademarks and service marks, including registered trademarks and service marks and all applications
to register trademarks and service marks throughout the world;
(g)
all rights in Software;
(h)
all rights to any databases and data collections throughout the world;
(i)
all moral and economic rights of authors and inventors, however denominated, throughout the world; and
(j)
any similar or equivalent rights to any of the foregoing anywhere in the world.
“Intellectual
Property Embodiments” means tangible embodiments of Intellectual Property or Technology (including as embodied in Software)
in any form or medium (including without limitation, electronic media) that is Project IP.
“Interested
Party” means any (a) officer; (b) employee; (c) member of the board of directors or other governing board of any Recipient
Party; (d) parties that advise, approve, recommend, or otherwise participate in the business decisions of any Recipient Party, such as
agents, advisors, consultants, attorneys, accountants or shareholders; or (e) immediate family and other Persons directly connected to
the Interested Party by law or through a business arrangement.
“Internal
Revenue Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated and rulings
issued thereunder. Section references to the Internal Revenue Code are to the Internal Revenue Code as in effect as of the date hereof
and any subsequent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, amendatory thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.
“Investment”
means, for any Person, the making or acquisition, as applicable, of any deposit with, or advance, loan, or other extension of credit
to, any other Person or any guarantee of, or other Contingent Obligation with respect to, any Indebtedness or other liability of any
other Person and (without duplication) any amount committed to be advanced, lent, or extended to any other Person.
Annex A-17
“IT
Systems” has the meaning given to that term in Section 7.28(a) (Information Technology; Cyber Security; Data).
“ITAR”
means the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, administered by the US Department of State.
“Joint
Research” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Key
Person” means either an Award Date Key Person or a Satisfactory Replacement Employee, as context may require.
“Key
Person Group C” means, collectively, each of the Award Date Key Persons comprising the Award Date Key Person Group C, but excluding
any such Award Date Key Person which has been replaced by a Satisfactory Replacement Employee in accordance with Section 8.2.19(d)
(Key Person Requirements), together with each such Satisfactory Replacement Employee.
“Knowingly”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Knowledge”
means the actual knowledge of any Principal Persons of such Person or any knowledge that should have been obtained by any Principal Person
of any Recipient Party upon reasonable investigation and inquiry.
“LCM
Europe” means Less Common Metals Europe SAS, a société par actions simplifiée organized
and existing under the laws of France.
“LCM
Europe Committed Capital” means an aggregate amount not to exceed one hundred seventy million Dollars ($170,000,000) that is
committed to be invested in LCM Europe by (a) a French Governmental Authority or (b) an entity whose investment in LCM Europe is coordinated
by a French Governmental Authority, in each case, whether in the form of equity contributions, advances, loans, other extensions of credit
or other investments, and whose commitment, and all necessary agreements related thereto, are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Department.
“LCMG”
means LCMG Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 06619924.
“Lease”
means any agreement that would be characterized under the Applicable Accounting Requirements as an operating lease, including sub-leases.
“Less
Common Metals” means Less Common Metals Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered
number 02690088.
“Lien”
means any lien (statutory or other), pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, deed of trust, collateral, assignment, hypothecation,
title retention, fiduciary transfer, deposit arrangement, easement, encumbrance or preference, priority or other security agreement or
preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever in respect of an asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected
or effective under Applicable Law, as well as the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease
or other title retention agreement relating to such asset, (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any Capital
Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, or any preferential arrangement having the practical effect
of constituting a security interest with respect to the payment of any obligation with, or from the proceeds of, any asset or revenue
of any kind).
Annex A-18
“Loan
Guarantee Agreement” means that certain Loan Guarantee Agreement, dated as of the Award Date, entered into among the Recipient,
as borrower, the other Recipient Parties, as guarantors, and the Department.
“Lock-Up
Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Lock-Up Agreement entered into among the Recipient, [***], and [***], dated
on or about the date hereof.
“LOI”
means the Letter of Intent in respect of the Projects dated January 25, 2026.
“Magnet
Post-Award Purchase Commitment” means, collectively:
(a) a
Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI;
(b) the
associated Magnet Post-Award Quotation Documents;
(c) an
analysis provided by the Recipient to the Department demonstrating how such Magnet Post-Award
Purchase LOI meets each Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI requirement; and
(d) a
brief analysis provided by the Recipient to the Department that either:
(i) demonstrates
that the Recipient Parties can currently manufacture the magnet grade(s) indicated in the
Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI; or
(ii) demonstrates
that any technology development activities required to deliver the product(s) detailed in
the Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI can be completed before the customer’s required
delivery date.
“Magnet
Post-Award Purchase LOI” means a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding that:
(a) has
been executed after the Award Date by an Authorized Officer of a Recipient Party and a potential
customer;
(b) includes
a certification from an Authorized Officer of the potential customer that such customer has
a bona fide intent to place a purchase order for Product upon confirmation that the Recipient
Party is capable of manufacturing and delivering Product that meets the potential customer’s
qualification specifications at the scale required by the customer;
(c) sets
forth expectations for the:
(i) approximate
delivery date;
(ii) period
of performance;
(iii) volume
per year;
(iv) approximate
application/use case; and
(v) all
material contingencies to be set forth in the definitive agreement;
(d) references
the corresponding Magnet Post-Award Quotation Document;
(e) sets
forth that the Recipient has developed internally a prototype of the products detailed in
the associated Magnet Post-Award Quotation Documents that meet the potential customer’s
specifications for magnet grade; and
(f) is
in effect as of the date of the applicable Disbursement Date.
Annex A-19
“Magnet
Post-Award Quotation Documents” means for each Product, all documents submitted to a potential customer associated with the
associated Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI, including the following: the agreed pricing of each quoted Product; specification of each
Product in reasonable detail; grades of Product; and detailed drawings of each Product.
“Magnet
Pre-Award Purchase Commitment” means, collectively:
(a) a
Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI;
(b) the
associated Magnet Pre-Award Quotation Documents (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes
all Magnet Pre-Award Quotation Documents submitted to a potential customer associated with
such Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI);
(c) an
analysis provided by the Recipient to the Department demonstrating how such Magnet Pre-Award
Purchase LOI meets each Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI requirement; and
(d) a
brief analysis provided by the Recipient to the Department that either:
(i) demonstrates
that the Recipient Parties can currently manufacture the magnet grade(s) indicated in the
Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI, or
(ii) demonstrates
that any technology development activities required to deliver the product(s) detailed in
the Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI can be completed within the earlier of 6 months of the
Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI date and the end of the Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI’s
period of performance, notwithstanding customer qualifications.
“Magnet
Pre-Award Purchase LOI” means a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding that:
(a) has
been executed prior to the Award Date by a representative of a Recipient Party (with such
representative being acceptable to the Department) and a potential customer;
(b) includes
a certification from a representative of the potential customer (with such representative
being acceptable to the Department) that such customer has a bona fide intent to enter into
an agreement to purchase Product from such Recipient Party (or to enter negotiations to enter
into an agreement to purchase Product by such Recipient Party) upon confirmation that such
Recipient Party is capable of manufacturing and delivering Product that meets the potential
customer’s qualification specifications at the scale required by the customer;
(c) sets
forth in reasonable detail an expectation to purchase Product, including period of performance,
volume per year, and all material contingencies to be included in the definitive purchase
agreement (or, if all of these elements are not included in the letter of intent or memorandum
of understanding, separate documentation from such potential customer indicating such elements);
and
(d) is
in effect as of the date of the applicable Disbursement Date.
Annex A-20
“Magnet
Pre-Award Quotation Documents” means, for each Product, all documents submitted to a potential customer
associated with the associated Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI, including the following:
(a) the
agreed pricing of each quoted Product;
(b) specification
of each Product in reasonable detail;
(c) grades
of Product; and
(d) detailed
drawings of each Product.
“Magnet
Project 2” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Magnet
Project 2 Award” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(iv) (Award Amount).
“Magnet
Project 2 Facility” means the magnet manufacturing facility located at the Project Site for the Magnet Project 2 and including
all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such Project Site.
“Magnet
Project 2 Maximum Award Amount” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(iv) (Award Amount).
“Magnet
Purchase Commitments” means, collectively, each Magnet Post-Award Purchase Commitment and each Magnet Pre-Award Purchase Commitment.
“Major
Project Documents” means, with respect to any Project, collectively:
(a) the Lock-Up Agreement;
(b) each
Construction Contract (either an individual contract or multiple contracts with the same
counterparty) that obligates any Recipient Party to make payments in an aggregate amount
exceeding twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000) in total in the case of a single contract
or annually in the case of multiple contracts with the same counterparty, other than any
Construction Contract which the Department and the Recipient have agreed in writing shall
not constitute a Major Project Document;
(c) each
Supply Agreement (either an individual contract or multiple contracts with the same counterparty)
that obligates any Recipient Party to make payments in an aggregate amount exceeding twenty-five
million Dollars ($25,000,000) in total in the case of a single contract or annually in the
case of multiple contracts with the same counterparty, other than any Supply Agreement which
the Department and the Recipient have agreed in writing shall not constitute a Major Project
Document;
(d) any
contract or agreement entered into by any Recipient Party subsequent to the date hereof that
is designated a Major Project Document by the Department pursuant to Section 8.2.26
(Execution of Project Contracts);
Annex A-21
(e) the
Project IP Agreements;
(f) each
Real Property Document entered into in connection with, or otherwise relating to, such Project;
(g) each O&M Agreement (as defined
in the Loan Guarantee Agreement);
(h) any
contract or agreement entered into by any Recipient Party subsequent to the date hereof in
connection with such Project and designated in writing by the Department and the Recipient
as a “Major Project Document”;
(i) any
agreement entered into by any Recipient Party in replacement of any of the foregoing agreements,
in each case, as permitted in accordance with the terms of the Financing Documents, or otherwise
with the Department’s prior written consent and with a counterparty satisfactory to
the Department; and
(j) any material support instrument
provided in connection with any of the preceding.
Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, if any Major Project Document is replaced as permitted in accordance with the terms of the Financing
Documents, or otherwise with the Department’s prior written consent and with a counterparty satisfactory to the Department, such
Major Project Document shall cease to constitute a “Major Project Document” upon the execution of such replacement document.
“Major
Project Participant” means each Person (other than any Recipient Party) party to any Major Project Document.
“Material
Adverse Effect” means, as of any date of determination by the Department, a material and adverse effect on: (a) any Project;
(b) the ability of the Recipient, any other Recipient Party or any Major Project Participant to observe and perform its material
obligations or enforce its rights in a timely manner under any Financing Document to which it is a party; (c) the business, operations,
liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or Property of the Recipient, any Recipient Party, or any other Major Project Participant;
(d) the validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Financing Document; or (e) any material right or remedy
of the Department under the Financing Documents.
“Material
Expansion” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Maximum
Award Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1(a)(v) (Award Amount).
“Members
of the Affiliated Group” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Metal
Project 2” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Metal
Project 2 Award” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(v) (Award Amount).
“Metal
Project 2 Facility” means the strip casting and metal making facility located at the Project Site for the Metal Project 2 and
including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such Project Site.
“Metal
Project 2 Maximum Award Amount” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(v) (Award Amount).
Annex A-22
“Middlebury
Merger Sub Ltd.” means Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., a business company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the
British Virgin Islands, and an indirect, wholly owned Subsidiary of the Recipient and at all times following the consummation of the
Serra Verde Acquisition, successor to the Serra Verde Borrower.
“Milestone
Based Schedule” means, with respect to each Project, a milestone-based construction schedule that sets out each critical path
construction milestone (including each Disbursement Milestone) necessary to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project, which
schedule shall include at a minimum (a) anticipated monthly progress for each construction milestone; (b) estimated start dates for each
construction milestone; (c) estimated completion dates for each construction milestone; (d) progress metrics for each construction milestone;
and (e) other information requested by the Department.
“Milestone
Completion Longstop Date” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the relevant date set forth in
Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Milestone Completion Longstop Date”
in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Milestone
Disbursement Ratio” means, with respect to any Project and in connection with any Disbursement Milestone, the ratio, expressed
as a percentage, equal to (a) the Scheduled Disbursement Amount for such Disbursement Milestone to (b) the Scheduled Capex Amount for
such Disbursement Milestone, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled
“Milestone Disbursement Ratio” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Mitigation
Agreement” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“NOFO”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Non-Appealable”
means, with respect to any Required Approval, unless otherwise agreed by the Department, (a) such Required Approval is not subject to
any pending appeal, intervention or similar proceeding or any unsatisfied condition that may result in modification or revocation; and
(b) all applicable appeal periods have expired (except for any Required Approval that does not have any limit on an appeal period under
Applicable Law).
“Obligation”
means, with respect to any Person, any payment, performance or other obligation of such Person of any kind, including any liability of
such Person on any claim, whether or not the right of any creditor to payment in respect of such claim is reduced to judgment, liquidated,
unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured, and whether or not such claim
is discharged, stayed or otherwise affected by any Insolvency Proceeding; provided, that without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Obligations of the Recipient under the Financing Documents shall include the Department Obligations.
“OFAC”
means the Office of Foreign Assets Control, an agency of the United States Department of the Treasury under the auspices of the Under-Secretary
of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
“Officer’s
Certificate” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed on behalf of such Person by an Authorized Officer thereof
and relating to the items or matters for which such certificate is required, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to the Department.
“OIG”
means the Office of Inspector General of the Department.
“Operating
Budget” has the meaning given to that term in the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
Annex A-23
“Organizational
Documents” means, with respect to any Person: (a) to the extent such Person is a corporation, the certificate or articles of
incorporation and the by-laws of such Person; (b) to the extent such Person is a limited liability company, the certificate of formation
or memorandum or articles of formation, incorporation or organization and operating or limited liability company agreement of such Person;
and (c) to the extent such Person is a partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business, the partnership, joint venture, trust
or other applicable agreement of formation or organization, and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed
in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization
and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization or formation of such Person.
“Partial
Disbursement Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.6(b)(i) (Disbursement Amount).
“Partial
Disbursement Milestone” means any Disbursement Milestone for which the Incremental Capex Amount is less than ninety-seven and
one-half percent (97.5%) of the Scheduled Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone.
“Party”
and “Parties” has the meaning given to the term in the preamble hereto.
“Patriot
Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism
Act of 2001, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Period
of Performance” means, when used with reference to a specific Project, the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on
the second (2nd) anniversary of the Project Completion Date for such Project, and, when not used with reference to a specific Project,
means the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on the second (2nd) anniversary of the Project Completion Date for the last
Project to achieve the Project Completion Date.
“Periodic
Expenses” means all of the following amounts from time to time incurred under or in connection with the Financing Documents:
(a) recordation and other costs, fees and charges in connection with the execution, delivery, filing, registration or performance of
the Financing Documents or the recordation of the Federal interest in the Trust Property; (b) fees, charges and expenses of any Consultants;
and (c) other fees, charges, expenses and other amounts from time to time due under or in connection with the Financing Documents.
“Permitted
Convertible Loan Notes” means, collectively, one or more convertible loan notes issued, or to be issued, by the Recipient with
an aggregate face value not to exceed, for all such notes three hundred million Dollars ($300,000,000) and on terms and conditions satisfactory
to the Department, such terms and conditions to include, inter alia, (i) an interest rate not to exceed three percent (3%) per
annum, (ii) a final maturity date falling no earlier than seven (7) years following the date of issuance of such convertible loan
note and (iii) the obligations of the Recipient thereunder shall be unsecured.
“Permitted
Disposition” means:
(a)
any transaction permitted under the Financing Documents, including any Disposition of Product under any Magnet Purchase Commitment
or under any Customer Agreement;
(b) any
Disposition of any equipment or property (other than Trust Property) of any Recipient Party that is: (i) obsolete; (ii) no longer
used or useful in the operation of any Project; or (iii) replaced by other equipment of at least equal value and utility, and in all
cases for which the (A) relevant Recipient Party has received consideration in an amount equal to the value that would have been
obtained in an arm’s-length transaction with an unaffiliated third party (unless such assets only have scrap value); and (B)
such Dispositions are valued at not more than one million Dollars ($1,000,000) on an individual basis or five million Dollars
($5,000,000) on an aggregate basis among all Recipient Parties in any twelve (12) month period;
Annex A-24
(c)
any Disposition from any Recipient Party to any other Recipient Party;
(d)
any Disposition of Trust Property made in accordance with Section 6.3 (Dispositions of Trust Property); and
(e)
any Permitted Equity Transfer.
“Permitted
Equity Transfer” means any transaction or series of transactions after the Award Date with respect to the Disposition of any
direct or indirect Equity Interest in LCM Europe, where:
(a) the
transferee is a French Governmental Authority or an entity whose investment in LCM Europe
is coordinated by a French Governmental Authority;
(b) no
Event of Default or Potential Event of Default is continuing or would result from any such
transaction;
(c) the
transaction has received all Required Approvals from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction
over the Transfer; and
(d) under
any agreement entered into or amended in connection with such transfer, or giving effect
to such transfer (including but not limited to any shareholders agreement, partnership or
joint venture agreement, purchase and contribution or purchase and sale agreement, or LLC
agreement), the transferee has no right or ability to make or to permit to be made any transfer
of any direct or indirect Equity Interest in any Recipient Party other than a Permitted Equity
Transfer.
“Permitted
Indebtedness” means:
(a) any
Indebtedness created under the Financing Documents;
(b) Indebtedness
of any Recipient Party to any other Recipient Party;
(c) Indebtedness
under one or more Working Capital Facilities, solely to the extent that (i) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount under all such Working Capital Facilities does not exceed two
hundred fifty million Dollars ($250,000,000) at any time, (ii) each such Working Capital
Facility is entered into as and when required in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone
Schedule and in any event no later than June 30, 2027 and (iii) all such Indebtedness is
fully subordinated to the Secured Obligations pursuant to the Subordination and Intercreditor
Agreement;
(d) Permitted
Convertible Loan Notes;
(e) Indebtedness
comprised of purchase money obligations and Capital Leases incurred for the purpose of purchasing
or leasing property and equipment; provided that (i) such property and equipment does
not comprise an integral part of any Project; (ii) the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness
for such property and equipment does not exceed the cost of such property and equipment being
financed; (iii) the Indebtedness is budgeted in the Construction and Tool Installation Budget
or Operating Budget, as applicable; and (iv) the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness
outstanding at any time pursuant to this paragraph (e), does not exceed two million Dollars
($2,000,000);
Annex A-25
(f) Indebtedness
in respect of amounts due to trade creditors and accrued expenses, in each case arising in
the ordinary course of business and on terms requiring payment in full in not more than ninety
(90) days;
(g) Indebtedness
arising under surety bonds, performance bonds or similar instruments incurred in the ordinary
course of business; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding
at any time, does not exceed five million Dollars ($5,000,000) or, solely in the event that
the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness is greater than five million Dollars ($5,000,000)
due to the Recipient Parties’ being required to maintain certain bonds or similar instruments
in accordance with Applicable Law, the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness referred to in
this paragraph (g) does not exceed twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000);
(h) Guarantees
of any Recipient Party of Permitted Indebtedness of any other Recipient Party; provided
that to the extent such underlying Permitted Indebtedness is required to be subordinated
to the Secured Obligations pursuant to the terms hereof or of any other Financing Document,
any such Guarantee shall only constitute “Permitted Indebtedness” under this
paragraph (h) to the extent the obligations of the Recipient Party providing such Guarantee
are subordinated to the Secured Obligations pursuant to a subordination agreement in form
and substance satisfactory to the Department;
(i) Indebtedness
of any Recipient Party pursuant to any Hedge Transaction or similar arrangement not entered
into for speculative purposes;
(j) Indebtedness
under letter of credit obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition, holding or
development of the Additional Projects; provided that the aggregate amount of all
such Indebtedness outstanding at any time, does not exceed one hundred seventy-five million
Dollars ($175,000,000);
(k) Indebtedness
incurred in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored
value cards, purchase cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”)
or other similar cash management services, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course
of business and in accordance with the Construction and Tool Installation Budget or Operating
Budget, as applicable; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness
outstanding at any time pursuant to this paragraph (k), does not exceed two million Dollars
($2,000,000);
(l) Indebtedness
arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar
instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient
funds;
(m) to
the extent constituting Indebtedness, agreements of any Recipient Party for the deferred
payment of premiums or to finance the payment of premiums owing by any Recipient Party under
any insurance policies;
(n) other
unsecured Indebtedness not to exceed five million Dollars ($5,000,000) at any time outstanding;
and
(o) any
other Indebtedness as the Department may from time to time approve.
Annex A-26
“Permitted
LCM Europe Investments” means any direct or indirect equity contributions, advances, loans, other extensions of credit or other
investments by any Recipient Party to LCM Europe in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the sum of (a) three hundred thirty
million Dollars ($330,000,000), plus (b) any Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds (excluding any Excluded LCM Europe Equity
Proceeds received by the Recipient to satisfy the obligation set forth in the proviso in Section 8.2.31 (Reimbursement of Funds for
LCM Europe)), plus (c) any LCM Europe Committed Capital.
“Permitted
Liens” means:
(a) Liens
created pursuant to the Security Documents;
(b) any
Lien created in favor of any lender, agent or other secured party under a Working Capital
Facility described in, and satisfying the requirements of, paragraph (c) of the definition
of “Permitted Indebtedness”, solely to the extent that such Lien at all times
ranks junior to the Liens created in favor of the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents,
subject to the conditions described in that paragraph;
(c) Liens
for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is (i) not yet due; or (ii) being
diligently contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings timely instituted, so long
as (A) such proceedings shall not involve any danger of the sale, forfeiture or loss
of any Project; (B) such tax, assessment or other governmental charge is not more than
sixty (60) days delinquent; and (C) a bond, adequate reserves or other security acceptable
to the Department has been posted or provided in such manner and amount as to assure the
Department that any taxes, assessments or other charges determined to be due will promptly
be paid in full when such contest is determined;
(d) Liens
in favor of materialmen, workers or repairmen, or other like Liens arising in the ordinary
course of business or in connection with the construction of any Project, either for amounts
not yet due or for amounts being diligently contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings
timely instituted so long as (i) such proceedings shall not involve any danger of the
sale, forfeiture or loss of any part of any Project; and (ii) a bond or other security
acceptable to the Department has been posted or provided in such manner and amount as to
assure the Department that any amounts determined to be due will promptly be paid in full
when such contest is determined;
(e) Liens
identified in any ALTA Survey;
(f) Liens
arising under Real Property Documents;
(g) Liens
disclosed by the title insurance policies delivered under the Loan Guarantee Agreement on
or prior to the First FFB Advance Date (as defined in the Loan Guarantee Agreement), and
any replacement, extension or renewal of such Lien; provided, that such replacement, extension
or renewal Lien shall not cover any property other than the property that was subject to
such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or renewal;
(h) zoning,
entitlement, building and other land use regulations imposed by Governmental Authorities
having jurisdiction over the applicable Project Site that do not and will not materially
impair the development, construction, operation, or use by any Recipient Party of such Project
Site for the applicable Project;
(i) with
respect to any Project Site, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar
matters of record on or prior to the first Disbursement Date for the relevant Project affecting
title to such Project Site, or that are specifically identified in any land purchase agreement to be recorded against such Project Site,
which in either case do not and will not materially impair the development, construction, operation, or use by any Recipient Party of
such Project Site for the relevant Project;
Annex A-27
(j) any
other Lien affecting any Project Site the existence of which does not and will not impair
in any material respect the development, construction, operation, or use by any Recipient
Party of any Project Site for the relevant Project;
(k) Liens
(not securing Indebtedness) of depository institutions and securities intermediaries (including
rights of set-off or similar rights) with respect to deposit accounts or securities accounts;
(l) Liens
securing (i) attachments that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 10.1.8
(Attachment); (ii) judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section
10.1.9 (Judgments); or (iii) appeals and other surety bonds related to any such attachment
or judgment;
(m) deposits
to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, and leases (other than Indebtedness),
statutory obligations, surety bonds (other than bonds related to judgments or litigation),
performance bonds, and other obligations of a like nature; provided that such deposits
are made in the ordinary course of business;
(n) purported
Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements relating solely to
operating leases of personal property entered into in the ordinary course of business, so
long as such operating leases relate only to small equipment, laboratory equipment, copiers,
printers and other similar items of personal property; provided that the aggregate
value of all such leased personal property subject to such Liens does not exceed two million
Dollars ($2,000,000) at any time;
(o) to
the extent constituting tax Liens incurred in connection with the Stillwater Magnet Project
Facility and Stillwater Metal Project Facility, any obligations or duties of any Recipient
Party to any municipality or public authority with respect to any franchise, grant, license,
permit or agreement provided by or entered into with such municipality or public authority
to such Recipient Party in furtherance of the ordinary course conduct of the business of
such Recipient Party; provided that the aggregate amount subject to all such Liens
does not exceed ten million Dollars ($10,000,000);
(p) Liens
in respect of an agreement to dispose of property in transactions that constitute Permitted
Dispositions, to the extent such Liens extend only to the property to be disposed of;
(q) Liens
with respect to deposits to utility providers, lessors, telecommunication providers and other
similar deposits in the ordinary course; provided that if any such Lien is required
by a provider, lessor or telecommunications provider, the aggregate amount subject to all
such Liens do not exceed five million Dollars ($5,000,000);
(r) Liens
on cash, cash equivalents and other property arising in connection with the escrow, defeasance,
discharge or redemption of Indebtedness permitted hereunder;
(s) Liens
on cash and cash equivalents deposited into an escrow pursuant to (i) the escrow agreement
with respect to the Additional Projects that is in effect as of the Award Date and (ii)
any replacement or alternative escrow arrangement with a capital partner relating to such property, in each case solely to the extent
required in connection with the acquisition, holding or development of such property; provided that the aggregate amount subject
to such Liens shall not exceed eighty million Dollars ($80,000,000) under clause (i) above and one hundred seventy-five million Dollars
($175,000,000) under clause (ii) above;
Annex A-28
(t) Liens
on deposits to secure letters of credit permitted under paragraph (j) of the definition of
“Permitted Indebtedness”; provided that the aggregate amount subject to
such Lien shall not exceed one hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($175,000,000);
(u) any
interest or title of a lessor or sublessor (or licensor) under any lease of real estate;
(v) space
leases and subleases in the ordinary course of business; and
(w) Liens
securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to paragraph (e) of the definition of “Permitted
Indebtedness”; provided that any such Lien shall encumber only the assets acquired
with the proceeds of such Indebtedness (and any proceeds thereof).
“Permitted
Subordinated Loan” means any subordinated loans made by, or on behalf of, any Recipient Party to any other Recipient Party
in lieu of purchasing Equity Interests or reflecting non-cash intercompany allocations of overhead and other costs appropriately attributable
to such other Recipient Party and allocated in accordance with the lending Recipient Party’s customary allocation practices and
which is subordinated to the Department Obligations pursuant to a subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
“Person”
means any individual, firm, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust,
unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, committee, department, authority or any other body, incorporated or unincorporated,
whether having distinct legal personality or not.
“Platform”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 11.2(a) (Use of Websites).
“Potential
Event of Default” means an event or circumstance that, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would become an
Event of Default.
“Practice”
means to practice Intellectual Property in any way, including to use, reproduce, distribute, modify, improve, make, display, perform,
create derivative works of, access and utilize.
“Principal
Persons” means any officer, director, beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of equity interests that are not publicly
traded securities, other natural person (whether or not an employee) with executive responsibilities over a Recipient Party or who has
practical control over any Recipient Party, and each of their respective successors or assigns.
“Processing”
means any operation or set of operations that are performed on data or on sets of data, whether or not by automated means, including
creation, receipt, maintenance, access, acquisition, use, disclosure, transmission, storage, retention, processing, destruction, modification
or transfer (including cross-border transfer), and the words “Process” and similar constructions shall have correlative meanings.
“Product”
means:
(a) with
respect to the Round Top Mine Project, dysprosium oxide, gallium, gadolinium oxide, terbium
oxide, yttrium oxide, hafnium, zirconium, and mixed heavy rare earth carbonate that includes
holmium oxide, erbium oxide, thulium oxide, ytterbium oxide, and lutetium oxide;
(b) with
respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, rare-earth magnets;
(c) with
respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, strip-cast neodymium-iron-boron metal;
(d) with
respect to the Magnet Project 2, rare-earth magnets; and
(e) with respect to the Metal Project
2, strip-cast neodymium-iron-boron metal.
Annex A-29
“Production
Volume Schedule” means that schedule attached hereto as Schedule G (Production Volume Schedule).
“Program
Requirement” means each requirement set forth in Annex D (Program Requirements).
“Prohibited
Person” means any Person or entity that is:
(a) a
Sanctioned Person;
(b) debarred
or suspended from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof;
(c) debarred,
suspended, proposed for debarment with a final determination still pending, declared ineligible
or voluntarily excluded (as such terms are defined in any of the Debarment Regulations) from
contracting with any United States federal government department or any agency or instrumentality
thereof or otherwise participating in procurement or non-procurement transactions with any
United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations;
or
(d) indicted,
convicted or had a Governmental Judgment rendered against it for any of the offenses listed
in any of the Debarment Regulations.
“Project”
and “Projects” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Project
Commencement Clawback Date” means:
(a) with
respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Award Date;
(b) with
respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, the Award Date;
(c) with
respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, the Award Date;
(d) with
respect to the Magnet Project 2, June 30, 2027; and
(e) with
respect to the Metal Project 2, September 30, 2027.
“Project
Commencement Date” means, with respect to any Project, and as demonstrated by evidence delivered to the Department, in form
and substance satisfactory to the Department, the date on which the Recipient (or other relevant Recipient Party) commenced the construction
of such Project.
“Project
Completion Clawback Date” means, with respect to any Project, the date by which the Recipient is required to achieve the
Project Completion Date for such Project as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule under the column entitled
“Clawback Date” with respect to the final Disbursement Milestone for such Project.
Annex A-30
“Project
Completion Date” means, with respect to any Project, the first date on which the applicable Project Completion Requirements
have been achieved with respect to such Project to the satisfaction of the Department.
“Project
Completion Requirements” means, with respect to any Project:
(a)
the final Disbursement Milestone for such Project has been achieved to the satisfaction of the Department;
(b)
no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall exist as of the Project Completion Date or would result from the occurrence
of the Project Completion Date;
(c)
each of the representations and warranties made (or deemed made) by any Recipient Party in any Financing Document shall be true
and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation and warranty itself is qualified by “materiality,”
“material adverse effect” or a similar qualifier, in which case it shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such
date, except to the extent such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date or time (in which event such representation
or warranty shall be true and correct as of such date or time);
(d)
the Recipient has delivered to the Department a project completion certificate executed by an Authorized Officer of the Recipient,
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D (Form Of Project Completion Certificate), certifying that each of the requirements
set forth in clauses (a) through (c) above has been satisfied as of the date of such certificate.
“Project
Costs” means, with respect to any Project, all costs that have been incurred or are projected to be incurred by the Recipient
or other relevant Recipient Party in connection with the construction, expansion or modernization of such Project through the Project
Completion Date for such Project, including:
(a)
amounts payable under the Construction Contracts entered into in connection with such Project;
(b)
fees and expenses payable under the Financing Documents prior to such Project Completion Date;
(c)
principal and interest payments on the Guaranteed Loan occurring prior to such Project Completion Date;
(d)
costs to acquire title or use rights to the applicable Project Site, necessary easements and other real Property interests;
(e)
costs and expenses of legal, engineering, accounting, construction management and other advisors or Consultants incurred in connection
with any Project;
(f)
fees, commissions and expenses payable to the Department;
(g)
development costs to the extent permitted to be paid under the Financing Documents in connection with such Project;
Annex A-31
(h)
insurance premiums in respect of insurance required to be obtained in connection with such Project pursuant to Section 8.2.4
(Insurance), to the extent obtained prior to the applicable Project Completion Date for such Project;
(i)
the applicable Recipient Party’s labor costs and general and administration costs;
(j)
costs incurred under any relevant operations and management agreement and mobilization costs included in the Base Case Financial
Model for such Project; and
(k)
such other costs or expenses approved by the Department.
“Project
IP” means, with respect to any Project, all Technology and Intellectual Property that is: (a) material or necessary for, and
used in or arising from, the development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, starting up, commissioning, ownership, operation
or maintenance of such Project or incorporated into the sale of Products or services manufactured or provided using such Project; (b)
necessary to achieve the applicable Project Completion Date; or (c) necessary for the manufacturing and provision of goods manufactured
or services provided using such Project or the use of such goods or services, as applicable at the relevant time, but excluding, in each
case, any Technology and Intellectual Property (including Software) that: (i) has not been created by, or modified or customized for
a Recipient Party; (ii) is readily commercially available; and (iii) is licensed under standard terms and conditions.
“Project
IP Agreement” means:
(a)
any agreements between Recipient Parties for Project IP; and
(b)
with respect to each Project, collectively each other agreement granting or document evidencing the Recipient or any other relevant
Recipient Party’s exclusive ownership of or rights to use Project IP (including assignment, license, sub-license or other agreements)
or rights to use Project IP for such Project.
“Project
Site” means:
(a)
with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Real Property described on Part 1 (Round Top Mine Project) of Schedule
C (Project Sites);
(b)
with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, the Real Property described on Part 2 (Stillwater Magnet Project) of Schedule
C (Project Sites);
(c)
with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, the Real Property described on Part 3 (Stillwater Metal Project) of
Schedule C (Project Sites);
(d)
with respect to the Magnet Project 2, the Real Property described on Part 4 (Magnet Project 2 and Metal Project 2)
of Schedule C (Project Sites); and
(e)
with respect to the Metal Project 2, the Real Property described on Part 4 (Magnet Project 2 and Metal Project 2)
of Schedule C (Project Sites).
“Property”
means, unless otherwise specifically limited, real or personal property of any kind, tangible or intangible, choate or inchoate.
“Prudent
Industry Practice” shall mean, with respect to any Project, that range of practices, methods, equipment, specifications,
and standards of safety and performance, as are commonly accepted in the Semiconductor industry as good, safe, prudent and
commercial practices in connection with the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair and use of such Project.
Annex A-32
“Qualified
Public Company Shareholder” means each Person that holds, directly or indirectly, shares in a company, which shares are not
restricted or closely held, but are freely available to the public for trading on any national securities exchange approved by or registered
with the competent securities regulator of the relevant country.
“Real
Property” means, with respect to any Person, all right, title and interest of such Person in and to any and all parcels of
real Property owned, leased or encumbered by such Person, together with all improvements and appurtenant fixtures, equipment, easements,
mineral rights and other Property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“Real
Property Documents” means:
(a)
with respect to any Project, collectively, all instruments vesting in any Recipient Party a Real Property right or contractual
right in the relevant Project Site or any portion thereof or that are otherwise necessary for such Project, including, to the Recipient
Party’s Knowledge, all easements, rights of way, mineral rights and other land rights required to be obtained by Major Project
Participants pursuant to the Financing Documents entered into in relation to such Project or that are necessary for the performance of
their obligations related thereto, together with any instruments encumbering, burdening or restricting the Recipient’s right in
and to the applicable Project Site or any portion thereof; and
(b)
the ALTA Survey with respect to the applicable Project Site.
“Recipient”
has the meaning given to the term in the preamble hereto.
“Recipient
Party” means any of:
(a)
the Recipient;
(b)
each other Party to this Agreement that is an Affiliate of the Recipient; and
(c)
any other Person from time to time that executes a joinder to this Agreement as a Recipient Party from time with the consent of
the Department and the Recipient Party Agent.
“Recipient
Party Agent” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.21.1 (Recipient Party Agent Appointment, Acceptance
and Authority).
“Referral”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.4 (Referral to Initial Decision-Maker).
“Related
Entity” has the meaning given to the term in the Definitions to Annex C (Guardrail Provisions).
“Release”
means disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking, leaching, dumping, pumping, pouring, emitting, escaping, emptying, depositing
or seeping into the environment, and the term “Released” and similar constructions have correlative meanings.
“Relevant
Event” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice).
“Required
Approvals” means all Governmental Approvals and other consents and approvals of third parties necessary or required by any
Recipient Party and, to the Knowledge of the Recipient Parties each Major Project Participant (or with respect to its respective
Properties) under Applicable Law, the Program Requirements, the Financing Documents or any contractual obligation including: (a) the
due execution, delivery recordation, filing or performance by any Recipient Party or Major Project Participant of any Financing
Document to which such Recipient Party or Major Project Participant is or is to be a party; (b) the grant by the Recipient and each
other relevant Recipient Party of the Liens granted by such Person pursuant to the Financing Documents; (c) the exercise by the
Department of its rights under any of the Financing Documents or the remedies in respect of the Federal Interest; (d) the
development, construction, operation or maintenance of the Project; and (e) the Recipient’s ownership of the Project, other
than those that are of a routine nature and can be obtained in the ordinary course of business.
Annex A-33
“Responding
Party” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice).
“Round
Top Mine Project” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Round
Top Mine Project Award” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(i) (Award Amount).
“Round
Top Mine Project Maximum Award Amount” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(i) (Award Amount).
“Round
Top Project Facility” means a rare earth mining and processing facility located in Sierra Blanca, Texas at the Project Site
for the Round Top Project and including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such Project
Site.
“Safety
Review Report” means a safety review report, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, detailing how the Recipient
and any other relevant Recipient Party will secure and store nuclear material, processes for transferring material to a third-party disposal
company, and implementing best practices relevant to safety identified during a third-party review of relevant processes at the Wheat
Ridge R&D Facility.
“SAM”
means the System for Award Management electronic database administered by the United States General Services Administration, found at
www.sam.gov.
“Sanctioned
Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory that is itself the subject or target of comprehensive country-wide
or territory-wide Sanctions.
“Sanctioned
Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person identified on any Sanctions List; (b) any Person located, organized or resident
in a Sanctioned Country; (c) any Person owned fifty percent (50%) or more or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the
foregoing clause (a) or (b); or (d) any Person that is otherwise the subject or target of any Sanctions.
“Sanctions”
means any laws concerning or relating to economic, financial or trade sanctions, embargoes, or similar restrictive measures imposed,
administered, enacted or enforced by a Sanctions Authority.
“Sanctions
Authority” means any agency, department, division or instrumentality of the United States federal government, including OFAC,
the U.S. Department of State, and BIS.
“Sanctions
List” means any list of designated Persons maintained by any Sanctions Authority, including, without limitation, the
“Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list, “Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List,” and
“Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List” maintained by OFAC and the “Denied Persons
List,” “Entity List,” “Unverified List,” and “Military End-User List” maintained by
BIS.
“Satisfactory
Replacement Employee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 8.2.19(d) (Key
Person Requirements).
Annex A-34
“Scheduled
Capex Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested Disbursement,
the scheduled amount of Capital Expenditures to be incurred by the relevant Recipient Party for such Disbursement Milestone as set forth
in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Scheduled Capex Amount” in
the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled
Cumulative Capex Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested
Disbursement, an amount equal to the aggregate of the Scheduled Capex Amounts for the applicable Disbursement Milestone and all prior
Disbursement Milestones for such Project, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the
column entitled “Scheduled Cumulative Capex Amount” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled
Cumulative Disbursement Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any
requested Disbursement, an amount equal to the aggregate of the Scheduled Disbursement Amounts for the applicable Disbursement Milestone
and all prior Disbursement Milestones for such Project, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project
under the column entitled “Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled
Cumulative Disbursement Ratio” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any
requested Disbursement, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, equal to (a) the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount applicable to
such Disbursement Milestone for such Project divided by (b) the Scheduled Cumulative Capex Amount applicable to such Disbursement
Milestone for such Project as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled
“Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Ratio” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled
Disbursement Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested
Disbursement, the scheduled amount of the Maximum Award Amount to be made by the Department for such Disbursement Milestone, as set forth
in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Scheduled Disbursement Amount”
in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Secretary”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Secured
Obligations” has the meaning given to the term in the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
“Securities
Issuance Agreement” means the Securities Issuance Agreement entered into on the Award Date between the Department and the Recipient.
“Security
Document” has the meaning given to the term in the Loan Guarantee Agreement.
“Semiconductor”
has the meaning given to the term in the definitions of Annex C (Guardrail Provisions).
Annex A-35
“Semiconductor
Manufacturing Capacity” has the meaning given to the term in the definitions of Annex C (Guardrail Provisions).
“Semiconductor
MOU” means any memoranda of understanding entered into, or to be entered into, between any Recipient Party and a semiconductor
end- or midstream user, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
“Sensitive
Information” means: (a) any information that is subject to Data Protection Laws; (b) Trade Secrets, or any other information
in which any Recipient Party has confidential Intellectual Property (including any relevant Project IP owned by any Recipient Party);
and (c) any information with respect to which any Recipient Party has contractual non-disclosure obligations.
“Serra
Verde Acquisition” means the merger of the Serra Verde Borrower with and into Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. pursuant to the Serra
Verde Acquisition Agreement.
“Serra
Verde Acquisition Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 19, 2026, by and among the
Recipient, Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., the Serra Verde Borrower, and Serra Verde Rare Earths Ltd., a company incorporated and existing
under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, as seller representative, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, or otherwise
modified from time to time.
“Serra
Verde Borrower” means SVRE Holdings Ltd., a business company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin
Islands.
“Serra
Verde Call Option Agreement” means a call option agreement to be entered into between Serra Verde Holdco and the buyer under
that certain Offtake Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2026, between SV Management Switzerland AG and US SIIE, LLC.
“Serra
Verde Holdco” means a to-be-formed limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware that is a direct
subsidiary of USARE LLC and the direct parent of Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.
“Serra
Verde Mortgage of Shares” means an equitable mortgage over 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Middlebury Merger Sub
Ltd. to be entered into by Serra Verde Holdco to secure the obligations under that certain Finance Agreement, by and between the Serra
Verde Borrower (or, as applicable, Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. as successor to the Serra Verde Borrower following the Serra Verde Acquisition)
and United States International Development Finance Corporation, dated as of January 21, 2026, as amended on March 5, 2026, and as further
amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Significant
Transaction” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Software”
means any and all: (a) computer programs and software implementations of algorithms, models and methodologies, in each case, whether
in source code, object code or any other form; (b) descriptions, flow charts and other work product used to design, plan, organize and
develop any of the foregoing, firmware, development tools, configurations, interfaces, platforms and applications; (c) data, databases
and compilations; and (d) documentation supporting or related to any of the foregoing (including training materials). Software shall
include “software” as such term is defined in the UCC and computer programs that may be construed as included in the definition
of “goods” in the UCC, including any licensed rights to Software, and all media that may contain Software or recorded data
of any kind.
Annex A-36
“Solvency”
means (a) the fair saleable value (on a going concern basis) of such Persons assets exceed its liabilities, contingent or otherwise,
fairly valued; (b) such Person will be able to pay its debts as they become due; and (c) upon paying its debts as they become due, such
Person will not be left with unreasonably small capital as is necessary to satisfy all of its current and reasonably anticipated obligations,
and the term “Solvent” and similar constructions shall have correlative meanings.
“Source
Code” means, with respect to any Software, the human-readable form of such Software.
“Sources
and Uses Plan” means the detailed description of the overall financing plan for each Project, delivered by the Recipient to
the Department pursuant to Section 4.3 (Financial Model; Sources and Uses Plan; Budget; Schedule), as amended or supplemented
pursuant to the terms of the Financing Documents, which includes expected sources and uses of funding associated with such Project (including
specific line items for each material component, phase or element of such Project); and Capital Expenditures and operating losses for
such Project through the Period of Performance.
“Stillwater
Magnet Project” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Stillwater
Magnet Project Award” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(ii) (Award Amount).
“Stillwater
Magnet Project Facility” means the magnet manufacturing portion of the facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the Project
Site for the Stillwater Magnet Project and including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated,
on such Project Site.
“Stillwater
Magnet Project Maximum Award Amount” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(ii) (Award Amount).
“Stillwater
Metal Project” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Stillwater
Metal Project Award” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(iii) (Award Amount).
“Stillwater
Metal Project Facility” means the strip casting and metal making portion of the facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma at
the Project Site for the Stillwater Metal Project and including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be
situated, on such Project Site.
“Stillwater
Metal Project Maximum Award Amount” has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.1(a)(iii) (Award Amount).
“Subaward”
means an award to carry out the Authorized Purpose that is not a contract for goods or services.
“Subordination
and Intercreditor Agreement” means any subordination and intercreditor agreement entered into in connection with a Working
Capital Facility.
“Subsidiary”
means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other
business entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of such Person in such Person’s consolidated financial
statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements as of such date, as
well as any other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other business entity of which
more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of shares of stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to
the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees or other
Persons performing similar functions) having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof is at
the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a
combination thereof.
Annex A-37
“Supply
Agreement” means:
(a)
each supply agreement entered into between a Recipient Party and a supplier satisfactory to the Department for the supply of NdPr
oxide, Dy oxide, Tb oxide, other rare earth oxide, and/or mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC); and
(b)
any other document designated in writing as a Supply Agreement by the Recipient and the Department.
“Taxes”
means all taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest,
penalties or additions thereto imposed in respect thereof.
“Technology”
means regardless of form, any invention (whether or not patentable or reduced to Practice), discovery, information, work of authorship,
articles of manufacture, machines, methods, processes, models, procedures, protocols, designs, diagrams, drawings, documentation, flow
charts, network configurations and architectures, schematics, specifications, concepts, data, databases and data collections, algorithms,
formulas, know-how, and techniques, Software code, including all Source Code, object code, firmware, development tools and application
programming interfaces, tools, materials, marketing and development plans, and other forms of technology and all media on which any of
the foregoing is recorded.
“Technology
Clawback Term” means, with respect to any Project, the period commencing on the Award Date and ending on the last day of the
Period of Performance.
“Technology
Licensing” has the meaning given to the term in the definitions of Annex C (Guardrail Provisions).
“Termination
Date” means the date that is the later of (a) the last day of the Period of Performance, and (b) the tenth (10th) anniversary
of the Award Date.
“Threshold
Event of Loss” means any Event of Loss involving an amount in excess of twenty five million Dollars ($25,000,000).
“TMRC”
means Texas Mineral Resources Corp., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“TMRC
Acquisition” means (a) the merger of Hamer Inc. with and into TMRC and (b) thereafter, the merger of TMRC with and into Hamer
LLC, in each case, pursuant to the TMRC Acquisition Agreement.
“TMRC
Acquisition Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 4, 2026, among TMRC, the Recipient, Hamer
Inc. and Hamer LLC, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Total
Equity Raise Requirements” has the meaning given to such term in Section 8.2.18 (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants).
Annex A-38
“Total
Funding Plan” means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the sum of: (a) the unused portion of
the Maximum Award Amount for such Project; plus (b) the remaining amount available to be capitalized as interest in respect of
the FFB Advances under the FFB Notes as part of the Maximum Capitalized Interest Amount for such Project (in each case, as defined in
the Loan Guarantee Agreement); plus (c) the unused portion (if any) of the equity committed pursuant to Section 8.2.18
(Liquidity Requirements) for such Project on terms satisfactory to the Department; plus (d) amounts received as delay payments
and Loss Proceeds (as defined in the Loan Guarantee Agreement) (to the extent not already applied to the payment of Project Costs) for
such Project; plus (e) any other unused equity funding that is committed for such Project; plus (f) the unused portion
(if any) of the commitments under the Loan Guarantee Agreement and the FFB Documents; plus (g) the unused portion (if any) of
the commitments under any Working Capital Facility that are available to pay Project Costs for such Project; plus (h) all cash
and cash equivalents of the Recipient Parties that is available to pay Project Costs for such Project (excluding, for the avoidance of
doubt, cash and cash equivalents required to be maintained pursuant to Section 8.2.18 (Liquidity Requirements)); plus (i)
any other funding that the Department determines to be reasonably likely to become available to the relevant Recipient Party after such
date of determination to pay all remaining Project Costs for such Project.
“Total
Project Costs” means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the total amount of Project Costs reasonably
likely to be required to be paid by any Recipient Party to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project.
“Total
Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the cash portion of the total purchase
price paid by the Recipient to acquire 100% of the ownership interests in the Serra Verde Borrower pursuant to the Serra Verde Acquisition
Agreement plus (b) the aggregate amount of all fees, costs and expenses paid, or otherwise incurred, by or on behalf of any Recipient
Party in connection with such acquisition.
“Trade
Secrets” means any trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary information, including know-how, inventions, processes,
procedures, algorithms, Source Code, databases, concepts, ideas, research or development information, techniques, technical information
and data, specifications, methods, discoveries, modifications, extensions, and customer and supplier lists, in each case, whether or
not reduced to a written or other tangible form.
“Transfer”
means any sale, assignment, pledge, creation of a security interest or other transfer, regardless of whether carried out directly or
indirectly.
“True-Up
Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.2.6(c) (Disbursement Amount).
“Trust
Property” means those assets of the Recipient that are acquired or improved in whole or in part with the proceeds of any Direct
Funding, including (a) all real property of the Recipient (including leasehold and fee interests of the Recipient and the site of each
Eligible Facility); (b) all equipment, supplies and other existing and after-acquired personal property of the Recipient (including all
contracts, agreements and warranties of the Recipient with respect to such equipment, supplies and personally property); and (c) all
intangible assets and Intellectual Property of the Recipient, and licenses to Intellectual Property granted to the Recipient.
“UCC”
means the Uniform Commercial Code of the applicable jurisdiction.
“United
States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America.
Annex A-39
“Unrestricted
Cash” means, at any time, (a) the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents of the Recipient Parties (determined on a Consolidated
Basis, without duplication) at such time that are not subject to any pledge, Lien or control agreement (excluding (i) statutory Liens
in favor of any depositary bank where such cash or cash equivalents are maintained and (ii) Liens created by the Financing Documents),
less (b) without duplication, the aggregate of (i) amounts otherwise included in the foregoing clause (a) that are held by a Person
other than a Recipient Party as a deposit or security for contractual obligations and (ii) any other cash or cash equivalent which would
be designated as “restricted” in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements (except, in each case, as a result
of the Financing Documents).
“USARE
LLC” means USA Rare Earth, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“Warrant”
means the Warrant to be issued on the Award Date by the Recipient in favor of the Department.
“Wheat
Ridge R&D Facility” means the Recipient’s research and development facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
“Working
Capital Facility” means one or more revolving credit facilities required pursuant to Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone
Schedule) and in each case, having a final maturity date of no less than three (3) years from the date of the initial borrowing thereunder.
“Working
Capital Facility Collateral” means the total amount of any cash collateral that a Working Capital Facility lender requires
any Recipient Party to provide at any time in order to obtain and maintain a Working Capital Facility.
“WSP”
means WSP USA, Inc. or any successor to its construction advisory business.
Annex A-40
Annex
B
Rules of Interpretation
For
all purposes of this Agreement, including any Exhibits, Schedules, Annexes and Appendices hereto, unless otherwise indicated or required
by the context:
1. Plurals
and Gender. Defined terms in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa,
and the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include all genders.
2. Use
of Or. The word “or” is not exclusive.
3. Change
of Law. Each reference to an Applicable Law or Environmental Law includes any amendment,
supplement or modification of such Applicable Law or Environmental Law, as the case may be,
and all regulations, rulings and other Applicable Laws or Environmental Laws promulgated
thereunder, including with respect to any successor Applicable Law or Environmental Law.
4. Successor
and Assigns. A reference to a Person includes its successors and permitted assigns.
5. Including.
The words “include,” “includes” and “including” are not
limiting and mean include, includes and including “without limitation,” “without
limitation by specification” and “but not limited to.”
6. Hereof,
Herein, Hereunder. The words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder”
and words of similar import when used in any document shall refer to such document as a whole
and not to any particular provision of such document.
7. Articles,
Sections, Exhibits. A reference in a document to an Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule,
Annex or Appendix is to the Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule, Annex or Appendix of such
document unless otherwise indicated.
8. Attachments,
Replacements, Amendments. References to any document, instrument or agreement (a) shall
include all Exhibits, schedules, annexes and appendices thereto, and all Exhibits, schedules,
annexes or appendices to any document shall be deemed incorporated by reference in such document;
(b) shall include all documents, instruments or agreements issued or executed in replacement
thereof; and (c) shall mean such document, instrument or agreement, or replacement thereto,
as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time and
in effect at any given time to the extent that any such amendment, amendment and restatement,
supplement, or modification is permitted under the terms of such document, instrument or
agreement and under the terms of the Financing Documents.
9. Periods
and Time. Unless otherwise specified, references to “days,” “weeks,”
“months” and “years” shall mean calendar days, weeks, months and
years, respectively. References to a time of day shall mean such time in Washington, D.C.
10. Department
Determinations. Any determination made by the Department pursuant to this Agreement or
any other Financing Document shall be determined at the discretion of the Department, provided
that the Department shall not unlawfully withhold or unreasonably delay a decision,
nor act in an arbitrary or capricious manner, abuse of its discretion, or otherwise act not in accordance with the law.
Annex B-1
11. Ambiguities.
The Financing Documents are the result of negotiations and have been reviewed by each party
to the Financing Documents and their respective counsel. Accordingly, the Financing Documents
shall be deemed to be the product of all parties thereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed
in favor of or against any Person.
12. Continuing
Definitions. With respect to any term that is defined by reference to any document, for
purposes hereof, such term shall continue to have the original definition notwithstanding
any termination, expiration or modification of such document.
13. Headings.
The table of contents and article and section headings and other captions have been inserted
as a matter of convenience for the purpose of reference only and do not limit or affect the
meaning of the terms and provisions thereof.
14. Accounting
Terms. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed
in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial
calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity
with GAAP (or, in the case of any financial statements or ratios based thereon, in accordance
with such other Applicable Accounting Requirements as may be applicable as specified herein),
applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time and in a manner consistent
with that used in preparing the audited financial statements delivered pursuant to Section
4.4 (Financial Statements) and the audited financial statements required from time
to time pursuant to Annex F (Reporting Covenants), except as otherwise specifically
prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance
with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein,
Indebtedness of any Recipient Party shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding
principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial
liabilities shall be disregarded.
15. Reasonable
Efforts. The expression “reasonable efforts” and expressions of like import,
when used in connection with an obligation of either party, means taking in good faith and
with due diligence all commercially reasonable steps to achieve the objective and to perform
the obligation, including doing all that can reasonably be done in the circumstances taking
into account each party’s obligations hereunder to mitigate delays and additional costs
to the other party, and in any event taking no less steps and efforts than those that would
be taken by a commercially reasonable and prudent person in comparable circumstances, where
the whole of the benefit of the obligation and where all the results of taking such steps
and efforts accrued solely to that person’s own benefit.
16. Reasonableness.
The words “reasonable”, “reasonably”, “unreasonably”
and words of similar import, when applied to the Department’s satisfaction, acceptance,
determination, consent, discretion or approval, take into account any special consideration
affecting decisions of the Department in its capacity as a governmental entity or its responsibilities
as such and are based on its policies, practices, and procedures, and law and regulations
applicable to it.
17. Conflict.
Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, in the case of any conflict between the
terms of this Agreement and the terms of any Financing Document, the terms of this Agreement,
as between the Recipient and the Department, shall prevail.
18. Independence
of Covenants. All covenants hereunder and under the other Financing Documents shall be
given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by
any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or would otherwise
be within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of a Potential
Event of Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken or condition exists.
19. Order
of Precedence. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions included in
the body of this Agreement, the Funding Obligation and the terms and conditions included
in any of the attachments hereto, the order of precedence shall be: (a) Funding Obligation,
(b) Annex B (Rules of Interpretation), (c) Annex C (Guardrail Provisions)
(including the Definitions set forth therein), (d) Annex E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements)
(including the Definitions set forth therein), (e) the body of this Agreement, (f) Annex
A (Definitions), (g) Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone Schedule), (h) Schedule
A (Fiscal Year Appropriations), (i) Annex D (Program Requirements),
and (j) Annex F (Reporting Covenants).
Annex B-2
EX-10.2 — LOAN GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, 2026, BY AND AMONG USA RARE EARTH, INC., THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY THERETO AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
EX-10.2
Filename: ea029340201ex10-2.htm · Sequence: 3
Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTION VERSION
Dated as of June 3, 2026
USA RARE EARTH, INC.
as Borrower
OTHER PARTIES HERETO
as Borrower Entities
and
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF COMMERCE
as the Department
Round
top, stillwater AND Additional PROJECTS
LOAN
GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
LOAN ID NO. AP-2026-0044
table of Contents
Page
Article 1 DEFINITIONS
2
Article 2 GUARANTEE; FFB ADVANCES
2
Section 2.1.
Guarantee
2
Section 2.2.
Availability and Reductions
3
Section 2.3.
Funding Procedures
4
Section 2.4.
No Liability
4
Section 2.5.
Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount
5
Section 2.6.
No Interest; No Approval of Work
6
Article 3 PAYMENTS; PREPAYMENTS
7
Section 3.1.
Payments
7
Section 3.2.
Prepayments
8
Section 3.3.
DOC Fees
11
Section 3.4.
Net of Tax
12
Section 3.5.
Payment of Costs and Expenses
13
Article 4 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE AWARD DATE
13
Section 4.1.
Conditions Precedent to the Award Date
13
Article 5 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FFB ADVANCES
17
Section 5.1.
Conditions Precedent to First FFB Advance
17
Section 5.2.
Conditions Precedent to Each FFB Advance
20
Article 6 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
24
Section 6.1.
Organization
24
Section 6.2.
Authorization; No Conflict
25
Section 6.3.
Compliance with Laws
25
Section 6.4.
Legality; Validity; Enforceability
25
Section 6.5.
Real Property
26
Section 6.6.
Security Interests; Liens
26
Section 6.7.
Project IP Liens
27
Section 6.8.
Required Approvals
27
Section 6.9.
Intellectual Property
27
Section 6.10.
Litigation
28
Section 6.11.
Labor Disputes
28
Section 6.12.
Taxes
28
Section 6.13.
Financial Statements
28
i
Section 6.14.
Business; Contracts; Other Transactions
29
Section 6.15.
Disbursement Milestone Schedule and Construction and Tool Installation Budget; Operating Forecasts
29
Section 6.16.
Adequate Project Funding
29
Section 6.17.
Environmental Laws
29
Section 6.18.
Federal Requirements
30
Section 6.19.
Investment Company Act
30
Section 6.20.
Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws
31
Section 6.21.
ERISA
32
Section 6.22.
Margin Regulations
32
Section 6.23.
Accounts
32
Section 6.24.
Insolvency Proceedings; Solvency
33
Section 6.25.
No Defaults
33
Section 6.26.
No Force Majeure
33
Section 6.27.
No Event of Loss
33
Section 6.28.
Material Adverse Effect
33
Section 6.29.
Full Disclosure
33
Section 6.30.
Project Documents
33
Section 6.31.
No Immunity
33
Section 6.32.
No Federal Debt Delinquency
34
Section 6.33.
No Debarment
34
Section 6.34.
Information Technology; Cyber Security; Data
34
Section 6.35.
CFIUS
34
Article 7 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
35
Section 7.1.
Reporting Covenants
35
Section 7.2.
Internal Controls; Monitoring and Reporting
35
Section 7.3.
Operations
35
Section 7.4.
Compliance with Applicable Law
35
Section 7.5.
Insurance; Event of Loss
36
Section 7.6.
Taxes
37
Section 7.7.
Eligible Uses of Funds
38
Section 7.8.
Diligent Execution of Projects
38
Section 7.9.
Equity Contributions
38
Section 7.10.
Equipment
38
Section 7.11.
Intellectual Property
39
Section 7.12.
Required Approvals
40
ii
Section 7.13.
Corporate Separateness
40
Section 7.14.
Public Announcements
40
Section 7.15.
Federal Requirements
40
Section 7.16.
Code of Conduct; Conflict of Interest
42
Section 7.17.
Authorized Purpose
42
Section 7.18.
Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants
43
Section 7.19.
Key Person Requirements
44
Section 7.20.
Books, Records and Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters
44
Section 7.21.
Maintenance of Existence; Property
45
Section 7.22.
SAM Registration
46
Section 7.23.
Independent Accountant
46
Section 7.24.
Contractual Remedies
46
Section 7.25.
Metal/Mine Customer Commitments
46
Section 7.26.
Magnet Purchase Commitments
46
Section 7.27.
Acceptance and Start-up Testing
46
Section 7.28.
Operating Plan; Operations
47
Section 7.29.
Operating Budget
47
Section 7.30.
Performance of Obligations
48
Section 7.31.
Creation and Perfection of Security Interests; Additional Documents; Filings and Recordings
48
Section 7.32.
Delivery of Principal Prepayment Schedules
49
Section 7.33.
Execution of Project Contracts
49
Section 7.34.
Serra Verde Acquisition and Serra Verde Holdco
49
Section 7.35.
Permitted Convertible Loan Notes
51
Section 7.36.
Working Capital Facility
51
Section 7.37.
Indian Ocean Rare Metals
51
Section 7.38.
Reimbursement of Funds for LCM Europe
51
Section 7.39.
Hamer LLC
52
Article 8 NEGATIVE COVENANTS
52
Section 8.1.
Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern
52
Section 8.2.
Debarment Regulations
52
Section 8.3.
Restrictions on Operations
53
Section 8.4.
Amendment of and Notices under Transaction Documents
54
Section 8.5.
Approved Project Changes
55
Section 8.6.
Profit Sharing; Management Contracts
55
Section 8.7.
Restrictions on Indebtedness and Certain Capital Transactions
55
Section 8.8.
Restricted Payments
56
iii
Section 8.9.
Merger; Disposition; Sharing of Assets; Transfer or Abandonment
58
Section 8.10.
Margin Regulations
59
Section 8.11.
Environmental Laws
59
Section 8.12.
Investment Company Act
59
Section 8.13.
Telecommunication and Video Surveillance
59
Section 8.14.
Organizational Documents; Accounting Policies; Corporate Form
59
Article 9 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
60
Section 9.1.
Events of Default
60
Section 9.2.
Remedies for Events of Default
65
Section 9.3.
Automatic Acceleration
67
Section 9.4.
Specific Performance
67
Section 9.5.
DOC Independent Rights
67
Section 9.6.
Right of Set-Off
67
Section 9.7.
Department Rights
68
Article 10 REIMBURSEMENT
68
Section 10.1.
Obligations Absolute
68
Section 10.2.
DOC Guarantee Payment and Reimbursement
68
Section 10.3.
DOC Rights
69
Section 10.4.
Binding Calculations
69
Article 11 MISCELLANEOUS
69
Section 11.1.
Addresses
69
Section 11.2.
Use of Websites
69
Section 11.3.
Further Assurances
70
Section 11.4.
Non-Discrimination
70
Section 11.5.
Waiver and Amendment
70
Section 11.6.
Entire Agreement
71
iv
Section 11.7.
Governing Law
71
Section 11.8.
Severability
71
Section 11.9.
Limitation on Liability
71
Section 11.10.
Waiver of Jury Trial
71
Section 11.11.
Consent to Jurisdiction
72
Section 11.12.
Dispute Resolution
72
Section 11.13.
Successors and Assigns
74
Section 11.14.
Reinstatement
75
Section 11.15.
No Partnership; Etc
75
Section 11.16.
FFB Right to Sell FFB Notes
75
Section 11.17.
Marshaling
75
Section 11.18.
Indemnification
75
Section 11.19.
Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
76
Section 11.20.
Benefits of Agreement
77
Section 11.21.
Termination; Survival
77
Section 11.22.
Borrower Entity Agent
77
Article 12 GUARANTEE
78
Section 12.1.
Borrower Entity Guarantee
78
Section 12.2.
No Discharge or Diminishment of Guarantee; Waivers
79
Section 12.3.
Agreement to Pay; Contribution; Subrogation
80
Section 12.4.
Termination of Guarantee; Reinstatement
81
Annex A
Definitions
Annex B
Rules of Interpretation
Annex C
Guardrail Provisions
Annex D
Loan Program Requirements
Annex E
Davis-Bacon Act Requirements
Annex F
Reporting Covenants
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A
Form of Master Advance Notice
Exhibit B
Form of Borrower Entity Agent Award Date Certificate
Exhibit C
Form of Project Completion Certificate
Exhibit D
Form of Principal Prepayment Schedule
SCHEDULES
Schedule A
FFB Advance Details
Schedule B
Disbursement Milestone Schedule
Schedule C
Project Sites
Schedule D
Affiliate Transactions
Schedule E
Addresses
Schedule F
Permitting Schedule
Schedule G
Dispute Resolution
Schedule H
Production Volume Schedule
Schedule I
Key Person Schedule
v
LOAN GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
This LOAN GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
(the “Agreement”), dated as of June 3, 2026, is entered into by and among (a) USA RARE EARTH, INC., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as the borrower (the “Borrower”), a Borrower Entity and the Borrower
Entity Agent; (b) USA RARE EARTH, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as a Borrower Entity;
(c) USA RARE EARTH MAGNETS, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as a Borrower Entity;
(d) ROUND TOP MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as a Borrower
Entity; (e) USA RARE EARTH REAL ESTATE, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Oklahoma, as a Borrower
Entity; (f) LACONIA INTERMEDIATE ACQUISITION SUB, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, as a Borrower
Entity; (g) LACONIA ACQUISITION SUB LIMITED, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales with
registered number 16740602, as a Borrower Entity; (h) LCMG LIMITED, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws
of England and Wales with registered number 06619924, as a Borrower Entity; (i) LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED, a limited liability company
organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales with registered number 02690088, as a Borrower Entity; and (j) the UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (the “Department” and together with the Borrower and each other Borrower Entity, the “Parties”
and each a “Party”), an agency of the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce (or
appropriate authorized representative thereof).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Borrower
has undertaken, or caused the relevant Borrower Entities to undertake: (a) the construction of a new facility for the purpose of rare
earth mining and processing located in Sierra Blanca, Texas (the “Round Top Mine Project”); (b) the expansion and modernization
of the existing facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, used for the purposes of (i) magnet making (the “Stillwater Magnet
Project”) and (ii) strip casting and metal making (the “Stillwater Metal Project”); and (c) the construction
of a new facility to be used for the purposes of (i) magnet making (the “Magnet Project 2”) and (ii) strip casting
and metal making (the “Metal Project 2” and together with the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater Magnet Project,
the Stillwater Metal Project, and the Magnet Project 2, the “Projects” and each, a “Project”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to
the CHIPS Incentives Program—Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment Notice of Funding Opportunity No.
2023-NIST-CHIPS-SMME-01 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “NOFO”), the Borrower
submitted applications with the CHIPS ID Nos. 002467 and 002455 (the “Applications”) to the Department’s CHIPS
Incentives Program Portal for Awards for the Projects under the CHIPS Incentives Program established pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 4652
of the CHIPS Act (the “CHIPS Incentives Program”);
WHEREAS, in furtherance
of Executive Order 14241 “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production”, Executive Order 13953 “Addressing
the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries, and Supporting the Domestic Mining
and Processing Industries”, and Executive Order 13817 “A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical
Minerals”, the Department has agreed to issue an Award for each Project subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, which is entered into pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §§ 4652 and 4659(a)(1) of the CHIPS Act as a loan transaction
on such terms as the Secretary considers appropriate;
1
WHEREAS, the
Department and FFB have entered into that certain FFB Program Financing Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2024 (the “FFB
Program Financing Agreement”), setting forth the commitment of FFB to enter into agreements with the Department from time
to time for FFB’s purchase of promissory notes issued by entities designated by the Secretary as “Borrowers” when
those promissory notes have been guaranteed by the Secretary, and the commitment of the Secretary to guarantee such promissory
notes;
WHEREAS, pursuant to
the FFB Program Financing Agreement, FFB, the Department, and the Borrower will enter into a note purchase agreement (the “FFB
Note Purchase Agreement”), setting forth (1) FFB’s agreement to purchase one promissory note per Project (the “FFB
Notes” and each an “FFB Note”) issued by the Borrower, where each FFB Note makes available a Loan Tranche
under this Agreement, and the FFB Notes, in aggregate, make available a principal amount (exclusive of capitalized interest) of up to
one billion three hundred million Dollars ($1,300,000,000) (the “Maximum Principal Amount”) and (2) the Department’s
agreement to issue a guarantee in favor of FFB of the Borrower’s payment of principal, interest and fees under the FFB Notes, in
each case when the terms and conditions specified therein have been satisfied; and
WHEREAS, in connection
with the Applications, the Department requires, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 4659(a)(3), that the Borrower make (or cause its related
parties to make) a payment to the Department in the form of certain Equity Interests on the terms and conditions set forth in certain
Equity Documents.
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the foregoing and other good and valid consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby expressly acknowledged,
the Parties hereby agree as follows:
Article
1
DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms used in
this Agreement and its Exhibits and Schedules shall have the meanings set forth in Annex A (Definitions), or if applicable,
the Guardrail Provisions, and the rules of interpretation set forth in Annex B (Rules of Interpretation) shall apply to
this Agreement, except, in each case, as otherwise expressly provided herein.
Article
2
GUARANTEE; FFB ADVANCES
Section 2.1. Guarantee.
2.1.1 By
execution of this Agreement, the Department agrees to guarantee the Borrower’s repayment of loans in an aggregate maximum principal
amount not to exceed the sum of (a) the Maximum Principal Amount and (b) the aggregate Maximum Capitalized Interest Amount for all FFB
Notes (such sum, the “Maximum Guaranteed Loan Amount”).
2.1.2 Each
FFB Advance will be subject to the Borrower’s fulfillment (or the Department’s waiver in writing) of the conditions set forth
in Article 5 (Conditions Precedent to FFB Advances).
2
Section 2.2. Availability
and Reductions.
2.2.1 Availability.
(a) Subject
to the terms of this Agreement, each FFB Advance will be disbursed by FFB in accordance with the FFB Documents. Nothing in this Agreement
or any other Financing Document shall obligate the Department to disburse any FFB Advance to the Borrower.
(b) In
order to request an FFB Advance, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Department an FFB Advance Request in accordance with Section
2.3.2 (Master Advance Notice) prior to the Requested FFB Advance Date. Upon satisfaction (or waiver by the Department in writing)
of the relevant conditions precedent set forth in Article 5 (Conditions Precedent to FFB
Advances), the Department shall execute and deliver to FFB an FFB Advance Request Approval Notice with respect to such requested FFB
Advance.
(c) With
respect to each Project, the Borrower shall be entitled to request, from time to time, FFB Advances during the Availability Period applicable
to such Project and as otherwise permitted in accordance with Section 2.3 (Funding Procedures).
2.2.2 Reductions.
(a) The
Borrower may, upon not less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Department, permanently reduce, in whole or
in part, the unutilized portion of the FFB Commitment for any FFB Note; provided that:
(i) after
taking into account the proposed reduction, (A) the Total Funding Plan equals or exceeds the amount of Total Project Costs for all Projects
as of the date of such reduction and (B) with respect to any Project, such reduction could not reasonably be expected to impair achievement
of the Project Completion Requirements for such Project by no later than the Project Completion Longstop Date for such Project, as determined
by the Department;
(ii) such
reduction is in an amount permitted under the FFB Documents;
(iii) all
Periodic Expenses, fees, and other amounts then due with respect to such reduction have been paid on or prior to the date of such reduction;
and
(iv) the
Borrower shall have delivered to the Department a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, with respect to the
matters set forth in sub-paragraphs (i) through (iii) above.
(b) Such
reduction shall be effected upon amendments of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and each FFB Note being executed and in full force and
effect.
(c) No
portion of the FFB Commitment for any FFB Note that is so reduced may be reinstated.
2.2.3 DOC
Termination. Upon the expiration of the Availability Period for all Projects, to the extent that no FFB Advance for any Project has
been made on or prior to such date, the Department may terminate this Agreement upon no less than ten (10) Business Days’ prior
written notice to the Borrower. Once terminated, the DOC Guarantee and this Agreement may not be reinstated.
3
Section 2.3. Funding
Procedures.
2.3.1 Conditions
Precedent.
(a) At
any time during the Availability Period, the Borrower may initiate the process to request an FFB Advance by delivering to the Department
a draft Master Advance Notice.
(b) Following
delivery of a draft Master Advance Notice under paragraph (a) above, no less than ninety (90) days prior to the Requested FFB Advance
Date, the Borrower shall deliver to the Department a package evidencing the satisfaction of all relevant conditions precedent set forth
in Article 5 (Conditions Precedent to FFB Advances) applicable to the requested FFB
Advance (other than any such conditions precedent which by their nature cannot be satisfied until shortly before the FFB Advance Date,
as mutually agreed between the Department and the Borrower).
(c) The
Department shall have up to ninety (90) days to review the evidence delivered by the Borrower relating to the relevant conditions precedent
set forth in Article 5 (Conditions Precedent to FFB Advances) applicable to the requested
FFB Advance.
(d) The
Department shall endeavor in good faith to: (i) provide periodic updates to the Borrower on the progress of its review under paragraph
(c) above and (ii) request any modifications or additional evidence in a timely manner once identified during its review.
2.3.2 Master
Advance Notice.
(a) Subject
to Section 2.3.1(c) (Conditions Precedent) and receipt by the Department of satisfactory evidence of completion of each condition
precedent set forth in Article 5 (Conditions Precedent to FFB Advances) applicable
to the requested FFB Advance, the Borrower may request an FFB Advance by delivering to the Department a final Master Advance Notice, which
shall include an FFB Advance Request for such FFB Advance specifying a fixed or floating interest rate with respect to such FFB Advance.
The final Master Advance Notice and FFB Advance Request for the relevant FFB Advance shall include an FFB Advance Date occurring not less
than twenty (20) days after the date of such Master Advance Notice (or occurring on such other date as may be satisfactory to the Department).
(b) Following
delivery of the FFB Advance Request pursuant to paragraph (a) above, the Borrower shall not change its interest rate selection with respect
to the relevant FFB Advance. To the extent the fixed interest rate is selected therein, the Borrower shall also select the Par Prepayment/Refinancing
Privilege to apply under such FFB Advance Request. The Borrower shall not request an FFB Advance for a Project more frequently than once
each Department fiscal quarter without the Department’s prior written consent.
(c) If
the Department determines that: (i) a Master Advance Notice has been satisfactorily completed; and (ii) each condition precedent
set forth in Article 5 (Conditions Precedent to FFB Advances) applicable to the requested
FFB Advance has been satisfied (or waived by the Department in writing), then the Department shall execute the FFB Advance Request Approval
Notice attached to the FFB Advance Request and deliver such FFB Advance Request and FFB Advance Request Approval Notice to FFB (with a
copy to the Borrower).
2.3.3 FFB
Advance Requirements under the FFB Documents. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Article 2, the Borrower
shall comply with all requirements for FFB Advances set forth in the FFB Documents.
Section 2.4. No
Liability. Without limiting the generality of Section 11.9 (Limitation on Liability), the Department shall not
have any liability to any Borrower Entity, any Affiliate thereof or any other Person as a result of the issuance of or failure to issue,
for any reason (including due to an Uncontrollable Cause, as defined hereunder or under the FFB Note Purchase Agreement), any FFB Advance
Request Approval Notice or any other notice contemplated in this Article 2.
4
Section 2.5. Disbursement
of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount.
2.5.1 [Reserved].
2.5.2 [Reserved].
2.5.3 The
Borrower shall apply, or cause each relevant Borrower Entity to apply, the disbursed portion of the Guaranteed Loan to pay for Eligible
Uses of Funds in tranches as follows, where each tranche corresponds to one Project and is made available under one FFB Note per Project,
up to the following aggregate amounts:
(a) five
hundred fifty million Dollars ($550,000,000), with respect to the Round Top Mine Project (the “Round Top Tranche”);
(b) one
hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000), with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project (the “Stillwater Metal Tranche”);
(c) two
hundred fifty million Dollars ($250,000,000), with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project (the “Stillwater Magnet Tranche”);
(d) three
hundred twenty-five million Dollars ($325,000,000), with respect to the Magnet Project 2 (the “Magnet Project 2 Tranche”);
(e) seventy-five
million Dollars ($75,000,000), with respect to the Metal Project 2 (the “Metal Project 2 Tranche” and together with
the Round Top Tranche, the Stillwater Metal Tranche, the Stillwater Magnet Tranche and the Magnet Project 2 Tranche, the “Loan
Tranches” and each a “Loan Tranche”).
2.5.4 With
respect to any Relevant Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the amount of the applicable Loan Tranche available to be disbursed as
an FFB Advance (such amount, the “Available Disbursement Amount”) shall be determined as follows:
(a) in
the case of a Full Disbursement Milestone, the amount of the relevant Loan Tranche available to be disbursed in connection with such Relevant
Disbursement Milestone shall be an amount equal to:
(i) the Scheduled Disbursement Amount for such Disbursement Milestone;
plus
(ii) if
applicable, any True-Up Amount, and, solely in the case of the final Disbursement Milestone for any Project, as the same may be
further adjusted in accordance with paragraph (d) below;
(b) in
the case of a Partial Disbursement Milestone, the amount of the relevant Loan Tranche available to be disbursed in connection with such
Relevant Disbursement Milestone shall be an amount equal to:
(i) the Milestone Disbursement Ratio for such Disbursement Milestone multiplied by the Incremental Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone (such amount, the “Partial Disbursement Amount”);
plus
5
(ii) if
applicable, any True-Up Amount;
and, solely in the case of the final Disbursement Milestone for any Project, as the same may be
further adjusted in accordance with paragraph (d) below;
(c) in
the event that (i) any Disbursement Milestone is a Partial Disbursement Milestone and (ii) the Actual Cumulative Capex Amount for the
relevant Project’s Disbursement Milestone immediately following such Partial Disbursement Milestone is greater than the Scheduled
Cumulative Capex Amount for such Partial Disbursement Milestone, the amount available to be disbursed in connection with such immediately
following Disbursement Milestone shall be increased by an amount equal to the difference between: (i) the Scheduled Disbursement Amount
for such Partial Disbursement Milestone less (ii) the Partial Disbursement Amount for such Partial Disbursement Milestone (such
amount, the “True-Up Amount”); and
(d) with
respect to the last Disbursement Milestone of any Project, if the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Ratio at the time the Borrower submits
the FFB Advance Request for such last Disbursement Milestone for such Project is greater than the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Ratio
for such Project at such time, then the amount of the applicable Loan Tranche available to be disbursed as an FFB Advance shall be decreased
by an amount necessary to ensure that, after giving effect to such last FFB Advance, the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Ratio shall equal
the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Ratio.
2.5.5 The
amount of any FFB Advance requested to be made hereunder shall in no event exceed the Available Disbursement Amount with respect to the
Relevant Disbursement Milestone as of the date of the requested FFB Advance.
2.5.6 As
of the date of any requested FFB Advance, after giving effect to the FFB Advance requested to be made on such date: (a) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount (exclusive of capitalized interest) of all FFB Advances shall not exceed the Maximum Principal Amount; (b)
the aggregate outstanding principal amount (exclusive of capitalized interest) of all FFB Advances made shall not exceed the Scheduled
Cumulative Disbursement Amount; (c) the aggregate amount of capitalized interest on all outstanding FFB Advances shall not exceed the
aggregate Maximum Capitalized Interest Amount for all FFB Notes; (d) the aggregate outstanding principal amount (exclusive of capitalized
interest) of all FFB Advances under the relevant FFB Note pursuant to which such FFB Advance is requested to be made shall not exceed
the amount of the applicable Loan Tranche; and (e) the aggregate amount of capitalized interest on all outstanding FFB Advances under
such relevant FFB Note shall not exceed the Maximum Capitalized Interest Amount applicable to such FFB Note.
Section 2.6. No
Interest; No Approval of Work. For the avoidance of doubt, no interest or penalties shall accrue on the amount of a
requested FFB Advance between the date of the Master Advance Notice and the applicable FFB Advance Date, and none of: (a) the
signing of any FFB Advance Request Approval Notice by the Department; (b) the Department’s forwarding any FFB Advance Request
Approval Notice, FFB Advance Request or Master Advance Notice to FFB; or (c) the making of any FFB Advance under the FFB Documents
shall be deemed an approval or acceptance by any Secured Party of any work, labor, supplies, materials or equipment furnished or
supplied with respect to any Project.
6
Article
3
PAYMENTS; PREPAYMENTS
Section 3.1. Payments.
3.1.1 Place
and Manner of Payments to the Department.
(a) All
payments due under an FFB Note shall be made by the Borrower to FFB pursuant to the terms of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and such
FFB Note.
(b) All
payments to be made to the Department under this Agreement shall be sent by the Borrower in Dollars in immediately available funds before
1:00 p.m. on the date when due and shall be payable pursuant to payment instructions provided by the Department to the Borrower (as such
instructions may be amended from time to time by the Department upon notice to the Borrower made in accordance with this Agreement) not
less than five (5) Business Days prior to the date when such payments are due (unless expressly provided for otherwise in this Agreement);
provided, however, that if the Department does not provide such payment instructions to the Borrower at least five (5) Business
Days prior to the due date for any such payment, such due date shall be extended to the date that is five (5) Business Days from the date
the Department provides such payment instructions to the Borrower.
(c) In
the event that the date of any payment to the Department or the expiration of any time period hereunder occurs on a day that is not a
Business Day, then such payment or expiration of time period shall be made or occur on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension
of time shall in such cases be included in computing interest or fees, if any, in connection with such payment.
3.1.2 Guaranteed
Loan Principal and Interest; DOC Record.
(a) The
Borrower shall repay principal and interest on each Loan Tranche of the Guaranteed Loan in accordance with the FFB Note Purchase Agreement
and the relevant FFB Note. With respect to each FFB Note, the Borrower shall repay all amounts outstanding under such FFB Note in full
on the Maturity Date applicable to such FFB Note and in accordance with the terms thereof.
(b) Interest
shall accrue on the outstanding principal amount of each FFB Advance from the date such FFB Advance is disbursed pursuant to the FFB Note
Purchase Agreement and the relevant FFB Note, to the date such FFB Advance is paid in full, at a rate per annum as specified in
the relevant FFB Note.
(c) Subject
to the immediately following proviso and with respect to each FFB Note, for each FFB Advance made prior to the First Scheduled
Prepayment Date for such FFB Note, the amount of accrued interest on the relevant FFB Note that would otherwise be due and payable
on each Payment Date to occur before the First Scheduled Prepayment Date shall be capitalized on the respective Payment Date and be
added to the principal amount due under such FFB Note, and interest shall accrue on the sum of the outstanding principal (including
such capitalized interest) at the rate established for such FFB Advance in accordance with paragraph 6 of the relevant FFB Note; provided
that the aggregate amount of accrued interest that may be capitalized with respect to any FFB Note shall not exceed the Maximum
Capitalized Interest Amount with respect to such FFB Note and shall not cause the total outstanding amount under such FFB Note to
exceed the Maximum Guaranteed Loan Amount applicable to such FFB Note. The amount of interest that shall be capitalized on each FFB
Advance shall be determined as set forth in the relevant FFB Note.
(d) Any
interest accrued on any FFB Note in excess of the Maximum Capitalized Interest Amount for such FFB Note shall be payable by the Borrower
in cash in arrears on each applicable Payment Date as provided in such FFB Note.
7
(e) The
Borrower hereby authorizes the Department to record in an account or accounts maintained by the Department: (i) the interest rate(s) applicable
to the FFB Advances; (ii) the interest periods for each FFB Advance outstanding; (iii) the amounts from time to time advanced by FFB under
the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and the FFB Notes; (iv) the date and amount of each principal and interest payment on the Guaranteed Loan;
(v) amounts paid by or on behalf of the Borrower from time to time in respect of the FFB Advances and interest thereon; (vi) any amounts
paid by the Department to FFB pursuant to Section 6.3 (Reimbursement) of the FFB Program Financing Agreement; and (vii) such other
information as the Department may determine is necessary for the computation of interest payable by the Borrower in accordance with the
FFB Documents and other Financing Documents and the amount of Secured Obligations then owing, and such records shall constitute evidence
of the existence and amount of the Secured Obligations of the Borrower as therein recorded.
3.1.3 No
Reborrowing. Amounts disbursed in any FFB Advance and which are repaid may not be reborrowed.
Section 3.2. Prepayments.
3.2.1 Prepayments
Generally.
(a) All
prepayments of the Guaranteed Loan shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 3.2, and in addition, such prepayments shall
comply with the terms and conditions of, and be applied in accordance with, the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and each relevant FFB Note.
(b) The
Borrower acknowledges that FFB will calculate the FFB Prepayment Price applicable to any prepayment in accordance with the FFB Note Purchase
Agreement and the relevant FFB Note. All prepayments of the principal amount of the Guaranteed Loan shall be made together with all other
amounts included in the FFB Prepayment Price in accordance with the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and each relevant FFB Note.
(c) The
Borrower shall not be entitled to reborrow the principal amount of any FFB Advance that is prepaid, nor shall any prepayment of any FFB
Advance create new availability for additional borrowings of the principal amount so prepaid during the Availability Period for any Project.
(d) The
Borrower shall not exercise its right to rescind any FFB Prepayment Election under any FFB Note without the prior written consent of the
Department.
(e) Each
prepayment made pursuant to Section 3.2.2 (Voluntary Prepayments) or Section 3.2.3 (Mandatory Prepayments)
shall be applied: (i) among the Loan Tranches as directed by the Borrower, except that prepayment proceeds received in connection with
a specific Project pursuant to any of Section 3.2.3(a)(ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) shall be applied solely to the Loan Tranche
corresponding to such Project; (ii) to the specific FFB Advances identified by the Borrower in the FFB Prepayment Notice in accordance
with the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and each relevant FFB Note; and (iii) to principal installments as specified in each relevant FFB
Note.
(f) In
the event of any prepayment of the Guaranteed Loan in whole pursuant to this Section 3.2, the outstanding FFB Commitment remaining
for all FFB Notes shall be deemed to be reduced to zero Dollars ($0), unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Department, and any
prepayment of the Guaranteed Loan in whole shall require payment in full of all other Secured Obligations then outstanding.
8
3.2.2 Voluntary
Prepayments.
(a) Subject
to paragraphs (b) and (c) below and the terms and conditions of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and each FFB Note, the Borrower
shall be entitled at any time and from time to time to prepay all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of any FFB Advance
under an FFB Note or to prepay the Guaranteed Loan in its entirety, in each case upon prior submission of an FFB Prepayment Notice by
the Borrower to the Department and FFB not less than five (5) Business Days prior to the Intended Prepayment Date in accordance with the
terms hereof, the terms of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, and the terms of the relevant FFB Note.
(b) The
FFB Advances may only be prepaid pursuant to paragraph (a) above if:
(i) to
the extent that such prepayment is made prior to the expiration of the Availability Period for all Projects, such prepayment includes
prepayment in full of all outstanding FFB Advances and all other Secured Obligations, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Department;
(ii) to
the extent such prepayment is made after the expiration of the Availability Period for all Projects, unless such prepayment includes prepayment
in full of all outstanding FFB Advances and all other Secured Obligations, the Borrower has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department
that, immediately following such prepayment:
(A) in
the event such prepayment is made before the Project Completion Date has been achieved for all Projects:
(1) the
Total Funding Plan is sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs for all Projects in accordance with the then-applicable Construction
and Tool Installation Budgets or Operating Budgets, as the case may be, the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project, and the
Sources and Uses Plan; and
(2) for
each Project, to the extent it has not already occurred, the Project Completion Date for such Project is reasonably expected to occur
on or before the applicable Project Completion Longstop Date.
(c) No
Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or would arise as a result of, such prepayment.
3.2.3 Mandatory
Prepayments.
(a) Upon
the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a “Mandatory Prepayment Event”), the Borrower shall apply the
applicable prepayment amount set forth below to prepay the FFB Advances and pay all other amounts forming part of the FFB Prepayment Price
in connection with such prepayment on the applicable Intended Prepayment Date:
(i) with
respect to each FFB Note, on each Scheduled Prepayment Date for such FFB Note, an amount equal to the Required Prepayment Amount,
unless the Department has notified the Borrower in writing no later than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the relevant Scheduled
Prepayment Date that such mandatory prepayment shall be deferred, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion (each such
notification, a “Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification”), in which case (A) no mandatory prepayment shall be
required to be made pursuant to this sub-paragraph (i) on any relevant Scheduled Prepayment Date so notified by the Department to
the Borrower in a Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification and (B) the aggregate of all Deferred Principal Amounts corresponding
to a Deferred Principal Prepayment Date shall instead be reallocated across, and prepaid in equal installments on, the remaining
Scheduled Prepayment Dates (each such installment, a “Deferred Principal Installment” and each such reallocation,
a “Deferred Principal Prepayment Reallocation”), in accordance with this sub-paragraph (i), Section 7.32(b)
(Delivery of Principal Prepayment Schedules) and the definition of Required Prepayment Amount. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary herein, the Department’s calculation (in consultation with FFB) of the Required Prepayment Amount applicable to
any Scheduled Prepayment Date shall be conclusive absent manifest error. For the avoidance of doubt, the sending by the Department
of one or more Principal Prepayment Deferral Notifications in respect of any FFB Note shall be without prejudice to the obligations
of the Borrower under such FFB Note, and interest (and, if applicable, any relevant late charges) shall continue to accrue and be
payable at the relevant times and on the terms and conditions set forth in such FFB Note;
9
(ii) upon
the receipt by any Borrower Entity of the Net Amount of any Performance Liquidated Damages that exceed the amount required, as reasonably
determined by the Borrower and agreed by the Department, to pay to construct, repair, or restore the applicable Project, such excess amount;
(iii) upon
the receipt by any Borrower Entity of the Net Amount of any Delay Liquidated Damages that exceed the amount required, as reasonably determined
by the Borrower and agreed by the Department, to pay Project Costs, Operating Costs, or Capital Expenditures for the applicable Project
during the period of the applicable delay, such excess amount;
(iv) upon
the receipt by any Borrower Entity of Loss Proceeds, and to the extent (and promptly following the determination that) prepayment is required
in accordance with Section 7.5 (Insurance; Event of Loss), in the amount determined in accordance with Section 7.5
(Insurance; Event of Loss);
(v) upon
the receipt by any Borrower Entity of the Net Amount of any proceeds as a result of the termination or repudiation of any Major Project
Document that exceeds the reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by the relevant Borrower Entity to replace such Major Project Document,
such excess amount;
(vi) upon
the sale by any Borrower Entity of any assets pursuant to a Permitted Disposition under paragraph (b) of the definition thereof, that
portion of the Net Amount of the proceeds of such sale that is not applied (or reasonably expected to be applied) within eighteen (18)
months to the acquisition of assets then used or useful in the operation of a Facility to the extent that such amount exceeds one million
Dollars ($1,000,000) individually or five million Dollars ($5,000,000) in the aggregate in any calendar year;
(vii) upon
the occurrence of any Project Completion Clawback Event for any Project, the amount notified by the Department to the Borrower in writing,
such amount not to exceed the maximum amount of the Loan Tranche applicable to such Project and to be paid by the Borrower in one or more
installments at the time or times determined by the Department and notified to the Borrower in writing;
(viii) upon
the occurrence of any Guardrail Clawback Determination, the amount required by the Guardrail Provisions (including, if applicable, interest
calculated in accordance with Section 7 (Remedies, Mitigation and Clawbacks) of the Guardrail Provisions) and all other Secured
Obligations; and
(ix) upon
the occurrence of any Clawback Event in respect of a breach of the Authorized Purpose pursuant to Section 9.1(a)(iv) (Authorized
Purpose Clawback Event), the entirety of all outstanding FFB Advances, accrued interest thereon and all other Secured Obligations.
10
(b) In
the event of the occurrence of a Mandatory Prepayment Event, the Borrower shall:
(i) in
the case of a Mandatory Prepayment Event referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(i) above, no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the
applicable Scheduled Prepayment Date;
(ii) in
the case of a Clawback Event referred to in any of sub-paragraph (a)(viii) or (ix) above, promptly (but in no event
more than five (5) Business Days) after the Borrower becomes aware, or should have become aware, or is otherwise notified by the Department
of, such occurrence;
(iii) in
the case of a Project Completion Clawback Event, promptly (but in no event more than five (5) Business Days) after the Borrower is notified
by the Department in writing; and
(iv) in
the case of any other Mandatory Prepayment Event, within five (5) Business Days thereafter,
provide notice to the Department
of such Mandatory Prepayment Event together with (x) a draft FFB Prepayment Notice, which shall specify the anticipated amount of principal
to be prepaid and the Intended Prepayment Date (which shall be the next regularly scheduled Payment Date pursuant to the relevant FFB
Note after the date on which such notification is required to be delivered to the Department pursuant to this paragraph (b)) and
(y) calculation of the anticipated FFB Prepayment Price.
(c) For
any prepayment of the Guaranteed Loan, whether in whole or in part, pursuant to this Section 3.2.3, after the Department has
notified the Borrower that the anticipated amount of principal to be prepaid and the FFB Prepayment Price are acceptable to the Department,
the Borrower shall deliver the FFB Prepayment Notice to FFB, with copies to the Department and shall cause such amounts to be paid on
the applicable Intended Prepayment Date in accordance with each relevant FFB Note and the other Financing Documents. If the Borrower fails
to deliver any FFB Prepayment Notice to FFB as required in accordance with this Section 3.2.3, the Borrower hereby unconditionally
and irrevocably authorizes and empowers the Department to deliver such FFB Prepayment Notice to FFB on the Borrower’s behalf.
Section 3.3. DOC
Fees.
(a) The
Borrower shall pay to the Department a one-time commitment fee (the “Loan Commitment Fee”) in an amount equal to two
percent (2.0%) of the Maximum Principal Amount, which fee shall be due and payable no later than the date falling seven (7) days after
the Award Date.
(b) The
Borrower shall pay to the Department a loan ticking fee (the “Loan Ticking Fee”) calculated on the undrawn
portion of the total FFB Commitment for all FFB Notes at a rate per annum equal to two percent (2.0%), which fee shall accrue
daily beginning on the Award Date and ending upon the expiration of the Availability Period for all Projects, be computed fifteen
(15) days prior to each Payment Date on the basis of actual days elapsed and a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) days and be
due and payable on each Payment Date (or, solely with respect to any portion of the Loan Ticking Fee which accrues following such
computation date but prior to such Payment Date, shall be due and payable on the next following Payment Date); provided that,
solely for the purpose of this paragraph (b), at any time prior to the issuance of an FFB Note, the FFB Commitment for such FFB Note
shall mean an amount equal to the maximum Loan Tranche amount specified for the relevant Project and FFB Note in Section 2.5.3
(Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
11
(c) The
Borrower shall pay to the Department an annual maintenance fee (the “DOC Maintenance Fee”), to be invoiced by the Department
by January 15 of each calendar year, payable on the first Business Day falling no later than thirty (30) days after the date of such invoice,
in an amount equal to the lesser of:
(i) one-tenth
of one percent (0.1%) of the outstanding Guaranteed Loan balance as of December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding that calendar
year; and
(ii) two
hundred thousand Dollars ($200,000).
(d) If
the Borrower fails to pay (i) any scheduled principal and interest on the Guaranteed Loan in accordance with the terms of each relevant
FFB Note, or (ii) any prepayment in accordance with the terms of each relevant FFB Note and Section 3.2 (Prepayments), in
each case on or before the date such amount is due and payable, then beginning on the date such amount is due and payable, such Overdue
Amounts owing under each relevant FFB Note shall accrue default interest at the FFB Late Charge Rate in accordance with each relevant
FFB Note until such Overdue Amounts plus such default interest are paid in full. If the Borrower fails to make a payment in accordance
with clause (i) or (ii) above, and the Department makes such payment to FFB on the Borrower’s behalf in accordance with Section
10.2(a) (DOC Guarantee Payment
and Reimbursement), or the Borrower fails to pay any DOC Fee on or before the date such amount is due and payable, then the
Borrower shall pay to DOC a DOC Late Penalty Fee in respect of each such Overdue Amount.
(e) If
an amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Financing Document constitutes a “modification” (as
defined in Section 502(9) of FCRA) that increases the amount of the Credit Subsidy Cost (as calculated by the Department and approved
by OMB in accordance with FCRA and OMB Circulars A-11 and A-129, and as determined by OMB), the Borrower shall pay, if required by the
Department, the amount of any such increase to the Department prior to such amendment or waiver pursuant to Section 11.5(d) (Waiver
and Amendment).
(f) The
Borrower shall pay to the Department, as and to the extent required by the Department, a fee, in an amount deemed appropriate and reasonable
by the Department, in connection with the Department’s grant of any waiver, consent, or amendment under the Financing Documents.
(g) All
DOC Fees shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the dates due, in immediately available funds in Dollars to the Department.
(h) All
DOC Fees paid to the Department shall be non-refundable upon payment.
Section 3.4. Net
of Tax.
(a) The
Borrower understands and agrees that the Department and FFB are agencies or instrumentalities of the United States and that all payments
by the Borrower to the Department or FFB hereunder or under the FFB Documents, as applicable, are payable, and shall in all cases be paid,
free and clear of all Taxes.
(b) If
the Borrower shall be required by Applicable Law to withhold or deduct any tax from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under
any other Financing Document to any Secured Party, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all
such required deductions, such Secured Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made,
(ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions, and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority
or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.
12
Section
3.5. Payment of Costs and Expenses. The Borrower shall, whether or not the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Financing Documents are consummated, pay or reimburse, without duplication: (a)
all reasonable and documented fees, out-of-pocket costs, and expenses of each Secured Party (including all commissions, charges, costs,
and expenses for the conversion of currencies and all other fees, costs, charges, and expenses, including all Periodic Expenses of the
Department or any other Secured Party and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees of the legal counsel, consultants and advisors
for any of the foregoing) paid or incurred in connection with (i) the due diligence of the Borrower Entities and the Projects; and (ii)
the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement, and the Equity Documents or the other Transaction Documents and any other documents
and instruments related to this Agreement or thereto (including any legal opinions, any amendment or modification to, or the protection
or preservation of any right or claim under, or consent or waiver in connection with, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document,
any such other document or instrument related to this Agreement or thereto or any Collateral); and (b) all documented out-of-pocket costs
and expenses of each of the Department, FFB and any other Secured Party (including all commissions, charges, costs and expenses for the
conversion of currencies and all other costs, charges and expenses including all Periodic Expenses of the Department or any other Secured
Party and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees of the legal counsel, consultants and advisors for any of the foregoing) in connection
with (i) the administration, preservation in full force and effect and enforcement of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents
and any other documents and instruments referred to herein or therein (including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel
for the Department or any other Secured Party and reasonable travel costs); and (ii) any foreclosure against, sale or other disposition
of any Collateral from time to time, or pursuit of any other remedies under any of the Financing Documents, to the extent such costs and
expenses are not recovered from such foreclosure, sale or other disposition.
Article
4
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE AWARD DATE
Section 4.1. Conditions
Precedent to the Award Date. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Borrower Entity and the Department acknowledge
and agree that the following terms have been satisfied in form and substance satisfactory to the Department as of the Award Date:
4.1.1 Financing
Documents. Each Financing Document (other than any Financing Document required to be delivered under Section 5.1.1 (FFB
Documents; Additional Financing Documents) or Section 5.1.9 (Security Documents)) shall have been duly executed and
delivered by each party thereto and shall be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, and to the extent the Department is
not a party thereto, the Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the same.
4.1.2 Lock-Up
Agreement; Semiconductor MOUs. The Department shall have received a copy of each of the following:
(a) the
Lock-Up Agreement; and
(b) at
least two Semiconductor MOUs.
4.1.3 Borrower
Entity Agent Award Date Certificate. The Department shall have received an Officer’s Certificate of the Borrower Entity Agent
on behalf of the Borrower Entities, substantially in the form of Exhibit B (Form of Borrower Entity Agent Award Date Certificate),
together with the attachments specified therein, and addressing such other matters as the Department may reasonably request.
13
4.1.4 Adequate
Project Funding. The Department shall have received a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that the Borrower’s
Total Funding Plan is sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs, as set forth in the Sources and Uses Plan, for each Project and for
each Project to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the final Milestone Completion Longstop Date for
such Project, together with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection with the same.
4.1.5 Financial
Model; Sources and Uses Plan; Budget; Schedule. The Department shall have received:
(a) the
Base Case Financial Model;
(b) as
part of the Base Case Financial Model or separately, a Sources and Uses Plan;
(c) a
Construction and Tool Installation Budget consistent with the Base Case Financial Model; and
(d) a
Milestone Based Schedule.
4.1.6 Debt
Repayment; Lien Release. The Department shall have received evidence that each Borrower Entity has repaid in full all of its existing
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness), and that all Liens (if any) securing such existing Indebtedness have been released.
4.1.7 Financial
Statements. The Department shall have received the most recent audited annual and unaudited quarterly Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are available.
4.1.8 Permits
and Approvals. The Department shall have received:
(a) copies
of each of the Required Approvals that are listed on the Permitting Schedule and required to be obtained prior to the Award Date; and
(b) an
Officer’s Certificate of the Borrower, certifying that: (i) such copies are true, correct, and complete (including all
schedules, exhibits, attachments, supplements, and amendments thereto and any related protocols or side letters); (ii) no term or
condition of any such Required Approval has been amended from that delivered pursuant to this Section 4.1.8; and (iii)
each such Required Approval has been validly issued, is unconditional (or, if conditional, all conditions precedent (if any) to the
effectiveness of each Required Approval have been satisfied or waived) and in full force and effect and is, or, with the passage of
time following the expiration of any relevant appeal period, will be Non-Appealable.
4.1.9 Legal
Opinions. The Department shall have received legal opinions dated as of the Award Date and addressed to the Secured Parties from each
of:
(a) Latham
& Watkins LLP, as New York counsel to the Borrower Entities;
(b) McAfee
& Taft, as Oklahoma counsel to the Borrower Entities; and
(c) Latham
& Watkins (London) LLP, as English counsel to the Borrower Entities.
14
4.1.10 Federal
Requirements and Approvals.
(a) Lobbying
Certification. The Department shall have received an executed (i) “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying” (Standard Form
LLL) or written confirmation that such Borrower Entity is not required to disclose any lobbying activities pursuant to 31 U.S.C. §1352;
and (ii) “Certification Regarding Lobbying” (Form CD-511), in each case, from each Borrower Entity.
(b) Foreign Interests.
The Department shall have received an SF-328 Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests executed by the Borrower dated as of a recent
date not more than thirty (30) days prior to the Award Date.
(c) SAM
Registration. The Department shall have received evidence of the registration by the Borrower in SAM.
(d) KYC
Requirements. Each Secured Party shall have received all documentation (including taxpayer identification documents) and other information
in respect of each Borrower Entity as required by such Secured Party to enable it to be satisfied with the results of all “know
your customer” and other requirements (including, inter alia, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws).
(e) Loan
Program Requirements. The Borrower shall be in compliance with all provisions set forth in Annex D (Loan Program Requirements)
applicable as of the Award Date.
4.1.11 Intellectual
Property. The Department shall have received evidence that the Borrower Entities collectively and exclusively own or otherwise have
a valid and enforceable license or right to use all Project IP (including all Intellectual Property granted or conferred under the Project
IP Agreements) then required or necessary in connection with any Project.
4.1.12 Fees
and Expenses. The Department shall have received evidence that all Periodic Expenses due and payable to the Department and the Department’s
Consultants on or prior to the Award Date have been paid or reimbursed in full or in the case of the Department’s Consultants, arrangements
for payment have been made.
4.1.13 No
Violation. Neither the entry into the Financing Documents nor the issuance of the DOC Guarantee shall result in a violation of any
Applicable Law, any Transaction Document, any Governmental Approval, or any other material agreement or consent to which any Borrower
Entity is a party, or any material judgment or approval to which any Borrower Entity is subject.
4.1.14 Representations
and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties made (or deemed made) by any Borrower Entity in any Financing
Document to which it is a party as of the Award Date shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any
such representation and warranty itself is qualified by “materiality,” “material adverse effect,” or a
similar qualifier, in which case it shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such date, except to the extent such
representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date or time (in which event such representation or warranty shall be true
and correct as of such date or time).
4.1.15 No
Default. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from entry into the Financing
Documents.
4.1.16 No
Determination to Suspend. No determination to suspend the Borrower’s ability to request FFB Advances has been made by the Secretary
in accordance with the Guardrail Regulations and the Guardrail Provisions.
15
4.1.17 Implementation
of Safety Review Report. The Department shall have received evidence of implementation by the Borrower or other applicable Borrower
Entity of all recommended actions from the Safety Review Report at the Wheat Ridge R&D Facility.
4.1.18 Third
Party Validation of Nuclear Licensing. The Department shall have received evidence to its satisfaction regarding third party validation
of the nuclear material licensing requirements at the Wheat Ridge R&D Facility.
4.1.19 Power
Infrastructure Plan. The Department shall have received evidence satisfactory to it of the resolution of the power infrastructure
plan for the Magnet Project 2.
4.1.20 Equity
Documents; Equity Issuance; Equity Contribution. The Department shall have received:
(a) a
fully executed copy of each Equity Document, and each such Equity Document shall be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms;
(b) the
Equity Interests in the Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Equity Documents;
(c) duly
adopted board resolutions of the Borrower authorizing the execution and performance of the Equity Documents and the issuance of Equity
Interests in the Borrower to the Department in the amount specified in the Securities Issuance Agreement on or after the date hereof;
and
(d) a
certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that (i) the Borrower has made Equity Contributions to the other Borrower
Entities in cash in accordance with Section 7.9 (Equity Contributions), and (ii) such
funds have been used (or arrangements have been made for such funds to be used) exclusively to fund Project Costs in accordance with the
Construction and Tool Installation Budget, together with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection with clause
(i) or (ii) above.
4.1.21 Round
Top Mine Project Real Property and Land Rights. The Department shall have received satisfactory evidence of the acquisition by the
Borrower of the Project Site (or the option to lease such land) for the Round Top Mine Project from the State of Texas.
4.1.22 Award
Date Investment Policy. The Department shall have received a true, correct and complete copy of the investment policy approved
by the Borrower’s board of directors (or committee thereof) in effect as of the Award Date (the “Award Date Investment
Policy”), as certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower.
4.1.23 Additional
Documents. The Department shall have received such other information, documents, legal opinions, certifications, or consents
relating to any Project, the Collateral, any Borrower Entity, any Major Project Participant, or any of the matters contemplated by the
Transaction Documents as the Department may reasonably request.
16
Article
5
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FFB ADVANCES
Section 5.1. Conditions
Precedent to First FFB Advance. With respect to each Project, the obligation of the Department to issue the FFB Advance Request
Approval Notice with respect to the first FFB Advance to be made for the purposes of reimbursing Eligible Uses of Funds for such Project
is subject to the prior satisfaction (or waiver in writing), of the following conditions precedent and the delivery to the Department
of each of the documents indicated below, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Department as of the date that is ten (10) Business
Days prior to the applicable First FFB Advance Date, and to its continued satisfaction on such First FFB Advance Date. The Department
may (but shall not be required to) consult with any of the Department’s Consultants regarding the satisfaction of any condition.
5.1.1 FFB
Documents; Additional Financing Documents.
(a) Each
of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, the FFB Note corresponding to the Loan Tranche for the applicable Project, the FFB Borrower Instruments
corresponding to such FFB Note, and the FFB Secretary’s Instruments corresponding to such FFB Note shall have been duly executed
and delivered by each party thereto and shall be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, and to the extent the Department
is not a party thereto, the Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the same.
(b) All
conditions to FFB’s purchase of each FFB Note corresponding to the Loan Tranche for the applicable Project specified in Article
3 of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement shall have been satisfied, including, inter alia, delivery to FFB of (i) the Opinion of Borrower’s
Counsel re: Borrower Instruments for such Project and (ii) the Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials.
(c) Each
of the Collateral Agency Agreement and each other Financing Document which is then required to be in effect in accordance with the terms
hereof or thereof shall have been duly executed and delivered by each party thereto, and each such Financing Document shall be in full
force and effect in accordance with its terms, and to the extent the Department is not a party thereto, the Department shall have received
a true and correct copy of the same.
5.1.2 Required
Approvals. The Department shall have received certified copies of each Required Approval listed on the Permitting Schedule as required
to be obtained prior to the First FFB Advance Date for such Project and an Officer’s Certificate of the Borrower, certifying that:
(i) such copies are true, correct, and complete (including all schedules, exhibits, attachments, supplements, and amendments thereto and
any related protocols or side letters); (ii) no term or condition of any such Required Approval has been amended from that delivered pursuant
to this Section 5.1.2; and (iii) each such Required Approval has been validly issued, is unconditional
(or, if conditional, all conditions precedent (if any) to the effectiveness of each Required Approval has been satisfied) and is in full
force and effect and is Non-Appealable.
5.1.3 Commencement
of Project; Notices to Proceed
(a) The
Project Commencement Date for such Project shall have occurred on or prior to the Project Commencement Clawback Date; provided
that the Borrower and the Department acknowledge and agree that, with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater
Magnet Project, and the Stillwater Metal Project, the Project Commencement Date for each such Project occurred prior to the
applicable Project Commencement Clawback Date.
(b) To
the extent applicable in accordance with any relevant Major Project Document and not previously delivered in connection with the occurrence
of the Project Commencement Date, the Department shall have received evidence that the Borrower or other relevant Borrower Entity has
issued each notice to proceed or similar notice required thereunder to be delivered to the relevant counterparty and each such notice
(i) is unconditional or subject only to the making of the first FFB Advance for such Project and (ii) has been received and accepted
by the relevant counterparty.
17
(c) All
conditions precedent to the obligations of any Major Project Participant to be performed as of the First FFB Advance Date for such Project
or of any counterparty to any other contract necessary for the construction thereof have been satisfied, and the Department shall have
received such evidence as it may request of the same.
5.1.4 Insurance.
The Department shall have received true and correct copies of each insurance policy then required to have been delivered in accordance
with Section 7.5(b) (Insurance; Event of Loss).
5.1.5 Construction
and Operating Budgets. With respect to the applicable Project, the Department shall have received: (i) the Construction and Tool Installation
Budget for such Project, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department; (ii) an initial Operating Budget for such Project, in form
and substance satisfactory to the Department, in each case consistent with the Base Case Financial Model delivered pursuant to Section
5.1.6 (Revised Base Case Financial Model – First FFB Advance Date); and (iii) an updated Milestone Based Schedule
for such Project.
5.1.6 Revised
Base Case Financial Model – First FFB Advance Date. The Department shall have received either:
(a) a
certification from the chief Financial Officer of the Borrower that: (A) there are no material changes to either the original Base
Case Financial Model or, if applicable, the updated Base Case Financial Model most recently delivered pursuant to paragraph (b) below
in connection with any Project, as the case may be (such most recently delivered Base Case Financial Model, in any case, the “Existing
Base Case Financial Model”) or the Sources and Uses Plan; (B) the Existing Base Case Financial Model demonstrates the Debt Sizing
Criteria; and (C) there are no material changes to the assumptions therein; or
(b) (i)
an update to the Existing Base Case Financial Model, certified by the chief Financial Officer of the Borrower and demonstrating the Debt
Sizing Criteria and, if different, financial ratios better than the Existing Base Case Financial Model for each consecutive twelve (12)
month period ending on each Calculation Date set out therein and (ii) as part of the Base Case Financial Model or separately, an updated
Sources and Uses Plan.
5.1.7 [Reserved].
5.1.8 Real
Property and Land Rights. With respect to the applicable Project, the Department shall have received:
(a) an
ALTA Survey or NSPS land title survey with respect to such Project, depicting the land and improvements (including then-existing
improvements and site plan overlay) constituting such Project and the relevant Project Site that is in form and substance
satisfactory to the Department and the relevant Title Company: (i) dated as of a date that is acceptable to the relevant Title
Company to remove a general survey exception from the Title Policy; (ii) prepared by a land surveyor duly licensed and
registered in the State of Texas, the State of Oklahoma or the State in which the Additional Projects are located, as applicable;
and (iii) certified to the Secured Parties by a form of certification acceptable to the Secured Parties, together with, for a
Project Site comprised of subsurface mineral rights, a landman search of subsurface mineral rights;
18
(b) a
site plan with respect to such Project, depicting the land and improvements (including those existing and those to be developed improvements
and site plan overlay) constituting such Project and the relevant Project Site that is in form and substance satisfactory to the Department
and the relevant Title Company: (i) dated as of a date that is acceptable to the relevant Title Company to remove a general survey
exception from the Title Policy; (ii) prepared by a land surveyor duly licensed and registered in the State of Texas, the State of
Oklahoma or the State in which the Additional Projects are located, as applicable; and (iii) certified to the relevant Title Company
and the Secured Parties by a form of certification acceptable to the relevant Title Company;
(c) satisfactory
evidence of the acquisition or lease by the applicable Borrower Entity of the Project Site (or the option to lease such land) for each
applicable Project;
(d) landlord
consents and estoppels (in form and substance satisfactory to the Department) with respect to any applicable mineral rights leases and
any other relevant Real Property Document;
(e) for
such Project, a pro forma policy of title insurance, dated on or prior to the first FFB Advance for such Project (with gap coverage
through the recording date of the applicable Real Property Security Document in the official records of Hudspeth County, Texas, Payne
County, Oklahoma or the County in which the Additional Projects are located, as applicable (if occurring after the date of the first FFB
Advance)) together with the endorsements identified in this paragraph (to the extent they are obtainable on commercially reasonable terms
from title insurance underwriters in the State of Texas, the State of Oklahoma or the State in which the Additional Projects are located,
as applicable), in an amount equal to the Maximum Principal Amount applicable to the relevant Loan Tranche(s), issued by the relevant
Title Company, in form and substance acceptable to the Secured Parties, and an irrevocable commitment from the relevant Title Company
(such commitment to be in a closing instruction letter in form and substance acceptable to the Secured Parties) to issue an ALTA Mortgage
Loan Policy of Title Insurance (Form No. 1056.06 dated 6-17-06) together with an ALTA 32.2 or equivalent endorsement for the relevant
Project(s) as modified by an ALTA 33 endorsement (each such policy of title issued pursuant to this paragraph (e),
a “Title Policy”), ensuring that the applicable Real Property Security Document creates a legal, valid, and enforceable
First Priority Lien on the relevant Project Site(s), easements and other interests in Real Property created under the relevant Real Property
Documents and other interests in Real Property (including improvements) described in such Real Property Security Document subject only
to Permitted Liens, together with all other endorsements and affirmative coverages required by the Department and which are obtainable
on commercially reasonable terms from title insurance underwriters in the State of Texas, the State of Oklahoma or the State in which
the Additional Projects are located, as applicable;
(f) evidence
of title to or leasehold interest in any Real Property or fixture interests (including easements) constituting or intended to constitute
part of the Collateral;
(g) a
certification by the Borrower that all easements, rights-of-way, zoning compliances, and other land rights then necessary for such
Project shall have been obtained, including, all easements, rights-of-way, zoning compliances, and other land rights required to be
obtained by any Major Project Participant pursuant to any Transaction Document entered into in connection with such Project or that
are necessary for the performance of its obligations under such Transaction Documents (including, if required by the Department,
zoning reports, or zoning letters from applicable Governmental Authorities), together with any such other evidence as the Department
may request in connection with the same;
(h) a
certification by the Borrower that each relevant Borrower Entity: (i) has in place all power, water, wastewater, transportation,
communications, and other utilities and infrastructure then necessary for construction and operation of such Project in accordance with
the applicable Project Documents and applicable Required Approvals; and (ii) has secured for each such utility the capacity then
necessary to sustain operations for such Project, including facilities that are adjacent or co-located and operated by any Borrower Entity
to the extent that those facilities are required for the construction and operation of such Project or are sharing resources with such
Project, together with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection with the same;
19
(i) a
certification by the Borrower that: (i) no part of any Project Site or Facility shall have suffered any significant damage by fire
or other casualty that has not been repaired; and (ii) no condemnation or adverse zoning or usage change proceeding shall have occurred
or shall have been threatened in writing against any of the Real Property, together with any such other evidence as the Department may
request in connection with the same; and
(j) all
Real Property Documents required in connection with the relevant Project have been entered into and are in full force and effect, and
to the extent requested by the Department, the Department shall have received true and correct copies of each such Real Property Document.
5.1.9 Security
Documents. Each of the Security Documents (other than any (i) Real Property Security Document or Direct Agreement, which, in either
case, relate to any Project other than the Project for which the Borrower has requested the applicable FFB Advance and (ii) Direct Agreement
not yet required to have been executed in accordance with the terms hereof) shall be in full force and effect and shall have been duly
filed and registered or recorded in every jurisdiction in which such filing and registration or recording is necessary or advisable, and
all documents then necessary or advisable to have been delivered to the Collateral Agent in connection therewith (including, if applicable,
all required membership interest certificates (or similar) and related transfer powers and proxies), in each case, to make valid, effective,
and enforceable as First Priority Liens the Liens intended to be created thereby and to enforce the rights of the Secured Parties thereunder,
and the Department shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that all such filings, registrations, recordings, and deliveries have
been made.
5.1.10 Legal
Opinions. The Department shall have received:
(a) legal
opinions dated as of the relevant FFB Advance Date and addressed to the Secured Parties from each of:
(i) Latham
& Watkins LLP, as New York counsel to the Borrower;
(ii) McAfee
& Taft, as Oklahoma counsel to the Borrower Entities;
(iii) Latham
& Watkins (London) LLP, as English counsel to the Borrower Entities with respect to corporate organizational matters;
(iv) Clifford
Chance LLP, as English counsel to the Department with respect to security matters; and
(v) counsel
to the Borrower Entities with respect to any jurisdiction that the Department requires for capacity, enforceability of security, and permitting
opinions.
(b) such
other legal opinions from counsel satisfactory to the Department and addressing such other matters as the Department may reasonably request.
Section 5.2. Conditions
Precedent to Each FFB Advance. For any Project, the obligation of the Department to issue the FFB Advance Request Approval
Notice with respect to any FFB Advance (including the first FFB Advance with respect to any Project) to be made for the purposes of reimbursing
Eligible Uses of Funds in connection with any Disbursement Milestone for such Project (such Disbursement Milestone, the “Relevant
Disbursement Milestone”) is subject to the prior satisfaction (or waiver in writing) of each of the following conditions precedent
and the delivery to the Department of each of the documents indicated below, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Department
as of the date that is ten (10) Business Days prior to the FFB Advance Date for such FFB Advance, unless indicated otherwise, and to their
continued satisfaction on the relevant FFB Advance Date. The Department may (but shall not be required to) consult with any of the Department’s
Consultants regarding the satisfaction of any condition.
20
5.2.1 Disbursement
Milestones. Each Disbursement Milestone required to have been achieved for such Project on or prior to the relevant FFB Advance Date
in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule, including the Relevant Disbursement Milestone, shall have been achieved, and the
Department shall have received evidence of the same.
5.2.2 Adequate
Project Funding. The Department shall have received a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that the Borrower’s
Total Funding Plan is sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs for all Projects and to achieve, for each Project, the Project Completion
Requirements by no later than the Project Completion Longstop Date for the applicable Project, together with any such other evidence as
the Department may request in connection with the same.
5.2.3 Book
Value to Cumulative Debt Ratio. The Borrower shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Department that the Borrower is, and after
giving effect to the requested FFB Advance, will be, in compliance with Section 7.18(d) (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants).
5.2.4 Master
Advance Notice and FFB Advance Request. The Department shall have received: (a) a Master Advance Notice specifying (i) the Loan Tranche
and Relevant Disbursement Milestone with respect to which such FFB Advance is requested to be made and (ii) the amount of the requested
FFB Advance for the Relevant Disbursement Milestone, which shall not exceed the Available Disbursement Amount for the Relevant Disbursement
Milestone; and (b) an FFB Advance Request delivered in accordance with Section 2.3 (Funding Procedures) and which, to the
extent the Borrower has selected a fixed rate interest under such FFB Advance Request, shall also specify that the Borrower selects the
Par Prepayment/Refinancing Privilege.
5.2.5 Use
of Proceeds. The Department shall have received: (a) evidence that the proceeds of the requested FFB Advance will be applied in accordance
with Section 2.5 (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount); and (b) invoices or other documentation
evidencing the incurrence of the Eligible Uses of Funds to which such proceeds will be applied.
5.2.6 Major
Project Documents; Related Direct Agreements; Project Collateral Security Instruments; and Legal Opinions.
(a) With
respect to such Project, to the extent not previously delivered to the Department, pursuant to Section 4.1.2 (Lock-Up
Agreement; Semiconductor MOUs), the Department shall have received a copy of each Major Project Document then required to have
been entered into by any relevant Borrower Entity in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule and relevant Disbursement
Milestone, in each case, accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate of the Borrower, certifying that: (i) each such copy is
a true, correct, and complete copy of such Major Project Document (including all schedules, exhibits, attachments, supplements, and
amendments thereto and any related protocols or side letters); (ii) each such Major Project Document has been duly executed and
delivered by the parties thereto and is in full force and effect in accordance with its terms; and (iii) neither any Borrower
Entity, nor to any Borrower Entity’s Knowledge, any other Major Project Participant is, or but for the passage of time or
giving of notice or both, would be, in breach of any obligation thereunder.
21
(b) With
respect to each Major Project Document required to be delivered pursuant to paragraph (a) above: (i) a Direct Agreement in respect
thereof shall have been entered into and shall be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, and the Department shall have
received a fully executed copy of each such Direct Agreement; (ii) the Borrower has complied with the requirements of Section 6.12(a)
(Project Collateral Security Instruments; Letter of Credit Rights) of the Project Security Agreement with respect to each Project
Collateral Security Instrument, if any, then required to have been delivered pursuant to any such Major Project Document; and (iii) to
the extent required by the Department, the Department shall have received legal opinions dated as of the relevant FFB Advance Date and
addressed to the Secured Parties from each Major Project Participant party to such Major Project Document required to be delivered from
counsel to such Major Project Participant in its jurisdiction of organization.
5.2.7 Lien
Waivers. The Department shall have received:
(a) a
certification by the Borrower (together with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection with the same) that:
(i) any amounts that are due and payable to contractors or suppliers (including subcontractors) performing work or supplying materials
in connection with the construction of the relevant Project and that are not being contested by any Borrower Entity have been fully paid;
(ii) any disputes with such contractors or suppliers have been settled, except for those being contested in good faith and for which reasonably
adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements; and (iii) all mechanics’ liens
or other Liens of such contractors or suppliers that have been placed on the Collateral or the Project: (A) have been released (or bonded
over); or (B) are being contested in good faith and reasonably adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with the Applicable
Accounting Requirements; and
(b) conditional
(conditioned only upon payment) or unconditional, as applicable, lien waivers (which shall include subcontractors’ conditional (conditioned
only upon payment) or unconditional, as applicable, lien waivers), in form and substance satisfactory to the Department (acting in consultation
with the relevant Title Company), from each such contractor and supplier that is party to a Construction Contract for the relevant Project;
provided that, with respect to subcontractors, such lien waivers shall only be required if the related subcontract has a value
equal to or greater than two hundred fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000).
5.2.8 Loan
Tranche. After giving effect to the requested FFB Advance, the aggregate principal amount of all FFB Advances disbursed with respect
to the relevant Project shall not exceed the applicable maximum Loan Tranche specified in Section 2.5.3 (Disbursement of Proceeds;
Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
5.2.9 Fees
and Expenses. The Department shall have received (a) payment in full of all fees that Section 3.3 (DOC Fees) requires
to be paid on or prior to the relevant FFB Advance Date and all Periodic Expenses due and payable on or prior to the relevant FFB Advance
Date; and (b) (i) reimbursement of all fees and Periodic Expenses of any Consultants, incurred and invoiced prior to the relevant FFB
Advance Date or (ii) confirmation that such fees and Periodic Expenses have been paid directly to such Consultants.
5.2.10 Construction
and Tool Installation Budget. The Department shall have received a certification from the Borrower that (a) there have been no
changes to the Construction and Tool Installation Budget applicable to such Project with respect to amounts reflected in the budget
or the timing of the payments since the last FFB Advance for such Project and (b) the aggregate amounts to be expended for such
Project for each category of Project Costs do not exceed the aggregate amounts budgeted for such costs in the then-approved
Construction and Tool Installation Budget for such Project, except, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), to the extent resulting from
Approved Project Changes for the relevant Project.
22
5.2.11 Judgment
Liens. No judgment lien shall exist against any Property of any Borrower Entity for a debt owed to the United States of America or
any delinquent federal debt, including tax liabilities, except to the extent (a) such delinquency has been resolved with the appropriate
Governmental Authority in accordance with the standards of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 or (b) any such debt is being contested
in good faith and for which reasonably adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements.
5.2.12 Permits
and Approvals. The Department shall have received:
(a) copies
of each Required Approval listed in the Permitting Schedule as required to have been obtained on or prior to the relevant FFB Advance
Date; and
(b) an
Officer’s Certificate of the Borrower, certifying that:
(i) the
copies of such Required Approvals are true, correct and complete copies of such Required Approvals (including all schedules, exhibits,
attachments, supplements, and amendments thereto and any related protocols or side letters);
(ii) no
term or condition of any of such Required Approvals has been amended from the form thereof delivered pursuant to this Section 5.2.12;
(iii) each
such Required Approval has been validly issued, is in full force and effect and Non-Appealable; and
(iv) all
conditions precedent to the effectiveness of such Required Approvals have been satisfied.
5.2.13 Equity
Contributions. The Department shall have received a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that (a) the Borrower
has made all Equity Contributions applicable to such Project then required to have been made to the relevant Borrower Entity in accordance
with Section 7.9 (Equity Contributions) and (b) all equity amounts then required to have been raised in accordance with
Section 7.18(a) (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants) have been duly raised and received by the Borrower, together
with any such other evidence as the Department may request in connection with the same.
5.2.14 Intellectual
Property.
(a) If
any licensor of Project IP is required to deliver any process design packages pursuant to any Construction Contract or Supply Agreement
then required to have been entered into by any relevant Borrower Entity in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule and relevant
Disbursement Milestone, each such project design package shall have been formally accepted by the relevant Construction Contractor or
supplier (as applicable).
(b) Each
relevant Borrower Entity has granted, and has caused each licensor of rights to Project IP under each Project IP Agreement then required
for such Project in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule to grant to the Secured Parties, a Secured Parties’ License.
5.2.15 Representations
and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties made (or deemed made) by any Borrower Entity in any Financing Document
to which it is a party shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation and warranty itself
is qualified by “materiality,” “material adverse effect,” or a similar qualifier, in which case it shall be true
and correct in all respects) as of the date such representation or warranty is made (or deemed made), except to the extent such representation
or warranty is made only as of a specific date or time (in which event such representation or warranty shall be true and correct as of
such date or time).
23
5.2.16 No
Default. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the making of such
FFB Advance or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
5.2.17 No
Guardrail Suspension. The Secretary has not made any determination in accordance with the Guardrail Provisions to suspend the Borrower’s
ability to request FFB Advances.
5.2.18 Updated
Principal Prepayment Schedule. To the extent that such FFB Advance is requested to be made following the occurrence of the First Scheduled
Prepayment Date applicable to the FFB Note under which such FFB Advance is being requested, the Department shall have received an updated
Principal Prepayment Schedule, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, reflecting an even allocation of the principal amount
of the requested FFB Advance across the remaining prepayment installments set forth in the then-current Principal Prepayment Schedule;
provided that if the next occurring Scheduled Prepayment Date for the relevant FFB Note is fewer than twenty (20) Business Days
after the Requested FFB Advance Date, no portion of the principal amount of the requested FFB Advance shall be allocated to the prepayment
installment applicable to such Scheduled Prepayment Date and such principal amount shall instead be allocated evenly across all other
remaining prepayment installments.
5.2.19 Additional
Documents. The Department shall have received such other information, documents, legal opinions, certifications, or consents relating
to any Project, the Collateral, any Borrower Entity, any Major Project Participant, or any of the matters contemplated by the Transaction
Documents as the Department may reasonably request.
Article
6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Borrower Entity, as applicable,
makes each of the following representations and warranties to and in favor of the Department as of (a) the Award Date, (b) each FFB Advance
Date, and (c) each Project Completion Date, as applicable (in all cases, both immediately before and immediately after giving effect
to the FFB Advances, if any, being made on such date), except as such representations and warranties are expressly made as to an earlier
date, in which case such representations and warranties will be true as of such earlier date:
Section 6.1. Organization.
It (a) is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing (or such similar concept in the relevant jurisdiction, if such a concept
is applicable to the relevant jurisdiction) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) is duly qualified to do business
in the jurisdiction of its organization, the state jurisdiction where each Project is located, and in each other jurisdiction where the
failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) has all requisite power and authority
to (i) own or hold under lease and operate the Property it purports to own or hold under lease; (ii) carry on its business as
now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted in respect of the Projects; (iii) incur Indebtedness and create Liens on all
and any of its Properties; and (iv) execute, deliver, perform, and observe the terms and conditions of each of the Transaction Documents
to which it is a party and carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
24
Section 6.2. Authorization;
No Conflict. It has duly authorized, executed and delivered the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and neither its
execution and delivery thereof nor its consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby nor its compliance with the terms
of this Agreement or thereof does or will: (a) contravene its Organizational Documents or any Applicable Laws in any material respect;
(b) contravene or result in any breach or constitute any default under any material Governmental Judgment; (c) contravene or
result in any breach or constitute any default under, or result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any of its material Properties
under any material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Properties may be bound, except for any
Permitted Liens; or (d) require the consent or approval of any Person other than the Required Approvals and any other consents or
approvals that have been obtained and are in full force and effect.
Section 6.3. Compliance
with Laws. It has conducted and is conducting its business and each Project in compliance with:
(a) the
CHIPS Act;
(b) the
Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (31 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq.);
(c) the
False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. § 287);
(d) the
False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. § 1001);
(e) the
Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733);
(f) all
applicable federal labor and employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.), the
Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 203), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. § 653) and the National Labor
Relations Act (29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.) in all material respects;
(g) all
applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve only unintentional minor, technical
infractions, which either (i) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of it becoming aware of the violation and
promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (ii) otherwise could not reasonably be expected to give
rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority; and
(h) without
prejudice to Section 6.2 (Authorization; No Conflict), any other provision of this Section 6.3, Section 6.8
(Required Approvals), Section 6.9 (Intellectual Property), Section 6.17 (Environmental Laws), Section
6.18 (Federal Requirements), or Section 6.20 (Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control
Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws), (i) in all respects, all Federal Laws; and (ii) in all material respects all other
Applicable Laws, Required Approvals, and its Organizational Documents.
Section 6.4. Legality;
Validity; Enforceability. Each Transaction Document to which it is (or will be when executed) a party constitutes a legal,
valid, and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other Applicable Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally
and by general principles of equity.
25
Section 6.5. Real
Property.
(a) It
or another Borrower Entity owns and has valid, legal, and beneficial title to, or holds a valid leasehold interest in, all Real Property
in each Project Site (other than, as of the Award Date, the Project Site with respect to the Additional Projects) free and clear of any
Lien of any kind, except for Permitted Liens, and no contracts or arrangements, conditional or unconditional, exist for the creation by
any Borrower Entity of any Lien (except for Permitted Liens) on any Property.
(b) All
easements, leasehold, and other Property interests and utility and other services, means of transportation, facilities, other materials,
and rights held that are reasonably necessary for the construction, completion, and operation of any Project (other than, as of the Award
Date, any Additional Project) have been obtained or are commercially available to such Project at the applicable Project Site (other than,
as of the Award Date, the Project Site with respect to the Additional Projects).
(c) Any
Leases material to any Project and in existence on the date of this representation and under which any Borrower Entity is a lessee are
valid and subsisting, such Borrower Entity is not in default in any material respect under any of such Leases, such Borrower Entity enjoys
peaceful and undisturbed possession of all Property subject to such Leases, and such Borrower Entity has the right to continue to enjoy
such possession during the time when any such Property is necessary for any Project.
(d) Each
Project Site is sufficient and appropriate in all material respects for the development, siting, design, engineering, construction, ownership,
operation, maintenance and use of the relevant Project as contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
(e) Except
as shown on the applicable ALTA Survey, all of the improvements on each Project Site lie wholly within the boundaries and building restriction
lines of such Project Site, and no improvements on adjoining properties encroach upon such Project Site, and no improvements on such Project
Site encroach upon or violate any easements or other encumbrances upon such Project Site, in each case, so as to materially impair the
development, construction, operation, or use by (or for the benefit of) the Borrower Entities of such Project Site for the applicable
Project, except those that are or, on and following the date of the first FFB Advance for such Project will be, insured against. To its
Knowledge, no ALTA Survey fails to reflect any material matters adversely affecting the applicable Project Site or the title thereto.
(f) No
condemnation or adverse zoning or usage change proceeding has occurred or has been threatened in writing against any of the Real Property
that could materially impair the development, construction, operation, access to or use by (or for the benefit of) the Borrower of any
Project Site for any Project.
Section 6.6. Security
Interests; Liens.
(a) With
respect to each Security Document, with effect from the date on which such Security Document is required to be executed and
delivered in accordance with this Agreement, and upon the execution and delivery thereof, (i) the Collateral Agent (for the benefit
of the Secured Parties) has (or, with respect to any after-acquired Property, will have upon the subsequent acquisition thereof)
legal, valid, enforceable, and perfected First Priority Liens in the Collateral referred to in such Security Document subject only
to Permitted Liens, (ii) such security interest in the Collateral is and will be superior and prior to the rights of all third
Persons now existing or hereafter arising, whether by way of deed of trust, mortgage, Lien, security interests, encumbrance,
assignment or otherwise, other than Permitted Liens, and (iii) all documents and instruments, including (x) in the case of any Real
Property Security Document, such Real Property Security Document and (y) if applicable, UCC financing statements, have been or will
be recorded or filed for record in such manner and in such places as are required and all other action as is necessary or desirable
have been or will be taken to establish and perfect the Collateral Agent’s Lien in and to such Collateral (for the benefit of
the Secured Parties) to the extent contemplated by such Security Document. All Taxes (including stamp taxes) and filing fees and
Periodic Expenses that are due and payable in connection with the execution, delivery or recordation of any Real Property Security
Document or any other Transaction Document, or the mortgaging of any mortgaged Property under any Real Property Security Document,
have been paid or will have been paid by no later than the date of the first FFB Advance (or, to the extent that any such Real
Property Security Document or other Transaction Document is not yet required to be in effect as of the date of the first FFB
Advance, will have been paid by no later than the date on which such Transaction Document is required to be executed and delivered
hereunder).
26
(b) Except
for Permitted Liens, it has not created, and is not under any obligation to create, and has not entered into any transaction or agreement
that would result in the imposition of, any Lien upon any of the Collateral.
Section 6.7. Project
IP Liens. The right, title, and interest of such Borrower Entity in and to the Project IP owned by such Borrower Entity is
free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens.
Section 6.8. Required
Approvals.
(a) The
Permitting Schedule sets forth all Required Approvals as of the Award Date.
(b) Each
Required Approval that is required to be obtained as of any date on which this representation is made has been duly and validly issued,
is in full force and effect and is, or, with the passage of time following the expiration of any relevant appeal period, will be, Non-Appealable,
and it has no reason to believe that any such Required Approvals already obtained will be revoked.
(c) It
has no reason to believe that it, any other Borrower Entity or, to its Knowledge, any relevant Major Project Participant will be unable
to obtain the Required Approvals applicable to it in the ordinary course of business free from conditions or requirements or, if any Borrower
Entity has Knowledge that any Major Project Participant is unable to do so, the relevant Borrower Entities have implemented, or caused
to be implemented, alternative arrangements that the Department in its sole discretion has confirmed in writing are acceptable for the
purposes of this paragraph (c) and at such time or times as may be necessary to avoid any material delay in, or impairment to the transactions
contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
(d) It
and, to its Knowledge, each Major Project Participant is in compliance in all material respects with all Required Approvals that have
been obtained by, or are otherwise applicable to, such Person (or, if any Borrower Entity has Knowledge that any Major Project Participant
is not so in compliance, the relevant Borrower Entities have implemented alternative arrangements that the Department in its sole discretion
has confirmed are acceptable for the purposes of this paragraph (d)).
Section 6.9. Intellectual
Property.
(a) The
Borrower Entities, collectively, exclusively own or hold a valid and enforceable license, permit, certificate, franchise, or other authorization
or right to use all Project IP and have possession of or access to all material Intellectual Property Embodiments.
(b) It
is not in material breach of or default under any Project IP Agreement in effect. To its Knowledge, there are no facts or
circumstances that would be reasonably expected (after the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both) to give rise to any
revocation or termination of any Project IP Agreement, or any Borrower Entity’s rights or licenses to any Project IP
thereunder.
(c) There
is no pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened Action (in writing) challenging the ownership, validity, enforceability, scope, or use
of, or otherwise relating to, any of the Project IP in any material respect.
27
(d) There
is no invention, assignment or other agreement granting any ownership rights in such Project IP to any Person that would limit any Borrower
Entity’s ability to use such Project IP in any material respect.
Section 6.10. Litigation.
There is no pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened Action (in writing) that relates to:
(a) the
legality, validity, or enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents or any transaction contemplated by any of the Transaction Documents;
(b) any
Borrower Entity or any Project, that (excluding any Action contemplated under paragraph (a) above) either individually or in the aggregate,
has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.11. Labor
Disputes. There are no strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages ongoing or threatened in writing by any of its employees or, to
its Knowledge, any Major Project Participant or any employees thereof that have caused or could reasonably be expected to cause a Material
Adverse Effect (or, if any Borrower Entity has Knowledge of any such strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages ongoing or threatened in writing
by any Major Project Participant or any employees thereof, the relevant Borrower Entities have implemented alternative arrangements that
the Department in its sole discretion has confirmed are acceptable for the purposes of this Section 6.11).
Section 6.12. Taxes.
It has:
(a) filed
all tax returns required by Applicable Laws to be filed by it and has paid: (i) all income Taxes that have become due pursuant to
such tax returns; and (ii) all other material Taxes and assessments payable by it that have become due (in each case of clauses (i)
and (ii) other than those Taxes that it is contesting in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves have been established
to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements); and
(b) not
been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 6.13. Financial
Statements. Each Financial Statement of each Borrower Entity or of any other Person delivered to the Department pursuant to
Section 4.1.7 (Financial Statements) or Annex F (Reporting Covenants), as applicable, is complete and correct, has
been prepared in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, and presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial
condition of such Person, as of the respective dates of the Financial Statements for the respective periods covered therein. Such Financial
Statements reflect all liabilities or obligations of such Person, and other information of any nature whatsoever for the period to which
such Financial Statements relate that are required to be disclosed in accordance with Applicable Accounting Requirements. With respect
to any such Person, since the date of delivery of such Financial Statements, or the respective date of such Financial Statements, whichever
is earlier, such Person has not incurred or assumed any liabilities or obligations that would be required to be disclosed in Financial
Statements in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements which has not been disclosed to the Department in writing.
28
Section 6.14. Business;
Contracts; Other Transactions.
(a) It
has not, directly or indirectly: (i) entered into any transaction or series of related transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate
at prices or on terms and conditions less favorable to it than as would reasonably be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated
third parties; (ii) except as permitted pursuant to Section 8.3(h) (Affiliate Transactions)
or as set forth on Schedule D (Affiliate Transactions), entered into any transaction or series of related transactions related
to any Project with any Affiliate; and (iii) established any sole and exclusive purchasing or sales agency, or entered into any transaction,
whereby any Borrower Entity might pay more than the fair market value for products or services of others with respect to any Project.
(b) No
Borrower Entity has any Subsidiary other than as expressly permitted in accordance with Section
8.7(g)(i) (Subsidiaries; Partnerships).
Section 6.15. Disbursement
Milestone Schedule and Construction and Tool Installation Budget; Operating Forecasts.
(a) The
Construction and Tool Installation Budget for each Project (once delivered pursuant to Section 5.1.5 (Construction and Operating
Budgets)):
(i) is
complete and based on reasonable assumptions,
(ii) is
consistent with the provisions of the applicable Major Project Documents in all material respects;
(iii) has
been prepared in good faith and with due care; and
(iv) fairly
represents in all material respects the Borrower Entities’ expectation as to the matters covered thereby as of any date on which
this representation is made or deemed made.
(b) With
respect to each Project, the Construction and Tool Installation Budget represents each Borrower Entity’s best estimate of Total
Project Costs anticipated to be incurred to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the Project Completion
Longstop Date for such Project. No Construction and Tool Installation Budget for any Project has been amended or changed in any material
respect other than to reflect changes resulting from Approved Project Changes for the relevant Project, in accordance with Section
8.5(a) (Approved Project Changes).
(c) Its
good faith estimate and belief is that, for each Project, the Project Completion Date will occur no later than the applicable Anticipated
Completion Date.
Section 6.16. Adequate
Project Funding. The Total Funding Plan for each Project will be sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs for such Project
and to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the final Milestone Completion Longstop Date set forth in
Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone Schedule) for such Project.
Section 6.17. Environmental
Laws.
(a) All
Required Approvals that are required to be obtained for any Project as of each date on which this representation is given relating to
(i) air emissions; (ii) discharges to surface water or ground water; (iii) noise emissions; (iv) the use, generation, storage,
transportation or disposal of Hazardous Substances; or (v) otherwise required under applicable Environmental Law have been obtained.
(b) No
Borrower Entity has received written notice of, and is not aware of nor otherwise has Knowledge of, any facts or circumstances that could
reasonably be expected to result in, any complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice of violation arising under Environmental
Law by any Governmental Authority that is, or could reasonably be expected to become, material.
29
(c) There
is not, and since the date of the Applications, has not been, any condition, circumstance, action, activity or event with respect to any
Project, any Borrower Entity, or any Project Site that could reasonably form the basis of any material violation of any Environmental
Law or that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Each
Borrower Entity is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Law in all material respects.
(e) No
Borrower Entity nor, to the Knowledge of any Borrower Entity, any other Person, has used, generated, manufactured, produced, stored, or
Released, any Hazardous Substances at, on, under, or about any Project Site or any Facility, or transported any Hazardous Substances thereto
or therefrom, in a manner that could reasonably be expected to: (i) result in, or form the basis of, a material Environmental Claim; (ii)
cause any Project to be subject to any material restrictions arising under any Environmental Law; (iii) have a Material Adverse Effect;
or (iv) result in material harm to the environment, or worker health or safety.
Section 6.18. Federal
Requirements.
(a) Davis-Bacon
Act Requirements. Each representation and warranty set forth in Section 2 (Representations and Warranties) of Annex
E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements) is true and correct.
(b) Guardrail
Provisions.
(i) It
is in compliance with all applicable Guardrail Provisions.
(ii) Each
of the lists of existing facilities and ongoing Joint Research and Technology Licensing, each as attached as Appendix 1 to the Guardrail
Provisions in Annex C (Guardrail Provisions) is true and correct, and such appendices memorialize all information required
to be set forth herein pursuant to Section 1 (Prohibition on Certain Expansion Transactions) and Section 2 (Prohibition
on Certain Joint Research or Technology Licensing) of the Guardrail Provisions.
(iii) Each
Person that as of the date hereof is a member of the Borrower’s “affiliated group”, as such term is defined under 26
U.S.C. § 1504(a), without regard to 26 U.S.C. § 1504(b)(3), is set forth in Part 4 (Members of the Affiliated
Group) of Appendix 1 to the Guardrail Provisions.
(iv) Each
Mitigation Agreement, if any, required pursuant to the Guardrail Provisions is in full force and effect, and no violation thereof has
occurred.
(c) Inverted
Corporation Requirement. It is not a foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation under Section
835(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. § 395(b)) or a Subsidiary of such an entity.
Section 6.19. Investment
Company Act. The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment
company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.
30
Section 6.20. Foreign
Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
(a) It
is not a Foreign Entity of Concern.
(b) It
nor any of its respective members, directors, or officers is a Prohibited Person, and to its Knowledge, none of its employees, agents,
or representatives acting in such capacities is a Prohibited Person.
(c) To
its Knowledge, no event has occurred, and no condition exists, that is reasonably likely to result in any Borrower Entity becoming a Prohibited
Person.
(d) There
are no Actions pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened, against or affecting any Borrower Entity or their respective members, directors,
officers, employees, agents or representatives acting in such capacities regarding any actual or alleged non-compliance with any Sanctions,
Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws.
(e) Each
Borrower Entity has adopted and implemented and maintains policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with all
applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws.
(f) It
and its respective members, directors, officers, and, to its Knowledge, employees, agents, and representatives thereof, acting in such
capacities are, and for the last five (5) years have been, in compliance with (i) all applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws; and (ii)
all Sanctions and applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve only unintentional
minor, technical infractions of an Export Control Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Export Control Law which also constitutes
a Sanction), which either (A) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of such Borrower Entity’s becoming aware
of the violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (B) otherwise could not reasonably
be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority.
(g) None
of the Collateral is owned, traded, or used, directly or, to its Knowledge, indirectly by a Prohibited Person.
(h) It
and each of its respective Principal Persons, and, to its Knowledge, its employees, agents, and representatives acting in such capacities
have complied with all applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws in obtaining any
consents, licenses, approvals, authorizations, rights, or privileges with respect to any Project and, otherwise, have conducted each Project
in compliance with all applicable Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws.
(i) None
of the Borrower Entities, their members, directors, officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Borrower Entities, employees, agents, or representatives
acting in such capacities, has made, offered or promised to make, provided or paid any unlawful contributions, entertainment or anything
of value to any local or foreign official (including employees of state-owned or controlled entities), foreign political party or party
official or any candidate for foreign political office:
(i) in
order to influence any act or decision of any foreign official, foreign political party, party official, or candidate for foreign political
office in his or her official capacity, including a decision to fail to perform his or her official functions;
(ii) to
secure an advantage; or
(iii) with
the intent to induce the recipient to misuse his or her official position to direct business to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates
or to any other Person, in each case, in violation of any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws or any other Applicable Law.
31
Section 6.21. ERISA.
(a) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Employee Benefit Plan (if any) is in compliance in form
and operations with its terms and all provisions and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA and other U.S. federal or state
laws, in each case applicable to each Employee Benefit Plan (if any), and it and each of its ERISA Affiliates has performed all of its
respective obligations under such Employee Benefit Plans.
(b) No
ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that has had or that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect.
(c) Each
Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service
to be so qualified or is in the process of being submitted to the Internal Revenue Service for approval or will be so submitted during
the applicable remedial amendment period, and, to its Knowledge, nothing has occurred since the date of such determination that would
adversely affect such determination (or, in the case of an Employee Benefit Plan with no determination, nothing has occurred that would
materially adversely affect such qualification).
(d) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, there exists no Unfunded Pension Liabilities with respect
to Employee Benefit Plans in the aggregate, taking into account only Employee Benefit Plans with positive Unfunded Pension Liabilities.
(e) There
are no Actions pending against or threatened in writing involving an Employee Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) or,
to its Knowledge, any Borrower Entity or any ERISA Affiliate, which would reasonably be expected to be asserted successfully against any
Employee Benefit Plan and, if so asserted successfully, would reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to result
in a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither any Borrower Entity nor any ERISA Affiliate has ceased
operations at a Facility so as to become subject to the provisions of Section 4068(a) of ERISA, withdrawn as a substantial employer so
as to become subject to the provisions of Section 4063 of ERISA, or ceased making contributions to any Employee Benefit Plan subject to
Section 4064(a) of ERISA to which it made contributions.
(g) Neither
any Borrower Entity nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any liability to PBGC save for any liability for
premiums due in the ordinary course or other liability that would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate,
a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.22. Margin
Regulations. No part of the proceeds of the Guaranteed Loan will be used directly or indirectly to purchase or carry any margin
stock within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve of the United States, or any regulations,
interpretations or rulings thereunder, in each case for any purpose that violates any such regulation of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System applicable to the Borrower.
Section 6.23. Accounts.
It does not own or maintain any accounts with a bank or financial institution other than as permitted in accordance with Section
8.3(d) (Accounts).
32
Section 6.24. Insolvency
Proceedings; Solvency.
(a) It
is not the subject of any pending, or to its Knowledge, threatened, Insolvency Proceeding.
(b) It
is and, after giving effect to any requested FFB Advance, will be Solvent.
Section 6.25. No
Defaults. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
Section 6.26. No
Force Majeure. No Event of Force Majeure referred to in clause (a) of the definition thereof has occurred and is continuing.
Section 6.27. No
Event of Loss. No Threshold Event of Loss has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur.
Section 6.28. Material
Adverse Effect. No event or circumstance (including any legal, arbitral, or other dispute review proceeding or any change in
law) has occurred and is continuing since the date of the Applications, that has or could reasonably be expected to have or result in
a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.29. Full
Disclosure.
(a) The
statements and information contained in the Financing Documents, taken together with all documents, reports, or other written information
pertaining to any Project that have been furnished by or on behalf of it to the Department or any Consultant from time to time, are true
and correct in all material respects and do not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state a material fact or any fact
necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading at the time they were made.
(b) It
has no Knowledge of documents or agreements that have not been disclosed to the Department in writing that are material in the context
of the Transaction Documents or that have the effect of varying any of the Transaction Documents or any Project in any material respect.
Section 6.30. Project
Documents.
(a) With
respect to each Project, as of each date on which this representation and warranty is made, or deemed to be made, the Project Documents
then entered into in connection with such Project and which remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms constitute
all of the documents then necessary for the development, construction, and operation of such Project.
(b) No
Major Project Document contains any provision restricting the ability of the Borrower to assign (or, no later than the date of the first
FFB Advance for the applicable Project(s) with respect to which such Major Project Document relates, the applicable Major Project Participant
thereunder has consented, or will have consented, to the assignment of) such Major Project Document as security for the benefit of the
Department or any other Secured Party.
Section 6.31. No
Immunity. Neither it nor any of its assets is entitled to immunity in any jurisdiction in which judicial proceedings may at
any time be commenced with respect to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
33
Section 6.32. No
Federal Debt Delinquency. It does not have: (a) any judgment Lien against any of its Property for a debt owed to the United
States; or (b) any Indebtedness owed to the United States or any Governmental Authority thereof that is in delinquent status, as the term
“delinquent status” is defined in 31 C.F.R. 285.13(d), including any Tax liabilities (other than those Taxes that it is contesting
in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves have been established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting
Requirements) except to the extent such delinquency has been resolved with the appropriate Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable
Law.
Section 6.33. No
Debarment.
(a) No
event has occurred and no condition exists that is likely to result in its debarment or suspension or of its respective members, directors,
or officers from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
(b) Neither
it nor any of its respective members, directors, or officers is or has been subject to any debarment or suspension.
Section 6.34. Information
Technology; Cyber Security; Data.
(a) The
information technology (including data communications systems, equipment and devices) used in the business of such Borrower Entity (collectively,
the “IT Systems”) operates and performs in all material respects as necessary: (i) with respect to the Borrower, (A)
for the development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, starting up, commissioning, ownership, operation, or maintenance
of each Project; and (B) to complete the activities designated to achieve, for each Project, the Project Completion Date; and (ii) with
respect to each other Borrower Entity, to exercise such Borrower Entity’s rights and perform its obligations under the Transaction
Documents in a timely manner.
(b) It
has implemented and maintains, and has caused, or no later than the First FFB Advance Date for the relevant Project, will have caused,
each other applicable Borrower Entity and Major Project Participant to implement and maintain in connection with the relevant Project,
commercially reasonable privacy, information security, cyber security, disaster recovery, business continuity, data backup, and incident
response plans, policies, and procedures consistent with Prudent Industry Practice (including administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards) designed to protect: (i) Sensitive Information from any unauthorized, accidental, or unlawful Processing or loss; (ii)
each applicable IT System from any unauthorized or unlawful access, acquisition, use, control, disruption, destruction, or modification;
and (iii) the integrity, security, and availability of the Sensitive Information and IT Systems.
(c) It
has taken and will take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other confidential or sensitive
personal or business information created or obtained in connection with each Award or the DOC Guarantee.
Section 6.35. CFIUS.
All direct and indirect investments in the Borrower Entities or any of their Affiliates contemplated by or in connection with this
Agreement and the Projects, if any, do not require CFIUS Approval as such investments would not constitute a “covered
transaction” under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act.
34
Article
7
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Each Borrower Entity (except
as otherwise specified below) covenants and agrees that until the Release Date, unless the Department waives compliance in writing:
Section 7.1. Reporting
Covenants. Unless the Department waives compliance in writing, the Borrower Entity Agent shall, at its own expense, furnish,
or cause to be furnished, to the Department on behalf of the Borrower Entities, all information as and when required in accordance with
Annex F (Reporting Covenants).
Section 7.2. Internal
Controls; Monitoring and Reporting.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity acknowledges and understands that the Department is responsible for protecting taxpayer resources, including by ensuring
strong compliance and accountability measures for the relevant Borrower Entities with respect to each FFB Advance.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall establish and maintain effective internal control over the proceeds of any FFB Advances to provide reasonable assurance
that any costs of the Borrower or any Person paid or reimbursed with an FFB Advance constitute Eligible Uses of Funds.
(c) Each
Borrower Entity shall monitor activities funded by any FFB Advance to provide reasonable assurance that the proceeds of such FFB Advance
are used in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the performance expectations with respect to the Projects set forth herein
and in the other Transaction Documents. Upon request by the Department, each Borrower Entity shall provide any invoices, other financial
records, and performance reporting information provided by any third party that has received any proceeds of any FFB Advance for the purpose
of demonstrating performance in alignment with this Agreement.
Section 7.3. Operations.
The Borrower shall own, operate and maintain (or cause the other relevant Borrower Entities to own, operate and maintain) each Project
in accordance with Prudent Industry Practice.
Section 7.4. Compliance
with Applicable Law. Each Borrower Entity shall comply with and conduct its business, operations, assets, equipment, property,
leaseholds, each Project and each Facility in compliance with:
(a) the
CHIPS Act;
(b) the
Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (31 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq.);
(c) the
False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. § 287);
(d) the
False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. § 1001);
(e) the
Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733);
(f) all applicable federal
labor and employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.), the Fair Labor
Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 203), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. § 653) and the National Labor Relations
Act (29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.) in all material respects;
35
(g) all applicable Export
Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve only unintentional minor, technical infractions,
which either (i) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of the relevant Borrower Entity becoming aware of the
violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (ii) otherwise could not reasonably be
expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority; and
(h) without
prejudice to the remaining provisions of this Section 7.4 or any of Section 7.12 (Required Approvals) or Section
7.15 (Federal Requirements), all applicable Federal Laws in all respects and all other Applicable Laws in all material respects.
Section 7.5. Insurance;
Event of Loss.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, in effect at all times insurance with reputable insurance companies, with respect
to its then-existing Properties (including liability and business interruption coverage), against such risks and hazards, in such amounts,
and in such form, as is usually carried by companies of a similar size that are engaged in the same or a similar business and that own
similar properties in the same or similar geographic area and are acting in accordance with Prudent Industry Practice.
(b) The
Borrower shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Department, as promptly as possible but in any event no later than the First
FFB Advance Date for any Project, true and correct copies of each policy of insurance then required to be in effect with respect to the
applicable Project and each relevant Borrower Entity (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower), each endorsed with a Secured
Parties’ endorsement and applicable loss payee clause in form acceptable to the Department.
(c) If
any Event of Loss shall occur with respect to any Project or any part thereof, the Borrower shall promptly deliver notice thereof to the
Department and each relevant Borrower Entity shall (i) diligently pursue all of its rights to compensation against all relevant insurers,
reinsurers, and Governmental Authorities, as applicable, in respect of such event, (ii) compromise or settle any claim with respect
to any Threshold Event of Loss only upon prior written consent of the Department, and (iii) pay or apply the Net Amount of all Loss
Proceeds received by such Borrower Entity stemming from such event in accordance with this Section 7.5 and, as and to the extent required
in accordance herewith, Section 3.2.3(a)(iv) (Mandatory Prepayments).
(d) Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Loss with respect to any Project or any part thereof, subject to paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) below, the
relevant Borrower Entity shall promptly repair or remediate such loss, and such Borrower Entity shall apply or cause to be applied the
Net Amount of Loss Proceeds associated with the loss to the payment of the costs of repair or restoration of the portion of the applicable
Project lost or damaged in accordance with this paragraph (d).
(e) With
respect to any Threshold Event of Loss, the relevant Borrower Entity shall be entitled to undertake the repair or remediation of such
Event of Loss if, and only if, the Department confirms to the Borrower in writing that it is satisfied that:
(i) repair
or replacement of the relevant portion of the relevant Project is technically and economically feasible; and
(ii) the
relevant Borrower Entity is in compliance with such other conditions and requirements as the Department shall reasonably consider appropriate
in the circumstances.
36
(f) With
respect to Loss Proceeds referred to in paragraph (d) above relating to any Threshold Event
of Loss, unless permitted to be applied to repair of the loss pursuant to paragraph (e) above, the relevant Borrower Entity shall direct
the relevant insurers, reinsurers, and Governmental Authorities, as applicable, to pay the Net Amount of such Loss Proceeds directly to
the Department as loss payee (and, if such Loss Proceeds are paid to any Borrower Entity, such Loss Proceeds shall be received in trust,
for the benefit of the Department, shall be segregated from other funds of such Borrower Entity, and shall be forthwith paid over to the
Department in the same form as received (with any necessary endorsement)) and applied to the prepayment of the Guaranteed Loan in accordance
with Section 3.2.3(a)(iv) (Mandatory Prepayments).
(g) In
respect of (i) any Event of Loss that does not constitute a Threshold Event of Loss or (ii) any Threshold Event of Loss as to which the
Department has consented to the repair and restoration in accordance with paragraph (e) above, the Borrower shall, on the tenth (10th)
Business Day of each month until such restoration and repair has been completed and the contractors performing such restoration or repair
work have been paid in full, deliver to the Department a detailed summary of the work performed in connection with any such restoration
or repair during the preceding month and the itemized expenses that are then due and payable, together with copies of all (A) invoices,
(B) conditional (upon payment only) lien waivers from the contractors performing such restoration or repair work in amounts greater than
two hundred fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000) and (C) other information and documents reasonably requested by the Department with respect
to such restoration or repair work.
(h) Upon
the completion of any such restoration and repair work, any remaining portion of the Net Amount of the applicable Loss Proceeds shall
be applied to prepayment of the Guaranteed Loan in accordance with Section 3.2.3(a)(iv) (Mandatory Prepayments).
(i) If
any portion of any Project Site is determined to be located in a special flood hazard area, the Borrower shall obtain and maintain, and
cause the other relevant Borrower Entities to obtain and maintain, at Borrower’s sole cost and expense, flood insurance in such
amounts and with such deductibles as the Department may reasonably require, naming the Secured Parties and their successors and assigns
as mortgagee and loss payee, as applicable, and that such insurance shall be maintained for so long as the Guaranteed Loan remains outstanding.
Section 7.6. Taxes.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall pay or cause to be paid on or before the date payment is due: (i) all Taxes (including stamp taxes), duties, fees,
Periodic Expenses, or other charges payable on or in connection with the execution, issue, delivery, registration, or notarization, or
for the legality, validity, or enforceability, of the Transaction Documents (other than those Taxes that it is contesting in good faith
and by appropriate proceedings for which reserves have been established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements);
provided that, each Borrower Entity shall promptly pay any valid, final judgment rendered upon the conclusion of any relevant Action
enforcing any Tax and cause it to be satisfied of record; and (ii) all claims, levies, or liabilities (including claims for labor,
services, materials, and supplies) (other than those claims, levies, or liabilities that it is contesting in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings for which reserves have been established to the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements), for sums that
have become due and payable and that have or, if unpaid, might become a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon the Property of the Borrower
(or any part thereof).
37
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall file all tax returns required by Applicable Laws to be filed by it and shall pay or cause to be paid on or before
the date payment is due (i) all income Taxes required to be paid by it and (ii) all other material Taxes and assessments required to be
paid by it (other than those Taxes that it contests in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, for which reserves are established to
the extent required by the Applicable Accounting Requirements).
(c) Unless
otherwise agreed by the Department in writing, each Borrower Entity shall duly and punctually file to obtain all Section 45X Internal
Revenue Code federal income tax credits available to it or any Project.
Section 7.7. Eligible
Uses of Funds. The Borrower shall apply the proceeds of each FFB Advance exclusively to reimburse itself or any other applicable
Borrower Entity, as the case may be, for Eligible Uses of Funds incurred and paid by such Borrower Entity for the relevant Project in
connection with the relevant Disbursement Milestone for which the FFB Advance was made and which Eligible Uses of Funds have not been
paid with the proceeds of (a) any federal grants, assistance or loans; (b) other funds guaranteed by the United States federal government;
or (c) tax credits.
Section 7.8. Diligent
Execution of Projects.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve, or cause to be achieved, each Disbursement Milestone for each Project
by the applicable Anticipated Completion Date.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall construct, modernize, or expand, as applicable, and complete, or cause to be constructed, modernized, or expanded
and completed, as the case may be, each Project diligently in accordance with the applicable Construction Contracts and the other applicable
Major Project Documents, Prudent Industry Practice, the Disbursement Milestone Schedule, and the applicable Construction and Tool Installation
Budget, as each is permitted to be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified under this Agreement.
Section 7.9. Equity
Contributions. The Borrower covenants and agrees that it shall make, or cause to be made, one or more Equity Contributions
to the other Borrower Entities:
(a) to
ensure that the Total Funding Plan for the Projects will be sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs for each Project and to achieve
the Project Completion Date for such Project by no later than the final Milestone Completion Longstop Date for such Project;
(b) as
and when required by the Sources and Uses Plan and the Construction and Tool Installation Budget to enable the Borrower Entities to pay
for Project Costs in accordance with this Agreement;
(c) to
ensure that each Borrower Entity will be able to pay its debts as they become due and maintain sufficient capital as is reasonably necessary
to satisfy all of its current and anticipated obligations; and
(d) in
order to satisfy the obligations of the Borrower pursuant to Section 7.8 (Diligent Execution
of Projects).
Section 7.10. Equipment.
Each Borrower Entity shall own, maintain, repair and replace, or cause to be owned, maintained, repaired and replaced, as applicable,
all material Properties and equipment, spare parts, and inventory necessary for the operation and maintenance of any Project in accordance
with the Financing Documents and Prudent Industry Practice.
38
Section 7.11. Intellectual
Property.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall at all times: (i) acquire and maintain ownership of all Project IP then required; or (ii) obtain and maintain its
licenses or rights to use all other Project IP owned by any other Person then required, in each case, as applicable at the relevant time.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall take all commercially reasonable steps to protect the secrecy and confidentiality of all the Trade Secrets of any
Borrower Entity included in the Project IP, or with respect to which any Borrower Entity has any confidentiality obligation (including
by having and enforcing a policy requiring all current and former employees, consultants, licensees, vendors, and contractors to execute
appropriate confidentiality and invention assignment agreements).
(c) Each
Borrower Entity shall, promptly upon the reasonable request of the Department, execute (or procure the execution of) and deliver to the
Department any document and take all actions necessary to acknowledge, confirm, register, record, or perfect the Collateral Agent’s
security interest in any part of the Project IP (including the filing of any Project IP Security Agreement with the United States Patent
and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, or the corresponding entities in any applicable jurisdiction), whether such
interest is now owned or hereafter acquired (whether by application, registration, purchase or otherwise).
(d) In
the event that any Borrower Entity has Knowledge of any breach or violation of any of the terms or conditions of any Project IP Agreement
or that any material Project IP owned by any Borrower Entity is infringed, misappropriated, or otherwise violated by any Person, such
Borrower Entity shall take, or cause to be taken, such actions or inactions that are, in such Borrower Entity’s reasonable judgment,
appropriate under the circumstances (taking into account Applicable Law with respect to such infringement, misappropriation, or other
violation), and protect its rights in such Project IP.
(e) In
the event that any Borrower Entity has Knowledge of any Action alleging that any Borrower Entity, or any of their respective businesses,
or the development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, starting up, commissioning, ownership, operation, use, or maintenance
of any Project, is infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property of any Person, such Borrower Entity
shall take such actions that are, in its reasonable business judgment, appropriate under the circumstances to avoid or avert a material
adverse effect on any Project.
(f) Subject
to the protections for confidential information described in paragraph (b) above to protect, enforce, preserve, and maintain the interests
of the Borrower Entities in and to the Project IP, make available all information related to each Project, including all patents, Technology,
Intellectual Property, and proprietary rights owned or controlled by any Borrower Entity and utilized in the construction, start-up or
operation of any Project, as may be reasonably necessary in order to determine the technical progress, soundness of financial condition,
management stability, compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, adequacy of health and safety conditions, and all other matters with
respect to any Project.
(g) Each
Borrower Entity shall and does hereby grant, and shall cause each licensor of Project IP under a Project IP Agreement to grant or otherwise
permit to grant, to the Secured Parties a Secured Parties’ License.
(h) Each Borrower Entity
shall ensure that each license agreement that constitutes a Project IP Agreement grants to it: (i) a direct, and transferable, or sublicensable
license; or (ii) an irrevocable, perpetual, and transferable or sublicensable sublicense, to any Project IP that is owned by any other
Borrower Entity or that is either material to (or otherwise embedded in) any Project or not readily replaceable; provided, that
with respect to any Project IP owned by any other Borrower Entity, each such license and sublicense is fully paid-up and royalty-free
for the Borrower.
39
Section 7.12. Required
Approvals. Each Borrower Entity shall procure or otherwise cause the procurement of each Required Approval at or prior to such
time as such Required Approval is required or necessary for the diligent execution of any Project and maintain, or cause to be maintained,
each such Required Approval in full force and effect and comply in all material respects with the terms thereof.
Section 7.13. Corporate
Separateness. Each Borrower Entity shall do all things necessary to maintain its corporate existence separate and apart from
each other Borrower Entity.
Section 7.14. Public
Announcements. Each Borrower Entity shall, prior to the making thereof, coordinate with the Department with respect to any
public statement or announcement made by such Borrower Entity:
(a) in
connection with material developments in respect of any Project (including, inter alia, any Project’s ground-breaking ceremony
or going into operation) or satisfaction of any Disbursement Milestone; or
(b) that
directly refers to any Award or the DOC Guarantee or any Financing Document (including by submitting the full text of any proposed public
statement to the Department for review and refraining from making any such public statement without the Department’s prior written
approval),
in each case of paragraphs (a)
and (b) above, other than any such statements that are, as may be determined by any Borrower Entity or any Affiliate thereof: (x) required
by or to comply with Applicable Law or stock exchange rules or regulations applicable to such Person, or (y) made in connection with any
Action brought by or against the Borrower Entities or any of their Affiliates;
Section 7.15. Federal
Requirements.
(a) Sanctions,
Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws. Each Borrower Entity shall:
(i) comply
with all Sanctions and applicable Export Control Laws in all respects, except for any actual or potential violations that involve only
unintentional minor, technical infractions of an Export Control Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Export Control Law which
also constitutes a Sanction), which either (A) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of such Borrower Entity becoming
aware of the violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (B) otherwise could not reasonably
be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority;
(ii) comply
with all Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with its activity under any Financing Document or otherwise
in connection with each Project or transaction contemplated by the Financing Documents;
(iii) maintain
in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with all applicable Sanctions, Export Control
Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws;
(iv) maintain in effect
disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material information regarding such Borrower Entity’s compliance
with Applicable Laws (including Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws) is made known to
Principal Persons of such Borrower Entity and the Borrower; and
40
(v) take
all responsible and prudent steps to ensure that each of its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives comply with applicable
Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws.
(b) Prohibited
Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern. The Borrower Entity Agent shall provide written notice to the Department as soon as practicable
from the date that any Borrower Entity knew or should have known that any Principal Person of the Borrower or any other Borrower Entity
has become a Prohibited Person or any Borrower Entity has become a Foreign Entity of Concern. For the purposes of this paragraph (b),
(i) the date that any Borrower Entity “should have known” such Principal Person became a Prohibited Person shall include,
if applicable, (A) the date on which such Principal Person was identified on any Sanctions List; and (B) the date on which such Principal
Person became domiciled in a Sanctioned Country; and (ii) the date that any Borrower Entity “should have known” that such
Borrower Entity became a Foreign Entity of Concern shall include, if applicable, the date on which the change in ownership or management
that made such Borrower Entity a Foreign Entity of Concern occurred.
(c) Lobbying
Restriction. Each Borrower Entity shall:
(i) comply
with all requirements of 31 U.S.C. §1352, as amended, including the requirement that no proceeds of any FFB Advance be expended by
the Borrower or any of its Affiliates to pay any Person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any federal
agency, a member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection
with the making of any Award or the DOC Guarantee or any other action described in 31 U.S.C. §1352(a)(2) and with the implementing
regulations at 15 C.F.R. Part 28; and
(ii) disclose
to the Department any registrations under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (2 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq.) or the Foreign Agents Registration
Act (22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq.) related to the Projects.
(d) Loan
Program Requirements. Each Borrower Entity shall, and shall cause each other Borrower Entity to, comply with each of the Loan Program
Requirements set forth in Annex D (Loan Program Requirements).
(e) Davis-Bacon
Act. The Borrower shall comply with the affirmative covenants set forth in Section 3 (Affirmative Covenants) of Annex
E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements).
(f) ERISA.
(i) The
Borrower shall, and shall cause its ERISA Affiliates to, maintain all Employee Benefit Plans that are presently in existence or may, from
time to time, come into existence, in compliance with terms of any such Employee Benefit Plan, ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and all
other Applicable Laws, except, in each case, as could not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) The Borrower shall,
and shall cause its ERISA Affiliates to, ensure that no ERISA Event with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan occurs that would reasonably
be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
41
(g) Guardrail
Provisions. Each Borrower Entity shall, and shall cause each other Borrower Entity to, comply with the Guardrail Provisions and each
Mitigation Agreement, if any, required pursuant to the Guardrail Provisions.
(h) Compliance
with Whistleblower Protections. Each Borrower Entity shall:
(i) promptly
disclose in writing, (A) to each of the Director of the CHIPS Program Office, the Department’s Chief Counsel for Semiconductor Incentives
and the OIG, whenever, in connection with this Agreement or a Project, such Borrower Entity has credible evidence that a principal, officer,
director, employee, agent, or entity has committed a violation of (1) federal criminal law involving fraud, conflict of interest, bribery,
or gratuity violations (see Title 18 of the United States Code); or (2) the Civil False Claims Act (see 31 U.S.C. §§3729-3733);
and (B) to the OIG (through https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Hotline.aspx), whenever, in connection with this Agreement or a Project, it
has credible evidence of fraud, waste, and abuse;
(ii) comply
with 41 U.S.C. § 4712 and the whistleblower protections afforded to employees thereby to not discharge, demote, or otherwise discriminate
against an employee as a reprisal for disclosing to a Body of Information that the employee reasonably believes is evidence of gross mismanagement
of any Award, a gross waste of any Award, an abuse of authority relating to any Award, a substantial and specific danger to public health
or safety, or a violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal award, subaward, or contract under a Federal award or subaward;
and
(iii) inform
its employees and contractors in writing, in the predominant native language of the workforce, of the foregoing rights under this paragraph
(h).
Section 7.16. Code
of Conduct; Conflict of Interest.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall establish and maintain written standards of conduct that include: (i) safeguards to prohibit any Principal Persons
and such Borrower Entity’s employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal
or organizational Conflict of Interest, or personal gain in the administration of any Award or the transactions contemplated hereby; and
(ii) the performance of such Borrower Entity’s employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall only provide any in-kind goods or services for the purposes of transportation, travel, or any other expenses for
any United States federal government employee to the extent it falls within a permissible exception or de minimis threshold in
accordance with Applicable Law.
Section 7.17. Authorized
Purpose. Each Borrower Entity shall use, construct, and operate each Project, or otherwise cause each Project to be used,
constructed and operated, as the case may be, in accordance with its Authorized Purpose.
42
Section 7.18. Liquidity
Requirements; Financial Covenants.
(a) The
Borrower shall raise the following equity amounts (and if applicable, proceeds from the Permitted Convertible Loan Notes) (excluding,
for the avoidance of doubt, Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds) by the applicable date specified below:
(i) on
or prior to December 31, 2026, an aggregate amount equal to one billion four hundred fifty million Dollars ($1,450,000,000) plus any
initial Working Capital Facility Collateral, such that Cumulative Equity Raised as of such date is no less than such aggregate amount;
(ii) on
or prior to March 31, 2027, an additional amount equal to the aggregate of three hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($375,000,000) plus
the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs plus any additional Working Capital Facility Collateral, such that Cumulative
Equity Raised as of such date is no less than an amount equal to the aggregate of: (A) one billion eight hundred twenty-five million Dollars
($1,825,000,000) plus (B) the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs plus (C) the total Working Capital Facility Collateral;
and
(iii) on
or prior to December 31, 2027, an additional amount equal to the aggregate of eight hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($875,000,000)
plus any additional Working Capital Facility Collateral, such that Cumulative Equity Raised as of such date is no less than an
amount equal to the aggregate of: (A) two billion seven hundred million Dollars ($2,700,000,000) plus (B) the Total Serra Verde
Cash Acquisition Costs plus (C) the total Working Capital Facility Collateral (such aggregate amount, the “Total Equity
Raise Requirement”);
provided that the Borrower’s
obligations to raise equity under this paragraph (a) shall be reduced by an amount equal to the aggregate amount of any Eligible Serra
Verde Dividends, applied against such obligations in inverse chronological order.
(b) The
Borrower shall maintain, on a Consolidated Basis, at least one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) in Unrestricted Cash at all times.
(c) The
Borrower shall maintain, on a Consolidated Basis, at all times with respect to each Calculation Date occurring on and following the occurrence
of the First Scheduled Prepayment Date for any FFB Note:
(i) a
Historical Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00:1.00; and
(ii) a
Projected Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00:1.00.
(d) The
Borrower shall maintain, on a Consolidated Basis, a Book Value to Cumulative Debt Ratio of:
(i) at
all times on and following the Award Date but prior to the occurrence of the First Scheduled Prepayment Date for any FFB Note, at least
2.00:1.00; and
(ii) at
all times on and following the occurrence of the First Scheduled Prepayment Date for any FFB Note, at least 1.50:1.00.
43
Section 7.19. Key
Person Requirements.
(a) The
Borrower shall ensure that either the Award Date Key Person A or a Satisfactory Replacement Employee employed in accordance with paragraph
(d) below, as applicable, is and remains employed as an employee of the Borrower, that such individual’s duties as an employee are
substantially similar to those duties carried out by the Award Date Key Person A as of the Award Date and that such Key Person carries
out all such duties, in each case, until each Project has achieved its Project Completion Date;
(b) The
Borrower shall ensure that either the Award Date Key Person B or a Satisfactory Replacement Employee employed in accordance with paragraph
(d) below, as applicable, is and remains employed as an employee of the Borrower, that such individual’s duties as an employee are
substantially similar to those duties carried out by the Award Date Key Person B as of the Award Date and that such Key Person carries
out all such duties, in each case, until each Project has achieved its Project Completion Date.
(c) The
Borrower shall ensure that either (i) at least three (3) of the four (4) individuals comprising the Award Date Key Person Group C, (ii)
at least three (3) Satisfactory Replacement Employees employed in accordance with paragraph (d) below, as applicable or (iii) a combination
of the foregoing (such that there are a total of no less than three Key Person Group C individuals at any time), as the case may be, are
and remain employed as employees of the Borrower, that each such individual’s duties as an employee are substantially similar to
those duties carried out by the relevant Award Date Key Person C as of the Award Date and that such Key Person carries out all such duties,
in each case, until each Project has achieved its Project Completion Date.
(d) In
the event the Borrower ceases at any time to be in compliance with any of paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above, as promptly as possible and
in any event not to exceed six (6) months from the date of resignation or termination of the relevant Key Person or other event giving
rise to such non-compliance, as applicable, the Borrower shall employ or engage a replacement employee who, in each case, (i) is satisfactory
to the Department (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and (ii) has equivalent or superior expertise relevant to the role of
the Key Person being replaced (each such newly employed, engaged or elected individual, a “Satisfactory Replacement Employee”).
Section 7.20. Books,
Records and Inspections; Accounting and Auditing Matters.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall:
(i) keep
proper records and books of account in which full, true, and correct entries in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements
and all Applicable Laws are made in respect of all dealing and transactions relating to the Project-related business and activities of
such Borrower Entity; and
(ii) maintain
adequate internal controls, reporting systems and cost control systems that are designed to ensure that such Borrower Entity satisfies
its obligations under the Financing Documents:
(A) for
overseeing its financial operations, including its cash management, accounting and financial reporting;
(B) for overseeing its
relationship with the Department;
44
(C) for
facilitating the effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of any Project; and
(D) for
maintaining such records as are necessary to facilitate an effective and accurate audit and performance evaluation of any Project as required
by the CHIPS Act and the Guardrail Regulations.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall:
(i) reasonably
cooperate with the Department, OIG, and the Consultants regarding any Project upon the Department’s request in connection with monitoring
the construction, operation, and performance of such Project and the compliance by the Borrower Entities with the Financing Documents;
(ii) upon
reasonable notice and at reasonable times during normal business hours, and subject to reasonable access restrictions and security controls,
permit officers and designated representatives of the Department, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General, and the Consultants to visit,
audit, and inspect each Project and any other facilities and Properties of any Borrower Entity, in connection with (A) determining whether
Disbursement Milestones have been achieved; (B) monitoring any Borrower Entity’s progress on any Disbursement Milestone; or (C)
performing any audit or investigation of a Project or any Borrower Entity;
(iii) perform
an audit of each Project in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards, if so requested by the Department, its employees,
its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General or their authorized representatives;
(iv) cooperate
with any reasonable request of the Department, its employees, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General or their authorized representatives
for information or documentation deemed necessary by such party to respond to any audit, evaluation, compliance review, or congressional
inquiry, including, but not limited to, the biannual GAO audit requirement described in 15 U.S.C. § 4652(c) of the CHIPS Act and
the compliance review authorized by 15 U.S.C. § 4652(a)(6)(C) of the CHIPS Act with respect to an Event of Default under Section
9.1(a)(iii) (Expansion Clawback Event); and
(v) provide
to officers and designated representatives of the Department, its agents, OIG, the Comptroller General and the Consultants access to any
pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of any Borrower Entity related to any Project for the purpose of audit, examination, inspection,
and monitoring as may be reasonably requested by the Department in connection with the Financing Documents.
(c) Each
Borrower Entity shall retain all records relating to Eligible Uses of Funds by it with respect to which FFB Advances were made for a minimum
of three (3) years after the date of the last FFB Advance.
Section 7.21. Maintenance
of Existence; Property. Each Borrower Entity shall:
(a) preserve
and maintain (i) its legal existence and organizational status and (ii) all of its licenses, rights, privileges, and franchises material
to the conduct of its business or any Project;
(b) keep (or cause to
be kept) all its Properties and IT Systems in good working order and condition to the extent necessary to ensure that its business can
be conducted properly and in compliance with the CHIPS Act and all other Applicable Laws, the Required Approvals and its Organizational
Documents at all times; and
45
(c) except
as otherwise permitted hereunder, preserve and maintain good and marketable title to or leasehold interest in or rights to the Collateral
and such rights to use each Project Site as are necessary to construct, operate, and maintain the Projects in accordance with the requirements
of the Transaction Documents and shall, at its own expense, take all actions to ensure that: (i) it or another Borrower Entity has sufficient
rights to the Project Sites as is necessary for the development, construction, and operation of the Projects as contemplated by the Transaction
Documents; and (ii) at all times on and following the date of the first FFB Advance, each Title Policy has been issued by the relevant
Title Company and is in full force and effect insuring that the applicable Real Property Security Document creates a legal, valid, and
enforceable First Priority Lien on the relevant Project Site subject only to Permitted Liens.
Section 7.22. SAM
Registration. The Borrower shall maintain its SAM database registration at all times.
Section 7.23. Independent
Accountant. Each Borrower Entity shall at all times maintain one or more engagements with independent public accountants of
nationally recognized standing.
Section 7.24. Contractual
Remedies. Each Borrower Entity shall diligently pursue all contractual remedies available to it to cause each Major Project
Participant to: (a) comply with and conduct its Property, business and operations in compliance in all material respects with all
Applicable Laws; and (b) procure, maintain and comply in all material respects with all Required Approvals.
Section 7.25. Metal/Mine
Customer Commitments. With respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater Metal Project and the Metal Project 2, the
Borrower shall enter into, or shall cause such other relevant Borrower Entity as may be applicable to enter into, no later than the date
of the first FFB Advance made with respect to such Project, and maintain in full force and effect for such Project one or more Metal/Mine
Customer Commitments for the sale of Product throughout the stated term thereof (unless replaced by another Metal/Mine Customer Commitment)
and, thereafter, renew such commitment(s) or enter into additional commitments, such that, with respect to each Project, the relevant
Borrower Entities have in place Metal/Mine Customer Commitments for the sale of no less than for the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater
Metal Project, and the Metal Project 2 respectively, 80% of the volume of the respective Project as indicated in the Base Case Financial
Model for the following four (4) quarters including the current quarter as indicated in the Base Case Financial Model, unless otherwise
agreed in writing by the Department. The Borrower shall deliver true and correct copies to the Department of all Metal/Mine Customer Commitments
no later than five (5) Business Days following the execution thereof by the relevant Borrower Entity.
Section 7.26. Magnet
Purchase Commitments. With respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project and the Magnet Project 2, it shall ensure that at all times
on and following the date of achievement of any Disbursement Milestone for which a minimum aggregate Magnet Purchase Commitment of any
Product is required in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule, the relevant Borrower Entities shall maintain in full force
and effect, and comply with the terms of, Magnet Purchase Commitments evidencing commitments for the sale of the relevant Product in an
aggregate sales volume of no less than the minimum cumulative amount specified for such Disbursement Milestone in the Disbursement Milestone
Schedule. The Borrower shall deliver true and correct copies to the Department of all Magnet Purchase Commitments no later than five (5)
Business Days following the execution thereof by the relevant Borrower Entity.
Section 7.27. Acceptance
and Start-up Testing. The Borrower and each other relevant Borrower Entity shall (i) consult with and provide, or cause to
be provided, reasonable notice to the Department regarding provisions related to start-up and testing of each Project’s Facility
and equipment pursuant to the applicable Major Project Documents; (ii) provide the Department with the opportunity to observe the start-up
and testing of each Project; and (iii) at the request of the Department, provide the Department with any data or reports received by
the Borrower in connection with any of the start-up and testing of any Project.
46
Section 7.28. Operating
Plan; Operations.
(a) With
respect to each Project, from and after the commencement of commercial operations for such Project or the commencement of commercial operations
of any part thereof, the Borrower shall cause such Project, or such portions thereof that have begun commercial operations, to operate
in all material respects pursuant to each Operating Plan then in effect. The Borrower shall conduct, and shall cause any relevant Acceptable
Operator to conduct, the operations of such Project in accordance with, in all material respects, the relevant Transaction Documents,
the applicable Operating Plan, and Prudent Industry Practice.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity shall own, maintain, repair, and replace (or cause to be owned, maintained, repaired and replaced) all equipment, spare
parts, and inventory necessary for the operation and maintenance of any Project in accordance with, in all material respects, Transaction
Documents, the Operating Plans and Prudent Industry Practice.
(c) Each
Borrower Entity shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, at each Project Site, a complete set of plans and specifications for the relevant
Project.
Section 7.29. Operating
Budget.
7.29.1 With
respect to each Project, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of each Fiscal Year after the commencement of commercial
operations for such Project has occurred, the Borrower shall prepare and submit to the Department, the Operating Budget and an updated
Base Case Financial Model for such Project for the succeeding Fiscal Year. Each such Operating Budget shall be consistent with the relevant
updated Base Case Financial Model and be accompanied by a certification of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower that, to the best of
such Authorized Officer’s Knowledge, such Operating Budget is a reasonable estimate for the period covered thereby for the relevant
Project. Each Operating Budget and updated Base Case Financial Model delivered pursuant to this Section 7.29 shall:
(a) be
prepared in good faith on the basis of all facts and circumstances then existing and known to the Borrower Entities, and assumptions,
that each Borrower Entity believes to be reasonable as to all factual and legal matters material to such estimates (each of which, including
relevant calculations and back-up materials, shall be set forth in reasonable detail in such Operating Budget or updated Base Case Financial
Model, as applicable), and reflect the Borrower Entity’s best estimate of the future revenues and expenditures to be received or
incurred by the relevant Borrower Entities in connection with the applicable Project;
(b) be
based on the same format and maintained substantially on the same basis as, and provide sufficient detail to permit a meaningful comparison
to the relevant Project’s Operating Budget for the previous Fiscal Year (in the case of the Operating Budget) and to the then-existing
Base Case Financial Model (in the case of the updated Base Case Financial Model); and
(c) in
the case of the Operating Budget, include the following:
(i) fair and good faith
reasonable estimates of the Operating Revenues expected to be received in connection with such Project, Operating Costs (on an individual
line item basis), Debt Service and Capital Expenditures for such Project for each period covered by such Operating Budget;
47
(ii) a
summary of the relevant Project’s major maintenance schedule to the end of the then current long-term major maintenance cycle (and
related scheduled outages), and the relevant Borrower Entity’s fair and good faith reasonable estimates of any Capital Expenditures
for such Project during such maintenance cycle, or that are otherwise expected to be incurred in the succeeding five (5) years and the
envisioned effect of any contemplated major maintenance activities or such Capital Expenditures on such Project’s operations, along
with a schedule detailing the timing for Capital Expenditures (if any) for such Project during the current Fiscal Year and in the succeeding
five (5) years; and
(iii) an
analysis of compliance with, and deviations from, the Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year immediately preceding the Fiscal Year to which
such Operating Budget relates.
7.29.2 If
at any time during any Fiscal Year, Operating Costs to be paid for any Project during the balance of such Fiscal Year exceed or could
reasonably be expected to cause the aggregate amount of Operating Costs incurred for such Project in the relevant Fiscal Year to exceed
one hundred ten percent (110%) of the aggregate amount of Operating Costs reflected in the then-current Operating Budget for such Project
for such Fiscal Year, the Borrower shall deliver an updated Operating Budget and an updated Base Case Financial Model for such Project
to the Department.
Section 7.30. Performance
of Obligations. Each Borrower Entity shall: (a) perform and observe all of its covenants and obligations contained in any Financing
Document, Major Project Document, or Required Approval; (b) take all reasonable and necessary action to prevent the termination, suspension
or cancellation of any Financing Document, Major Project Document, or Required Approval (except for (i) the expiration of any Financing
Document, Major Project Document, or Required Approval in accordance with its terms and not as a result of a breach or default thereunder
by any Borrower Entity, and (ii) the termination or cancellation of a Major Project Document that the applicable Borrower Entity replaces
as permitted herein); and (c) enforce against the relevant Major Project Participant in accordance with its terms each material covenant
or obligation under each Major Project Document to which such Major Project Participant is a party. With respect to Project Documents
that are not Major Project Documents, each Borrower Entity shall do all such things except to the extent that the failure to do so could
not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect any Borrower Entity or any Project.
Section 7.31. Creation
and Perfection of Security Interests; Additional Documents; Filings and Recordings.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall execute and deliver, from time to time, as reasonably requested by the Department or the Collateral Agent at the
expense of such Borrower Entity, such other documents as shall be necessary or advisable or that the Department and the Collateral Agent
may reasonably request in connection with the rights and remedies of the Department and the Collateral Agent granted or provided for by
any Transaction Document and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein.
(b) Each Borrower Entity
shall, at its own expense, take all actions that have been or shall be requested by the Department or the Collateral Agent or that such
Borrower Entity knows are necessary to establish, maintain, protect, perfect, and continue the perfection of the first priority (subject
to Permitted Liens) security interests of the Secured Parties created by the Security Documents in all assets relating in any manner
to any Project and shall furnish timely notice of the necessity of any such action, together with such instruments, in execution form,
and such other information as may be required or reasonably requested to enable any appropriate Secured Party to effect any such action.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Borrower Entity shall, at its own expense, (i) execute or cause to be executed
and shall file or cause to be filed or register or cause to be registered and record or cause to be recorded all documents (including
financing statements, continuation statements, fixture filings and mortgages, or deeds of trust) and pay all fees, Taxes, and Periodic
Expenses in connection therewith, in all places necessary or advisable (in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Department or the
Collateral Agent) to establish, maintain, preserve, protect, or continue the validity, perfection, or priority of such Liens and in all
other places that the Department or the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request, (ii) discharge all other Liens (other than Permitted
Liens), (iii) deliver or publish all notices to third parties that may be required to establish, maintain, preserve, protect, or continue
the validity, perfection or priority (subject to Permitted Liens) of any Lien created pursuant to the Security Documents, (iv) deliver,
or cause to be delivered, to the Collateral Agent all required membership interest certificates (or similar) and related transfer powers
and proxies, and (v) cause to be delivered to the Department and Collateral Agent such opinions of counsel and other related documents
as may be reasonably requested by the Department or the Collateral Agent to assure compliance with this Section 7.31.
48
Section 7.32. Delivery
of Principal Prepayment Schedules. With respect to each FFB Note:
(a) no
later than twenty (20) Business Days prior to the First Scheduled Prepayment Date for such FFB Note, the Borrower shall deliver to the
Department a principal prepayment schedule, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D (Form of Principal Prepayment Schedule)
hereto and otherwise satisfactory to the Department, reflecting a straight-line amortization across each Scheduled Prepayment Date for
such FFB Note of the aggregate principal amount (inclusive of capitalized interest) of all FFB Advances which will be, or are reasonably
expected to be, outstanding as of such First Scheduled Prepayment Date (after giving effect to any interest to be capitalized on any such
FFB Advances under such FFB Note in accordance with the terms thereof); and
(b) no
later than ten (10) Business Days following delivery by the Department of any Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification with respect
to any FFB Note, the Borrower shall deliver to the Department an updated Principal Prepayment Schedule, in form and substance satisfactory
to the Department, reflecting all applicable Deferred Principal Prepayment Reallocations across the remaining Scheduled Prepayment Dates
(but excluding any other Deferred Principal Prepayment Dates, to the extent applicable) for such FFB Note; provided that, for purposes
of Section 9.1(c)(iii) (Other Breaches Under Financing Documents), any failure by the Borrower to comply with this paragraph (b)
shall be subject to a cure period of ten (10) Business Days.
Section 7.33. Execution
of Project Contracts. Prior to a Borrower Entity’s execution of any contract or agreement subsequent to the date hereof
that is necessary for or material to the construction and operation of a Project and which (a) has a term of greater than one (1) year
and (b) obligates such Borrower Entity to make payments in an aggregate amount exceeding ten million Dollars ($10,000,000) in total in
the case of a single contract or annually in the case of multiple contracts with the same counterparty, the Borrower Entity Agent shall
submit on behalf of the relevant Borrower Entity a copy of the relevant contract or agreement along with a summary of key terms to the
Department for its review and consent. The Department shall have ten (10) Business Days to review such contract or agreement and provide
its consent. If the Department fails to respond to the Borrower Entity Agent’s request within this ten (10) Business Day period,
the relevant Borrower Entity may execute such contract or agreement without the Department’s prior consent, provided that the Department
shall have up to ninety (90) days to designate such contract or agreement a Major Project Document.
Section 7.34. Serra
Verde Acquisition and Serra Verde Holdco.
(a) Each
Borrower Entity shall ensure that as of the later of (x) the date of the Serra Verde Acquisition and (y) the date of the first FFB Advance:
(i) all
requirements of the Project Security Agreement relating to the pledge of equity interests in Serra Verde Holdco thereunder have been complied
with; and
(ii) the
Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the Organizational Documents of Serra Verde Holdco;
49
(b) each
Borrower Entity shall ensure that, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the Serra Verde Acquisition, the Department shall
have received, in form and substance satisfactory to it, a calculation of the Total Serra Verde Cash Acquisition Costs, certified by a
Financial Officer of the Borrower;
(c) each
Borrower Entity shall ensure that, from and after the formation thereof, Serra Verde Holdco preserves and maintains (i) its legal existence
and organizational status and (ii) all of its licenses, rights, privileges, and franchises material to the conduct of its business; and
(d) each
Borrower Entity shall ensure that Serra Verde Holdco shall not:
(i) enter
into any partnership, profit-sharing or royalty agreement or other similar arrangement whereby Serra Verde Holdco’s income or profits
are, or might be, shared with any other Person;
(ii) make
any Investments;
(iii) incur,
assume, guarantee or permit to exist, or otherwise become liable for, Indebtedness; provided that this sub-paragraph (iii) shall
not be construed to prohibit Serra Verde Holdco from granting a Lien on its Equity Interests in Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. pursuant to
the Serra Verde Mortgage of Shares;
(iv) make
any Capital Expenditure in any year;
(v) create,
assume or agree to create or assume, or otherwise permit to exist any Lien upon any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
or in any proceeds or income therefrom, other than any Lien by Serra Verde Holdco on its Equity Interests in the Serra Verde Borrower
or Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., as the case may be, created pursuant to the Serra Verde Mortgage of Shares and the Serra Verde Call Option
Agreement;
(vi) form
or have any direct Subsidiaries, other than Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.;
(vii) enter
into any partnership or a joint venture;
(viii) acquire
any direct Equity Interests in or make any capital contribution to any other Person, other than Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.;
(ix) permit any restriction
on its ability to declare, make, or authorize any dividend or any other payment or distribution of cash or Property to USARE LLC; provided
that, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this sub-paragraph (ix), any (A) contractual restriction agreed to by Serra Verde
Holdco with respect to Serra Verde Holdco’s ability to make or declare dividends or other distributions with respect to its Equity
Interests in Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.; (B) contractual restriction agreed to by a Subsidiary of Serra Verde Holdco with respect to
such Subsidiary’s ability to make or declare dividends or other distributions; (C) Lien granted by Serra Verde Holdco or such a
Subsidiary, or any foreclosure on such a Lien; and (D) any transfer of the Equity Interests in Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. as a result
of the exercise of the call option pursuant to the Serra Verde Call Option Agreement, in each case, shall be deemed not to constitute
a restriction on the ability of Serra Verde Holdco to make dividends or other payments or distributions to USARE LLC;
50
(x) enter
into any transaction of merger or consolidation for which Serra Verde Holdco shall not be the surviving entity of such transaction without
the prior written consent of the Department;
(xi) amend
or modify its Organizational Documents if such change could reasonably be expected to affect its ability to declare, make, or authorize
any dividend or any other payment or distribution of cash or Property to USARE LLC;
(xii) amend
or modify its legal form, its accounting policies, its reporting practices, its Fiscal Year or its capital structure (including the issuance
of any options, warrants or other rights with respect thereto), in each case, if such change could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Department’s rights to receive any payments under the Financing Documents; or
(xiii) engage
directly or indirectly in any business other than as a holding company for Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. and its Subsidiaries after giving
effect to the Serra Verde Acquisition.
Section 7.35. Permitted
Convertible Loan Notes. No later than five (5) Business Days after the date of issuance of any Permitted Convertible Loan Note,
the Borrower shall deliver to the Department a true and correct copy thereof, as certified by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower.
Section 7.36. Working
Capital Facility. The Borrower shall deliver to the Department a true and correct copy, as certified by an Authorized Officer
of the Borrower, of all credit documentation entered into in connection with any Working Capital Facility, as and when such Working Capital
Facility is required to be entered into in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone Schedule and in any event no later than June 30,
2027.
Section 7.37. Indian
Ocean Rare Metals. Each Borrower Entity covenants and agrees that:
(a) such
Borrower Entity shall ensure that as promptly as possible and in any event no later than the date falling fourteen (14) months after the
Award Date (or such later date as the Department may approve in writing in its sole discretion), Indian Ocean Rare Metals shall have completed
its liquidation and winding up and shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, evidence to the Department (in form and substance
satisfactory to it) of the same; and
(b) upon
the later of (i) promptly after the completion of the liquidation of Indian Ocean Rare Metals (and in any event no later than the date
falling fifteen (15) months after the Award Date (or such later date as the Department may approve in writing in its sole discretion))
and (ii) the date of the first FFB Advance, all requirements of the Debenture relating to the pledge of equity interests in LCMG shall
have been complied with.
Section 7.38. Reimbursement
of Funds for LCM Europe. If any Borrower Entity makes a Permitted LCM Europe Investment in reliance on clause (c) of the definition
thereof, then such Borrower Entity shall (a) ensure that, by no later than the scheduled funding date with respect to the applicable
LCM Europe Committed Capital (or applicable portion thereof) as set forth in the agreement governing such LCM Europe Committed Capital
(as in effect on the date approved by the Department in accordance with the definition thereof), the Borrower receives a reimbursement
of such Permitted LCM Europe Investment from LCM Europe in an aggregate amount at least equal to the portion of such LCM Europe Committed
Capital that is scheduled to be funded on such scheduled funding date and (b) no later than five (5) Business Days after such scheduled
funding date, deliver evidence to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to it, of such reimbursement; provided that,
if the applicable counterparty fails to fund all or any portion of the LCM Europe Committed Capital on such scheduled funding date, then
such Borrower Entity’s failure to receive such a reimbursement shall not constitute a breach of this Section 7.38 if within thirty
(30) days after such scheduled funding date, the Borrower (x) obtains Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds in an amount at least equal
to the amount of LCM Europe Committed Capital that was not so funded on such scheduled funding date and (y) delivers evidence to the
Department, in form and substance satisfactory to it, of the receipt of such Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds.
51
Section 7.39. Hamer
LLC. Each Borrower Entity shall, as soon as practicable (and in any event within thirty (30) days) after the closing of
the TMRC Acquisition:
(a) cause
Hamer LLC to execute and deliver to the Department a joinder to this Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Department;
(b) to
the extent the Project Security Agreement has been executed, cause Hamer LLC to execute a joinder to the Project Security Agreement in
form and substance satisfactory to the Department and ensure that all requirements of the Project Security Agreement relating to Hamer
LLC have been complied with; and
(c) ensure
that the Department shall have received a true and correct copy of the Organizational Documents of Hamer LLC.
Article
8
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
Each Borrower Entity covenants
and agrees that until the Release Date, unless the Department waives compliance in writing:
Section 8.1. Prohibited
Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern.
(a) It
shall not become (whether through a transfer or otherwise) a Prohibited Person or Foreign Entity of Concern.
(b) It
shall not use, or permit to be used, any proceeds of any FFB Advance, or lend, contribute, or otherwise make available such funds to any
Person, (i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Prohibited Person, or in or with any Sanctioned Country, or (ii) in any
other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws by
any Person.
Section 8.2. Debarment
Regulations.
(a) Unless
authorized by the Department in writing, it shall not enter into any transactions in connection with the construction, operation, or maintenance
of any Project with any Person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in procurement
or non-procurement transactions with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations.
52
(b) It
shall not fail to comply with any or all Debarment Regulations in a manner that results in such Borrower Entity being debarred, suspended,
declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in procurement or non-procurement transactions with any United States
federal government department or agency pursuant to any Debarment Regulations.
Section 8.3. Restrictions
on Operations.
(a) Ordinary
Course of Conduct; No Other Business. It shall not: (i) engage in any business other than the acquisition, ownership, design, development,
construction, financing, implementation, completion, operation, and maintenance of the Projects in accordance with and as contemplated
by the Transaction Documents (except: (v) other business engaged in as of the Award Date, as disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the
Department; (w) the Serra Verde Acquisition; (x) the business engaged in by the Serra Verde Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date
of the closing of the Serra Verde Acquisition, as disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Department prior to such date; (y) the TMRC
Acquisition; and (z) the business engaged in by TMRC and its Subsidiaries as of the date of the closing of the TMRC Acquisition, as disclosed
in writing by the Borrower to the Department prior to such date); (ii) undertake any action that could reasonably be expected to lead
to a material alteration of the nature of its business or the nature or scope of any Project; (iii) change its name or take any other
action that might adversely affect the Liens created by the Security Documents; or (iv) fail to maintain its existence and its right to
carry on its business.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Compromise
or Settlement of Disputes. It shall not agree or otherwise consent to settle or compromise: (i) any single Action in excess of five
million Dollars ($5,000,000); or (ii) any material dispute under any Major Project Document, in each case without the prior written consent
of the Department.
(d) Accounts.
It shall not establish or maintain any bank or investment accounts other than any such accounts which are subject to a springing account
control agreement (or equivalent) if customarily available in the applicable jurisdiction as determined by the Department, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Department, entered into between such Borrower Entity, the Collateral Agent and relevant account bank or
other financial institution where such account is maintained.
(e) Assignment.
Other than, to the extent applicable, the assignment of the Project Documents and Governmental Approvals to (i) any other Borrower Entity
or (ii) the Collateral Agent required hereunder as security for the benefit of the Secured Parties, it shall not assign or otherwise transfer
its rights under any of the Transaction Documents or Required Approvals.
(f) Accountants.
The Borrower shall not change the Borrower’s Accountant without first consulting with the Department, and no other Borrower Entity
shall change the accountant engaged by it pursuant to Section 7.23 (Independent Accountant) without first consulting with
the Department.
(g) Major
Project Documents. Subject to Section 7.33 (Execution of Project Contracts), it shall not enter into any Major Project Document
without the prior written consent of the Department.
53
(h) Affiliate
Transactions. No Borrower Entity shall, directly or indirectly:
(i) enter
into any transaction or series of related transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate at prices or on terms and conditions
less favorable to such Borrower Entity than as would reasonably be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties;
(ii) except
as permitted pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above, enter into any transaction or series of
related transactions related to any Project with any Affiliate other than any transaction contemplated in a contract or agreement set
forth on Schedule D (Affiliate Transactions); or
(iii) establish
any sole and exclusive purchasing or sales agency, or enter into any transaction, whereby any Borrower Entity might pay more than the
fair market value for products or services of others with respect to any Project; provided that this paragraph (h) shall not apply to
transactions solely among Borrower Entities.
Section 8.4. Amendment
of and Notices under Transaction Documents. It shall not (other than to correct minor or technical errors that do not materially
change any Person’s rights or obligations), except with the prior written consent of the Department:
(a) agree,
directly or indirectly, to any amendment, modification, termination, supplement, consent, or waiver or waive any right to consent to any
amendment, modification, termination, supplement, or waiver of any right with respect to, or assign any of the respective duties or obligations
under:
(i) for
any Project, any Major Project Document, except for Change Orders under any Construction Contract: that (A) do not change the Construction
and Tool Installation Budget for such Project (except for Approved Project Changes) or the portions of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule
relating to such Project; (B) could not reasonably be expected to delay the occurrence of the applicable Project Completion Date
beyond the final Milestone Completion Longstop Date; and (C) could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
provided that, with respect to any such Change Order permitted pursuant to this sub-paragraph (i), the Borrower shall give
the Department prompt written notice of the relevant Borrower Entity’s intent to enter into such Change Order (together with all
supporting documentation as may be required by the Department in order to confirm such Change Order complies with the requirements of
this sub-paragraph (i)) no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the execution thereof and shall deliver a true and correct
copy of such Change Order to the Department promptly, but in any event no later than five (5) Business Days after, the execution thereof;
(ii) any
Governmental Approval or other Required Approval, the effect of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(iii) any
Financing Document; or
(b) certify,
consent to or otherwise permit through a Change Order or otherwise, “Final Completion” (as defined in any Construction Contract)
or any equivalent term to occur under the Construction Contracts that constitute Major Project Documents; or
(c) enter
into any agreement other than any Financing Document restricting its ability to amend or otherwise modify any of the Transaction Documents.
54
Section 8.5. Approved
Project Changes.
(a) No
Borrower Entity shall (other than to correct minor or technical errors) change, reallocate, amend, modify, or supplement or permit or
consent, directly or indirectly, to any changes, reallocations, amendments, modifications, or supplements (each a “Project Change”)
of any Construction and Tool Installation Budget, or the Sources and Uses Plan, except for the following Project Changes (an “Approved
Project Change”):
(i) any
Project Change that (A) has been submitted in writing by the Borrower to the Department (including an explanation in reasonable detail
of the reasons for such Project Change) and (B) has received a written approval from the Department;
(ii) with
respect to any Construction and Tool Installation Budget for any Project, any Project Change that is in the ordinary course of business
and does not exceed, individually or in the aggregate with any other Project Changes, five percent (5%) of Total Project Costs for the
relevant Project as set forth in the Base Case Financial Model;
(iii) any
Project Change that (A) is in the ordinary course of business, (B) individually or in the aggregate with any other Project Change, exceeds
five percent (5%) but does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the Total Project Costs as set forth in the Base Case Financial Model; and
(C) is disclosed in a written notice to the Department, accompanied by a certification from the Borrower that the Borrower’s Total
Funding Plan is sufficient to pay all remaining Project Costs; and
(iv) any
Project Change to any Construction and Tool Installation Budget that is not material (as determined by the Department) and that is notified
to the Department with at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior written notice.
(b) The
Borrower shall cause all Approved Project Changes to be reflected in a revised Construction and Tool Installation Budget and promptly
deliver such revisions to the Department.
Section 8.6. Profit
Sharing; Management Contracts. No Borrower Entity shall:
(a) enter
into any partnership, profit-sharing or royalty agreement or other similar arrangement whereby such Borrower Entity’s income or
profits are, or might be, shared with any other Person other than (i) any other Borrower Entity or (ii) as part of a Permitted
Equity Transfer; or
(b) enter
into any management contract or similar arrangement whereby its business or operations are managed by any other Person, other than pursuant
to (i) an agreement with an Affiliate where such contract or arrangement has been disclosed in writing to the Department and is permitted
by Section 8.3(h) (Affiliate Transactions), (ii) an O&M Agreement or (iii) any other Project Document, whereby a Borrower Entity
engages another Person with respect to mining operations.
Section 8.7. Restrictions
on Indebtedness and Certain Capital Transactions.
(a) No
Investments. It shall not make any Investments except for Permitted Investments.
(b) No
Indebtedness. It shall not incur, assume, guarantee or permit to exist, or otherwise become liable for, Indebtedness other than Permitted
Indebtedness.
(c) Capital
Expenditures. It shall not make any Capital Expenditure in any year except for Permitted Capital Expenditures.
55
(d) Liens.
It shall not, and shall not agree to, create, assume or otherwise permit to exist any Lien upon any of the Collateral or any of its other
Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or in any proceeds or income therefrom, other than Permitted Liens.
(e) Redemption
or Issuance of Stock. No Borrower Entity, other than the Borrower, shall: (i) redeem, retire, purchase or otherwise acquire,
directly or indirectly, any of its outstanding Equity Interests (or any options or warrants issued by such Borrower Entity with respect
to its Equity Interests) or set aside any funds for any of the foregoing except for Equity Interests held by any other Borrower Entity;
and (ii) issue any Equity Interests to any other Person except for any Equity Interests issued to any other Borrower Entity and which,
at all times on and following the date of the first FFB Advance (or, as applicable, at all times on and following such later date on which
the relevant Security Document is entered into, or required to be entered into, in accordance with the terms hereof) are subject to a
First Priority Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent pursuant to the applicable Security Document.
(f) Leases.
It shall not enter into any Lease of any Property or equipment of any kind, except for Permitted Leases and, to the extent entered into
in connection with any Project, in an amount not in excess of the amount budgeted therefor in the applicable Construction and Tool Installation
Budget or Operating Budget, as the case may be.
(g) Subsidiaries;
Partnerships. It shall not:
(i) form
or have any Subsidiaries, other than (A) any other Borrower Entity, (B) Hamer Inc., (C) Hamer LLC, (D) TMRC and its
Subsidiaries (as of the Award Date), (E) Indian Ocean Rare Metals, (F) LCM Europe, (G) Serra Verde Holdco, (H) Middlebury
Merger Sub Ltd. and its Subsidiaries and (I) any Approved Subsidiary;
(ii) enter
into any partnership or a joint venture, other than (A) with any other Borrower Entity or (B) as part of a Permitted Equity
Transfer; and
(iii) acquire
any Equity Interests in or make any capital contribution to any other Person, other than: (A) any Permitted LCM Europe Investment,
(B) any other Borrower Entity owned, directly or indirectly, by it; (C) the acquisition of Equity Interests in Middlebury Merger
Sub Ltd., (D) the acquisition of Equity Interests in the Serra Verde Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with the Serra Verde
Acquisition; (E) the acquisition of Equity Interests in TMRC and its Subsidiaries (as of the Award Date) in connection with the TMRC
Acquisition; and (F) the acquisition of Equity Interests in Carester SAS, a société par actions simplifiée
organized and existing under the laws of France.
Section 8.8. Restricted
Payments.
(a) Except
as otherwise permitted in accordance with paragraph (b) below, no Borrower Entity shall, at any time prior to the Release Date:
(i) reduce its share capital or otherwise carry out any stock or share buyback (other than with any other Borrower Entity); (ii) declare,
make, or authorize any dividend or any other payment or distribution of cash or Property to any Equity Owner (excluding any other Borrower
Entity) on account of any Equity Interests of such Borrower Entity; or (iii) make any payment with respect to principal or interest on,
or purchase, redeem, or defease, any Permitted Subordinated Loan or Permitted Convertible Loan Note (any the foregoing in (i) through
(iii), a “Restricted Payment”), unless in each case, each of the following conditions have been satisfied not less
than ten (10) Business Days prior to a request to make such Restricted Payment, each of which shall be to the Department’s satisfaction:
(A) the
Project Completion Date for each Project shall have occurred;
56
(B) with
respect to any FFB Note with respect to which a Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification has been delivered, the Borrower has made one
or more voluntary prepayments in accordance with the terms of such FFB Note and Section 3.2.2 (Voluntary Prepayments) hereof in
the aggregate amount required to cause, after giving effect to such voluntary prepayment(s), the aggregate principal amount (inclusive
of any capitalized interest) of all outstanding FFB Advances under such FFB Note to be reduced by an amount equal to the sum of all Deferred
Principal Installments corresponding to such FFB Note, other than any Deferred Principal Installment which has previously been prepaid
as a result of a Deferred Principal Prepayment Reallocation and the making of the corresponding mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section
3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory Prepayments);
(C) such
Restricted Payment is made no later than fifteen (15) days following a Payment Date;
(D) no
other Restricted Payment subject to this paragraph (a) shall have been made, or shall be requested to be made, during the fifteen
(15) day period referred to in sub-paragraph (C) above;
(E) the
First Scheduled Prepayment Date has occurred with respect to at least one of the FFB Notes;
(F) no
Potential Event of Default or Event of Default shall then exist or would exist after giving effect to such Restricted Payment;
(G) at
the time such Restricted Payment is made and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
(1) the Historical Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is at least 2.20:1.00;
(2) the Projected Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is at least 2.20:1.00;
(3) the Book Value to Cumulative Debt Ratio is at least 1.75:1.00;
(H) other
than in the case of any Restricted Payment referred to in clause (iii) above, such Restricted Payment is made no earlier than the fifth
(5th) anniversary of the Award Date;
(I) the
Borrower shall have delivered to the Department, not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the making of such Restricted Payment,
an Officer’s Certificate certifying as to the satisfaction of each of the conditions set forth in sub-paragraphs (A) through
(G) above, and setting out in reasonable detail (and certifying as to the accuracy of) and for computing the ratios set forth in sub-paragraph
(G) above and, in each case, stating that such calculations were made in good faith and were based on assumptions believed to be
reasonable.
(b) The
limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above shall not apply with respect to:
(i) the
declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to any Borrower Entity by any Subsidiary thereof;
57
(ii) (x) the
payment of interest on Permitted Convertible Loan Notes or (y) the payment of principal under Permitted Convertible Loan Notes on
the scheduled maturity date thereof;
(iii) the
declaration and payment of payment-in-kind dividends on the shares of the Borrower’s Series A preferred stock that are outstanding
as of the Award Date; or
(iv) the
declaration and payment of payment-in-kind dividends on the shares of the Borrower’s convertible stock (but excluding, for the avoidance
of doubt, any Permitted Convertible Loan Note) issued after the Award Date in order to raise the equity amounts required pursuant to this
Agreement.
Section 8.9. Merger;
Disposition; Sharing of Assets; Transfer or Abandonment. No Borrower Entity shall, and shall not agree to or permit any other
Borrower Entity to:
(a) enter
into any transaction of merger or consolidation for which a Borrower Entity shall not be the surviving entity of such transaction without
the prior written consent of the Department;
(b) carry
out a Disposition of all or any part of its ownership interests in any Project or any other part of its business or Property of any kind
whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, whether now or hereafter acquired other than Permitted
Dispositions;
(c) without
written consent of the Department, acquire by purchase or otherwise the business, Property or fixed assets of any Person, other than:
(i) purchases
or other acquisitions of inventory or materials or spare parts or Capital Expenditures for any Project that are each in the ordinary course
of business in accordance with the applicable Construction and Tool Installation Budget or Operating Budget, as the case may be;
(ii) purchases
or other acquisitions by any Borrower Entity from any other Borrower Entity;
(iii) solely
in connection with the liquidation and winding-up of Indian Ocean Rare Metals, purchases or other acquisitions by any Borrower Entity
from Indian Ocean Rare Metals;
(iv) purchases
or other acquisitions of inventory, materials, spare parts or equipment or other fixed assets by any Borrower Entity from a Subsidiary
of any Borrower Entity, solely to the extent that (x) such purchase or acquisition is made in compliance with Section 8.3(h) (Affiliate
Transactions) and (y) the inventory, materials, spare parts or equipment or other fixed assets acquired by such Borrower Entity
are then needed by it in the ordinary course of business;
(v) the
Serra Verde Acquisition;
(vi) the
TMRC Acquisition;
(vii) acquisitions
of Equity Interests permitted by Section 8.7(g)(iii) (Subsidiaries; Partnerships); and
(viii) any
dividend or other payment or distribution of cash or Property on account of ownership of Equity Interests that is paid or made, as applicable,
to any Borrower Entity by any other Person, and to the extent such other Person is a Borrower Entity, made in accordance with Section
8.8 (Restricted Payments);
58
(d) transfer
or release (other than as a Permitted Disposition) the Collateral or any portion thereof, or take any other similar action; or
(e) abandon,
or suspend, agree (directly or indirectly) to abandon or suspend or make any public statements regarding its intention to abandon or suspend
the development, construction or operation of any Project, or take any action that could be deemed an Abandonment or suspension, or transfer
of any Project to any Person or notify any Major Project Participant of its intent to terminate, or agree (directly or indirectly) to
the termination of, any Major Project Document (other than in accordance with its terms or as replaced in accordance with this Agreement)
or the construction or operation of any Project.
Section 8.10. Margin
Regulations. It shall not directly or indirectly apply any part of the proceeds of any FFB Advance or other revenues to the
purchasing or carrying of any margin stock within the meaning of Regulation T, U, or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
of the United States, or any regulations, interpretations, or rulings thereunder, in each case in any manner that violates any such regulations
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System applicable to the Borrower.
Section 8.11. Environmental
Laws. It shall not, and shall ensure that each other Borrower Entity and any Person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing
shall not, undertake any action or Release any Hazardous Substances in violation of any Environmental Law or construct, operate, or otherwise
carry out any Project or party thereof in any manner that would pose a hazard to public health or safety or to the environment or violate
any Environmental Law in any material respect.
Section 8.12. Investment
Company Act. It shall not take any action that would result in any Borrower Entity becoming an “investment company”
or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.
Section 8.13. Telecommunication
and Video Surveillance. It shall not, and shall cause any contractors or subrecipients
of proceeds of any Award not to, obligate or expend any proceeds of any Award to procure or obtain, or extend or renew a contract to procure
or obtain, covered telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment as described in section 889 of the National Defense
Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115- 232).
Section 8.14. Organizational
Documents; Accounting Policies; Corporate Form. It shall not amend or modify its Organizational Documents, its legal form,
its accounting policies, its reporting practices, its Fiscal Year or its capital structure (including the issuance of any options, warrants
or other rights with respect thereto), in each case, if such change could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Department’s rights to receive any payments under the Financing Documents.
Section 8.15. Serra
Verde Acquisition. The Borrower shall not enter into, consent to, or otherwise permit to be made any amendment, modification or supplement
to the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement at any time on or following the Award Date without the prior written consent of the Department
to the extent that such amendment, modification or supplement has the effect of (i) causing the cash consideration payable by the Borrower
thereunder to exceed three hundred thirty million Dollars ($330,000,000) or (ii) increasing the amount of the Aggregate Stock Merger Consideration
(as defined in the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement) by greater than twenty percent (20%) of the Aggregate Stock Merger Consideration
(as defined in the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement) as in effect, and disclosed to the Department, as of the Award Date.
Section 8.16. Indian Ocean
Rare Metals. Each Borrower Entity shall not permit Indian Ocean Rare Metals to encumber, pledge, mortgage, charge, grant any security
interest over, or otherwise create any Lien on any of its assets to secure any Indebtedness for borrowed money, except with the prior
written consent of the Department.
59
Article
9
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
Section 9.1. Events
of Default. The occurrence of any of the following events described in this Section 9.1 shall constitute an Event of
Default. For the avoidance of doubt, each paragraph of this Section 9.1 shall operate independently, and the occurrence of any
such event shall constitute an Event of Default.
(a) Clawback
Events.
(i) Project
Completion Clawback Event. The Project Completion Date for any Project shall not have occurred by the applicable Project Completion
Clawback Date.
(ii) Technology
Clawback Event. During the Technology Clawback Term, the Borrower or any Related Entity engages in any Joint Research or Technology
Licensing activity in violation of the Guardrail Provisions.
(iii) Expansion
Clawback Event. During the Expansion Clawback Term, the Borrower or any of the Members of the Affiliated Group engages in any expansion
of semiconductor manufacturing capacity in violation of the Guardrail Provisions.
(iv) Authorized
Purpose Clawback Event. The occurrence of an Event of Default under Section 9.1(c) (Other Breaches Under Financing Documents)
with respect to Section 7.17 (Authorized Purpose).
(b) Payment
Defaults. Any Borrower Entity fails to pay, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the FFB Documents or any other Financing
Documents (whether at scheduled maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise):
(i) any
principal amount of the FFB Advances;
(ii) any
Capitalized Interest Amount;
(iii) interest
due and payable in respect of the Guaranteed Loan;
(iv) any DOC Guarantee
Payment Amount on or before the date such amount is due;
(v) any
DOC Fee within thirty (30) days after the date on which such DOC Fee was due; or
(vi) any
other fee, charge, or other amount due under any Financing Document within fifteen (15) days after the date such amount is due.
(c) Other
Breaches Under Financing Documents.
(i) Any Borrower Entity
fails to perform or observe any covenant, term or obligation described in any provision of Section 7.9 (Equity Contributions),
Section 7.11 (Intellectual Property), Section 7.15 (Federal Requirements), Section 7.18 (Liquidity
Requirements; Financial Covenants), Section 7.19 (Key Person Requirements), or Article 8 (Negative Covenants).
60
(ii) Any
Borrower Entity fails to perform or observe any covenant, term, or obligation described in any provision of Annex D (Loan Program Requirements),
subject to the applicable cure period set forth therein.
(iii) The
Borrower, any other Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant fails to perform or observe any covenant, term, or obligation under
this Agreement, any FFB Document or any other Financing Document to which it is a party, other than any covenant, term or obligation expressly
referred to in another provision of this Section 9.1, unless such failure (A) could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect and (B) if capable of being remedied, has been remedied (as determined by the Department based on evidence in form and
substance satisfactory to it) within (x) the relevant cure period, if any, specified for such term, covenant or agreement (as applicable)
in such Financing Document; or (y) if no cure period is specified therein, thirty (30) days following such failure.
(d) Major
Project Document Breach or Default. Any Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant fails to perform or observe any covenant
or any other term or obligation under any Major Project Document to which it is a party, and, except in the case of the Lock-Up Agreement
(for which no cure shall apply) if capable of cure, such failure shall continue unremedied beyond any applicable cure period set forth
therein, or if no cure period is specified, forty-five (45) days following such failure;
(e) Other
Project Document Breach or Default. Any counterparty to a Project Document (other than a Major Project Participant or any Borrower
Entity) breaches or defaults under any of its material agreements, conditions, terms, or covenants contained in any Project Document (other
than any Major Project Document) to which it is a party (or such Project Document becomes invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable or is
repudiated by such counterparty) and, such breach, default or invalidity continues unremedied beyond any applicable cure period, or if
no cure period is specified, forty-five (45) days following such failure; provided, however, that, such event or circumstance
shall not constitute an Event of Default if (i) in the absence of the relevant Project Document, the relevant Borrower Entity has continued
access to the goods or services furnished under the relevant Project Document at a cost that is within the relevant amount set forth in
the applicable Construction and Tool Installation Budget or Operating Budget, as the case may be, or (ii) the relevant Borrower Entity
cures the adverse effects of such event either by replacing such Project Document within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after
the expiry of the relevant cure period or otherwise ensuring the relevant Borrower Entity’s continued access to the goods or services
furnished under the relevant Project Document at a cost that is within the relevant amount set forth in the applicable Construction and
Tool Installation Budget or Operating Budget, as the case may be.
(f) Cross
Default. Any Borrower Entity defaults in the payment of any principal, interest or other amount due under any agreement or instrument
evidencing, or under which any Borrower Entity has outstanding at any time, any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (other than the Guaranteed
Loan) in an aggregate amount in excess of five million Dollars ($5,000,000) for a period beyond any applicable grace period, or any other
default occurs under any such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of,
such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (other than the Guaranteed Loan) in an aggregate amount in excess of five million Dollars ($5,000,000).
61
(g) Unenforceability,
Termination, Repudiation, or Transfer of Any Transaction Document. Any Transaction Document at any time and for any reason: (i) is
or becomes invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable, or any party (other than the Department) thereto has repudiated or disavowed or taken
any action to challenge the validity or enforceability of such agreement; (ii) except as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder,
ceases to be in full force and effect except at the stated termination date thereof, or shall be assigned or otherwise transferred or
terminated by any party thereto (other than the Department) prior to the Release Date (other than with the prior written consent of the
Department); or (iii) is suspended, revoked or terminated (other than upon expiration in accordance with its terms when fully performed),
or any party thereto (other than the Department) has given irrevocable notice of its intention to terminate prior to the stated termination
date thereof; provided that, no Event of Default will occur under this paragraph (g) if the event or circumstance relates only
to a Project Document (other than in the case of the Lock-Up Agreement) between a Borrower Entity and a third party counterparty and
the Borrower or other applicable Borrower Entity effects a replacement of such Project Document within one hundred twenty (120) days
after such event or circumstance, or in the event that such event or circumstance results in a Material Adverse Effect, such shorter
period (but not less than sixty (60) days) as is acceptable to the Department: (A) with the same counterparty or a counterparty that
has a substantially similar or better credit profile compared to the relevant counterparty and is otherwise satisfactory to the Department
and approved in writing by the Department; and (B) upon execution of a replacement Project Document, together with a replacement Direct
Agreement (if applicable) in respect thereof, in each case, on substantially similar or no less favorable terms as the replaced agreement
and otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
(h) Security
Interests. Any Security Document shall fail in any respect to provide the First Priority Lien, security interests, rights, titles,
interests, remedies, powers, or privileges purported or intended to be created thereby (including the priority intended to be created
thereby), or any material portion of the Collateral shall fail to have a First Priority Lien contemplated therefor, in such Security Documents,
or any such Security Document or First Priority Lien shall cease to be in full force and effect, or the validity thereof or the applicability
thereof to the FFB Advances, the Secured Obligations or any other obligations purported to be secured or guaranteed thereby or any part
thereof, shall be disaffirmed by or on behalf of any Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant.
(i) Required
Approvals. (i) The Borrower, any other Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant shall fail to obtain, renew, maintain, or
comply in all material respects with any Required Approval; (ii) any such Required Approval is rescinded, terminated (other than in accordance
with its terms), suspended, withdrawn, or withheld, is determined to be invalid or ceases to be in full force and effect (other than as
a result of the termination of such Required Approval in accordance with its terms); (iii) any such Required Approval is modified in a
manner that materially adversely impacts any Borrower Entity or any Project; or (iv) any notice shall be issued or any proceedings shall
be commenced by or before any Governmental Authority for the purpose of rescinding, terminating, suspending, modifying, withdrawing or
withholding any such Required Approval and such proceedings have not been stayed, withdrawn or suspended within thirty (30) days.
(j) Bankruptcy;
Insolvency; Dissolution.
(i) Involuntary
Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding against the Borrower, any other Borrower Entity or any Major Project
Participant, and such proceeding continues undismissed for a period of at least sixty (60) days.
(ii) Voluntary
Bankruptcy, Etc. The institution by the Borrower, any other Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant, of any Insolvency Proceeding,
or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its Indebtedness generally as it becomes due or its general failure to pay its
Indebtedness as it becomes due, or any other event has occurred that under any Applicable Law would have an effect analogous to any of
those events listed above, or any action is taken by any Person for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
62
(iii) Dissolution.
The dissolution of the Borrower, any other Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant.
(k) Attachment.
An attachment or analogous process is levied or enforced upon or issued against any of the assets of any Borrower Entity in excess of
five million Dollars ($5,000,000) or which, in any case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(l) Judgments.
One or more Governmental Judgments shall be entered against (x) any Borrower Entity or (y) any Key Person in connection with his or her
employment by any Borrower Entity with respect to the primary revenue generating activities of the Borrower Entities and, in either case,
(i) such Governmental Judgments have not been vacated, discharged, satisfied or stayed or bonded pending appeal for any period of thirty
(30) days, and the aggregate amount of all such Governmental Judgments outstanding at any time (except to the extent any applicable insurer(s)
have acknowledged liability therefor) exceeds five million Dollars ($5,000,000), or such Governmental Judgment could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) such Governmental Judgment is in the form of an injunction or similar form of relief that is
not satisfied or discharged for any period of thirty (30) days after the date of entry and requires suspension or Abandonment of operation
of any Project; provided that, with respect to any Governmental Judgment entered against any Key Person, such Governmental Judgment
shall not be an Event of Default hereunder if (A) such Key Person resigns or is terminated and a replacement Key Person is employed or
engaged in accordance with Section 7.19(d) (Key Persons Requirements) and (B) upon and following the resignation or termination
and replacement of such Key Person, no Material Adverse Effect would reasonably be expected to occur or be continuing.
(m) Abandonment.
Any Borrower Entity (i) Abandons any Project; (ii) otherwise permanently ceases to pursue the construction or operation of any Project;
or (iii) relinquishes all possession and control of any Project, whether as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Force Majeure referred
to in paragraph (a) of the definition thereof or otherwise.
(n) Possession;
Rights of Way. For any Project, any relevant Borrower Entity shall (i) cease to have the right to possess or use such Project; (ii)
cease to have the right to possess or use any portion of the applicable Project Site or any rights granted to such Borrower Entity under
any Project Document; or (iii) lose a material right of way, easement or other right of use or access to land necessary for any Project.
(o) Environmental
Matters. (i) Any material Action under or relating to any Environmental Law or asserting any Environmental Claim has been instituted
against any Borrower Entity or otherwise in connection with any Project, or (ii) in connection with any Borrower Entity or any Project,
any Governmental Judgment is issued relating to any material Environmental Claim, Environmental Law or any Required Approval issued under
any Environmental Law, and such Action or Governmental Judgment is not dismissed within thirty (30) days.
(p) Event
of Loss. A material portion of any Project is destroyed or becomes permanently inoperative as a result of a material Event of Loss,
and is not covered by insurance (whether because such coverage was not in place or because coverage was in place but was suspended or
otherwise avoided), or not repaired or restored with Loss Proceeds within the time periods specified in the Transaction Documents, and
that in each case could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(q) Force Majeure.
An Event of Force Majeure referred to in clause (a) of the definition thereof shall occur and continue for a period of one hundred
eighty (180) consecutive days; provided, that no Event of Default shall occur pursuant to this paragraph (q) if the Borrower:
(i) has submitted to the Department within thirty (30) days following such Event of Force Majeure, a plan, in form and substance satisfactory
to the Department, to overcome such Event of Force Majeure, and (ii) has commenced the implementation of such plan within sixty (60)
days following the date on which the Department has confirmed that such plan is satisfactory in accordance with clause (i) above and
is diligently carrying out such plan in accordance with the terms thereof.
63
(r) Misstatements;
Omissions. Any representation or warranty confirmed or made in any Financing Document by or on behalf of the Borrower, any other Borrower
Entity or any Major Project Participant or in any certificate, Financial Statement or other document provided by or on behalf of any such
Borrower Entity to any Secured Party or Consultant in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents shall
be found to have been incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made.
(s) Change
of Control. A Change of Control occurs without the consent of the Department.
(t) ERISA
Events. An ERISA Event occurs that individually or in the aggregate results in liability of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates
that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect during the term of this Agreement.
(u) Certain
Governmental Actions. Any Governmental Authority: (i) lawfully condemns or assumes custody of all of the Property or assets (or
a substantial part thereof) of any Borrower Entity; or (ii) takes lawful action to displace the management of any Borrower Entity.
(v) Compliance
with Sanctions, Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws.
(i) The
making or use of any FFB Advance or any use of any proceeds of the Guaranteed Loan violates, or causes any Person to violate, any Sanctions,
Export Control Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws.
(ii) Any
violation by any Borrower Entity of any Sanctions or any Export Control Laws, except for any actual or potential violations that involve
only unintentional minor, technical infractions of an Export Control Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Export Control Law
which also constitutes a Sanction), which either (A) were voluntarily self-disclosed to BIS within sixty (60) days of such Borrower Entity
becoming aware of the violation, and, promptly resulted in the issuance of a warning or no action letter by BIS; or (B) otherwise could
not reasonably be expected to give rise to an enforcement action, or the imposition of any fine or penalty by any Governmental Authority.
(iii) Any
violation by any Borrower Entity or any Major Project Participant of any Anti-Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws.
(iv) Any
Borrower Entity becomes a Prohibited Person.
(v) Any
Principal Person of any Borrower Entity becomes a Prohibited Person, unless such Borrower Entity removes or replaces such Principal Person
within thirty (30) days from such Borrower Entity’s Knowledge of such occurrence.
64
Notwithstanding anything in
this Section 9.1 to the contrary, with respect to any failure of any Major Project Participant that would constitute an Event of Default
under Section 9.1(c)(iii) (Other Breaches Under Financing Documents) (limited to failures by any Major Project Participant to
perform or observe any covenant, term, or obligation under any Financing Document), Section 9.1(d) (Major Project Document Breach
or Default) (excluding any failure under the Lock-Up Agreement), Section 9.1(h) (Security Interests) (limited to disaffirmance
by any Major Project Participant), Section 9.1(i) (Required Approvals) (limited to the Required Approvals of any Major
Project Participant), Section 9.1(j) (Bankruptcy; Insolvency; Dissolution) or Section 9.1(r) (Misstatements; Omissions)
(limited to representations and warranties made by any Major Project Participant), such failure shall not be an Event of Default hereunder
if: (x) the Borrower delivers written notice to the Department of its intent to replace such Major Project Participant (the “Defaulting
Major Project Participant”) and the applicable Major Project Document; (y) the Borrower or other applicable Borrower Entity
effects a replacement of such Defaulting Major Project Participant within one hundred twenty (120) days after such failure, or in the
event that such failure results in a Material Adverse Effect (excluding with respect to such Defaulting Major Project Participant), such
shorter period (but not less than sixty (60) days) as is acceptable to the Department: (A) with a counterparty that has a substantially
similar or better credit profile compared to the Defaulting Major Project Participant and is otherwise satisfactory to the Department
and approved in writing by the Department; and (B) upon execution of a replacement Major Project Document, together with a replacement
Direct Agreement in respect thereof, in each case, on substantially similar or no less favorable terms as the replaced agreement and
otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to the Department and (z) in the event that such failure results in a Material Adverse
Effect (excluding with respect to such Defaulting Major Project Participant), then such Material Adverse Effect would reasonably be expected
to cease after giving effect to such replacement.
Section 9.2. Remedies
for Events of Default.
9.2.1 Upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Department may, subject to the Federal Claims Collection Act of
1966, as amended, without further notice of default, presentment or demand for payment, protest or notice of non-payment or dishonor,
or other notices or demands of any kind, all such notices and demands being waived (to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws), exercise
(or, where applicable, instruct the Collateral Agent to exercise) one or more of the rights and remedies set forth below (in any combination
or order that the Department may elect):
(a) provide
the Borrower Entity Agent with written notice specifying the nature and extent of the Event of Default and requiring the applicable Borrower
Entity to remedy the same in accordance with a corrective action plan in form and substance satisfactory to the Department;
(b) impose
additional conditions pending implementation of any corrective actions required by the Department;
(c) suspend
or terminate the FFB Commitment or the Award, in whole or in part;
(d) temporarily
withhold or suspend an FFB Advance;
(e) terminate
this Agreement and any Award;
(f) refuse,
and the Department shall not be obligated, to review any Master Advance Notices or forward to FFB any FFB Advance Request Approval Notices;
(g) take,
or cause to be taken, any and all actions necessary to perfect and maintain the Liens of the Security Documents;
(h) declare
and make all sums, or any portion thereof, of outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest under any Loan Tranche in respect
of the applicable FFB Note, this Agreement and the other Financing Documents together with all unpaid fees, Periodic Expenses, and other
amounts due hereunder or under any other Financing Document, payable on demand or immediately due and payable, whereupon such amounts
shall immediately mature and become due and payable;
65
(i) enter
into possession of the Collateral (or any portion thereof) and perform any and all work and labor necessary to complete any Project, if
applicable, and to operate and maintain any Project, or otherwise enforce its reversionary rights, lease, foreclose upon or take possession
of any Collateral, in each case in accordance with the Security Documents, and all sums expended by the Department or any Person on its
behalf in taking any such action, together with interest on such amount at the FFB Late Charge Rate, shall be repaid by the Borrower to
such Person upon demand and shall be secured by the Security Documents, notwithstanding that such expenditures may, together with the
aggregate amount of FFB Advances under the Guaranteed Loan, exceed the amount of the total FFB Commitment;
(j) otherwise
foreclose upon or take possession and cause the sale or Disposition of any Collateral in accordance with the Security Documents;
(k) set
off and apply proceeds of any sale or Disposition of the Collateral (or any portion thereof) to the satisfaction of the Secured Obligations
under all of the Financing Documents in accordance with the Security Documents;
(l) take
such other actions as the Department may reasonably require to provide for the care, preservation, protection, and maintenance of all
Collateral so as to enable the United States to achieve maximum recovery of the Secured Obligations;
(m) with
respect to an Event of Default under Section 9.1(a)(ii) (Technology Clawback Event) or Section 9.1(a)(iii) (Expansion
Clawback Event), exercise the remedies, mitigation, and clawbacks available under Section 7 (Remedies, Mitigation and Clawbacks)
of Annex C (Guardrail Provisions);
(n) without
limiting or being limited by any of the foregoing, draw upon any credit support issued pursuant to any Financing Document in accordance
with its terms, and apply such funds to pay down the Secured Obligations;
(o) take
such action available to the Department pursuant to the Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733);
(p) reject
any current or future application for any CHIPS Incentives submitted by any Borrower Entity or any Affiliate thereof;
(q) initiate
suspension or debarment proceedings in accordance with Applicable Law; and
(r) exercise
any other rights and remedies available under the Financing Documents or otherwise available under Applicable Law, including, without
limitation, the Department’s right to prevent access to or prevent the operation by any Borrower Entity of any Project or Facility
or any of the Collateral and to enforce its rights and remedies by appropriate proceedings, including to enforce the payment of any amount
due and payable under the Financing Documents, to charge interest, penalties and administrative costs on overdue debts in accordance with
the Debt Collection Improvement Act, for damages, or for the specific performance of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction
Document, as further set out in Section 9.4 (Specific Performance).
9.2.2 At any time when
an Event of Default exists, the Department shall be entitled to instruct the Collateral Agent to exercise, or to refrain from exercising,
any right, remedy, power or privilege available to or conferred upon it with respect to the Collateral or otherwise under this Agreement,
any Security Document, or any other Financing Document to which it is a party and direct the time, place, and manner in which the Collateral
Agent is to exercise any such right, remedy, power or privilege.
66
Section 9.3. Automatic
Acceleration. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to in any provision of Section 9.1(j) (Bankruptcy;
Insolvency; Dissolution) in respect of the Borrower: (a) the FFB Commitment for all FFB Notes shall automatically be terminated;
and (b) the Guaranteed Loan and the Secured Obligations, together with interest accrued thereon and all other amounts due in respect
of the Guaranteed Loan and the Secured Obligations and the other Financing Documents, shall immediately mature and become due and payable,
without any other presentment, demand, diligence, protest, notice of acceleration, or other notice of any kind, all of which the Borrower
hereby expressly waives.
Section 9.4. Specific
Performance.
(a) The
Parties acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage, for which monetary damages (even if available) would not be an adequate remedy,
would occur in the event that any Borrower Entity does not perform the provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document
to which it is a party in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. Accordingly, the Parties acknowledge
and agree that the Department shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and/or other equitable relief of the following
obligations under this Agreement: Section 7.1 (Reporting Covenants), Section 7.2 (Internal
Controls; Monitoring and Reporting), Section 7.9 (Equity Contributions), Section
7.10 (Equipment), Section 7.15(d) (Loan Program Requirements), Section
7.15(e) (Davis-Bacon Act), Section 7.15(g) (Guardrail Provisions), Section
7.15(h) (Compliance with Whistleblower Protections), Section 7.16 (Code of Conduct;
Conflict of Interest), Section 7.20 (Books, Records and Inspections; Accounting and
Auditing Matters), Section 7.22 (SAM Registration), Section
8.2 (Debarment Regulations), Section 8.9 (Merger; Disposition; Sharing of Assets;
Transfer or Abandonment), Section 8.13 (Telecommunication and Video Surveillance),
Section 8.14 (Organizational Documents; Accounting Policies; Corporate Form) and Section
1 (Commitments to Worker and Community Investment) of Annex D (Loan Program Requirements), in addition to any other remedy
to which the Department may be entitled at law or in equity.
(b) Each
Borrower Entity agrees that it shall not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and/or other equitable relief on the
basis that the Department has an adequate remedy at law or that any award of an injunction, specific performance and/or other equitable
relief is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or in equity.
(c) In
seeking (i) an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; (ii) to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; and/or (iii) other equitable relief, the Department shall
not be required to show proof of actual damages or to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such remedy.
Section 9.5. DOC
Independent Rights. The Department may itself exercise any right given to the Collateral Agent in this Article
9 or otherwise in the Financing Documents.
Section 9.6. Right
of Set-Off. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under Applicable Laws or otherwise, and not by way of limitation
of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Department is hereby authorized at any
time or from time to time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to any Borrower Entity or to any other Person,
any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and apply any amounts owing by any Borrower Entity to the
Department to or for the credit or the account of the relevant Borrower Entity against and on account of the liabilities of such Borrower
Entity to the Department under this Agreement.
67
Section 9.7. Department
Rights. The Parties agree that each determination by the Department of any amount or fees payable hereunder shall be conclusive
and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
Article
10
REIMBURSEMENT
Section 10.1. Obligations
Absolute. The Secured Obligations shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be performed by each Borrower
Entity strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, irrespective of:
(a) the
occurrence, or the failure by the Department or any other Secured Party or any other Person to give notice to any Borrower Entity of the
occurrence, of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default under this Agreement or any default under any of the other Financing
Documents;
(b) the
extension of the time for performance of any obligations, covenants or agreements of any Person under or arising out of any of the Financing
Documents;
(c) if
any other Person shall at any time have guaranteed or otherwise agreed to be liable for any of the Secured Obligations or granted any
security therefor, any change in the time, manner or place of payment of or any other term of the obligations of such other Person;
(d) any
exchange, change, waiver, or release of any collateral for, or any other Person’s guarantee of or other liability for, any of the
Secured Obligations;
(e) the
existence of any claim, setoff, counterclaim, defense, or other rights of any kind or nature that (i) the Borrower, the Department, or
any other Person may have at any time against FFB, or (ii) any Borrower Entity or any other Person may at any time have against the Department
or any other Person, whether in connection with the Financing Documents, the transactions contemplated therein or any unrelated transactions;
or
(f) any
other circumstance that might, but for the provisions of this Section 10.1, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of or defense
to any or all of the Secured Obligations.
Section 10.2. DOC
Guarantee Payment and Reimbursement.
(a) If the Borrower
defaults on any payment due to FFB (whether such payment is required to be made directly to FFB or to the Department for further payment
to FFB) under the Guaranteed Loan or otherwise under any FFB Document, and as a result of such payment default by the Borrower, the Department
becomes obligated to make any payments to FFB or otherwise makes any payments to FFB pursuant to the DOC Guarantee (a “DOC Guarantee
Payment”), the Borrower shall become immediately obligated to reimburse the Department in an amount equal to the DOC Guarantee
Payment (a “DOC Guarantee Payment Amount”); provided that: (i) any DOC Guarantee Payment shall not operate
to satisfy the Borrower’s obligations to FFB under the Guaranteed Loan or otherwise under the FFB Documents; (ii) any reimbursement
by the Borrower to the Department of the DOC Guarantee Payment shall not operate to satisfy the Borrower’s obligations to pay any
DOC Late Penalty Fee to the Department pursuant to Section 3.3(d) (DOC Fees) or any amounts at the FFB Late Charge Rate to FFB
pursuant to any FFB Note with respect to any principal and interest on the Guaranteed Loan; and (iii) to the extent of any DOC Guarantee
Payment, the Department shall be deemed hereunder to have been granted a participation in any or all of FFB’s rights under the
Financing Documents and with respect to the Collateral. Any reimbursement of any DOC Guarantee Payment will be due and payable to the
Department by the Borrower on the same day as the date on which the Department makes payment of the DOC Guarantee Payment to which it
relates.
68
(b) The
Borrower shall reimburse the Department for any DOC Guarantee Payment, irrespective of any right of counterclaim or set-off, in Dollars
and in immediately available funds by wire transfer to the account specified in Section 3.1.1 (Place and Manner of Payments to the
Department), or to such other account as may be specified by the Department in writing from time to time. Any reimbursement of any
DOC Guarantee Payment shall be non-refundable upon payment.
Section 10.3. DOC
Rights.
10.3.1 The
Department’s right to reimbursement provided for in this Article 10 shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any
other claims, rights, or remedies of subrogation, reimbursement, contribution, exoneration, or indemnification or similar claims, rights,
or remedies, whether arising under contract, by statute, or otherwise that the Department may have from time to time.
10.3.2 Without
limiting the generality of Section 10.3.1 (DOC
Rights), upon any DOC Guarantee Payment, the Department shall be subrogated to the rights of FFB or any subsequent holder of
the Guaranteed Loan, including, to the extent applicable, all related Liens and Collateral.
Section 10.4. Binding
Calculations. The Parties agree that each determination by the Department of any amount or fees payable hereunder shall be
conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
Article
11
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.1. Addresses.
Except as otherwise set forth in Section 11.2 (Use of Websites), any communications, including any notices, between or among
the parties to the Financing Document shall be provided using the addresses listed in Schedule E (Addresses). All notices or other
communications required or permitted to be given under the Financing Documents shall be in writing and shall be considered as properly
given: (a) if delivered in person; (b) if sent by overnight delivery service for domestic delivery or international courier for international
delivery; (c) in the event overnight delivery service or international courier service is not readily available, if mailed by first class
mail (or airmail for international delivery), postage prepaid, registered, or certified with return receipt requested; (d) if sent by
facsimile or telecopy with transmission verified; or (e) if transmitted by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address set forth in
Schedule E (Addresses). Notice so given shall be effective upon delivery to the addressee, except that communication or notice
so transmitted by facsimile or telecopy or other direct written electronic means shall be deemed to have been validly and effectively
given on the day (if a Business Day and, if not, on the following Business Day) on which it is validly transmitted if transmitted before
5:00 p.m., recipient’s time, and if transmitted after that time, on the next following Business Day. Any Party has the right to
change its address for notice under any of the Financing Documents to any other location by giving prior written notice to each of the
other Parties in the manner set forth hereinabove.
Section 11.2. Use
of Websites.
(a) Each Borrower Entity
hereby agrees that it shall provide to the Department all information, documents, and other materials that it is obligated to furnish
to the Department pursuant to the Financing Documents, including, inter alia, all notices, requests, financial statements, financial
and other reports, certificates, and other information materials, but excluding (i) any such communication that relates to service of
process, (ii) any notice, certificate, or other document required under the terms of the relevant Financing Document to be sent in a
specific format or via a specific method, or (iii) any notifications, certifications, or additional information submitted pursuant to
the Guardrail Provisions (all such non-excluded communications being referred to herein collectively as “Communications”),
by posting the Communications, in an electronic or soft medium in a format acceptable to the Department and using procedures acceptable
to the Department, on Salesforce or a substantially similar electronic transmission system used by the Department and that is notified
in writing to the Borrower (the “Platform”). In addition, the Borrower agrees to continue to provide the Communications
to the Department in any other manner specified in the Financing Documents, but only to the extent requested by the Department. The Borrower
further agrees that the Department may make the Communications available to the other Secured Parties via the Platform. If, at any point,
the Platform is not available, each Borrower Entity shall provide Communications to the Department pursuant to Section 11.1 (Addresses).
69
(b) The
Department may, but is not obligated to, furnish all notices, requests, demands, information, or other communication (other than service
of process) to the Borrower Entities under the Financing Documents by posting them on the Platform. Nothing herein shall prejudice the
right of the Department to give any notice, request, demand, information or other communication pursuant to any Financing Document in
any other manner specified in such Financing Document.
(c) Any
communication or document as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) above made or delivered by one party to another shall
be effective only when actually made available in readable form on the Platform.
(d) Any
communication or document that becomes effective, in accordance with paragraph (c) above,
after 5:00 p.m. in the place in which the party to whom the relevant communication or document is made available has its address for the
purpose of this Agreement shall be deemed only to become effective on the following day.
Section 11.3. Further
Assurances. Each Borrower Entity shall execute and deliver to the Department such additional documents and take such additional
actions as the Department may reasonably require to carry out the purposes of the Transaction Documents or that the Department may reasonably
request in writing to: (a) cause the Financing Documents to be properly executed, binding, and enforceable in all relevant jurisdictions;
(b) perfect and maintain the priority of the Secured Parties’ security interest in all Collateral; and (c) enable the
Secured Parties to preserve, protect, exercise, and enforce all other rights, remedies, or interests granted or purported to be granted
under the Financing Documents.
Section 11.4. Non-Discrimination.
No person in the United States may, on the ground of race, color, national origin, handicap, age, religion, or sex, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, this Agreement.
Section 11.5. Waiver
and Amendment.
(a) No
failure or delay by the Department or any other Secured Party in exercising any right, power, or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof
or otherwise impair any rights, powers or remedies of any Secured Party. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or remedy
shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other legal right, power, or remedy.
(b) The
rights, powers, or remedies provided for herein are, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, cumulative and are not exclusive of any
other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or in any other Transaction Document. The assertion or employment of any right, power
or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion of any other right, power or remedy.
70
(c) Except
as otherwise expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended, waived, discharged, or terminated
unless such amendment, waiver, discharge, or termination is in writing and executed by the Borrower Entity Agent and the Department; provided
that the Department may, in its sole discretion, elect to unilaterally waive any Borrower Entity’s non-compliance with any provision
of this Agreement, including but not limited to the occurrence or continuance of any Event of Default hereunder, or provide any consent
under this Agreement by executing such waiver or consent in writing and delivering it to the Borrower Entity Agent.
(d) Any
amendment to or waiver of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any provision hereof or thereof that constitutes a “modification”
(as defined in Section 502(9) of FCRA) that increases the amount of the Credit Subsidy Cost (as calculated in accordance with FCRA
and OMB Circulars A-11 and A-129) shall, at the Department’s discretion, be conditioned upon: (i) payment of any increase to the
Credit Subsidy Cost by the Borrower; or (ii) the availability to the Department of funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress to meet any
such increase.
(e) Any
waiver or amendment of any Project Completion Clawback Date shall be subject to the waiver and congressional notification provisions set
forth in 15 U.S.C. § 4652(a)(5)(D).
Section 11.6. Entire
Agreement. This Agreement, including any agreement, document, or instrument attached to this Agreement or referred to herein,
integrates all the terms and conditions mentioned herein or incidental to this Agreement and supersedes all prior drafts, discussions,
term sheets, commitments, negotiations, agreements, and understandings, oral or written, of the Parties in respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement.
Section 11.7. Governing
Law. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted
in accordance with, Federal Law. To the extent that Federal Law does not specify the appropriate rule of decision for a particular matter
at issue, it is the intention and agreement of the Parties that the law of the State of New York (without giving effect to its conflict
of laws principles (except Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law)) shall be adopted as the governing federal rule of
decision.
Section 11.8. Severability.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in any Financing Document should be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any respect,
the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and the Parties
hereto shall engage the parties to the Financing Documents to enter into good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable
provision with a provision as similar in its terms and purpose to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible
and be legal, valid, and enforceable.
Section 11.9. Limitation
on Liability. No claim shall be made by any Borrower Entity against any Secured Party or any of their Affiliates, directors,
employees, attorneys, or agents, including the Consultants, for any special, indirect, consequential, or punitive damages (whether or
not the claim therefor is based on contract, tort, or duty imposed by law), in connection with, arising out of or in any way related to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or any act or omission or event occurring in connection
therewith, and each Borrower Entity hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue upon any such claim for any such damages, whether or
not accrued, and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.
Section 11.10. Waiver
of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES
ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF ANY BORROWER ENTITY. THIS
PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR EACH PARTY TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES
REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS DISCUSSED THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY WITH ITS COUNSEL, UNDERSTANDS THE RAMIFICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, AND KNOWINGLY
AND VOLUNTARILY AGREES TO THIS WAIVER.
71
Section 11.11. Consent
to Jurisdiction. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Borrower Entity irrevocably and unconditionally:
(a) submits
for itself and its Property in any legal action or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any other
Financing Document, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general jurisdiction of
(i) the courts of the United States in or for the District of Columbia; (ii) the courts of the United States in and for the
Southern District of New York; (iii) any other federal court of competent jurisdiction in any other jurisdiction where it or any
of its Property may be found; and (iv) appellate courts from any of the foregoing;
(b) consents
that any such action or proceeding may be brought in or removed to such courts, and waives any objection, or right to stay or dismiss
any action or proceeding, that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such
action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;
(c) agrees
that nothing herein shall (i) affect the right of any Secured Party to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by
law, or (ii) limit the right of any Secured Party to commence proceedings against or otherwise sue any Borrower Entity or any other
Person in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the commencement of proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude
the commencement of proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if, and to the extent, permitted by the Applicable
Laws; and
(d) agrees
that judgment against it in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or
outside the U.S. by suit on the judgment or otherwise as provided by law, a certified or exemplified copy of which judgment shall be conclusive
evidence of the fact and amount of such Borrower Entity’s obligation.
Section 11.12. Dispute
Resolution.
11.12.1 Scope
and Severability. Any disagreement, claim, misunderstanding, or dispute (collectively, a “Dispute”) between
the Parties concerning any question of fact or law arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement, irrespective of whether such Dispute
concerns an alleged breach of this Agreement or interpretation of this Agreement, may be raised by either Party under this Section
11.12, except that (a) any Dispute relating to any provision of this Agreement set forth in Section 11.12.9
(Exempt Provisions) shall not be subject to this Section 11.12; (b) this Section
11.12 shall be subject to and superseded by the rights and requirements of the Secretary under 15 CFR § 231.304 – 231.307,
as applicable; and (c) no Party shall have the right to raise any matter as a Dispute arbitrarily or capriciously, or concerning a question
of fact or law that has previously been raised (or in relation to which a substantially similar matter has already been raised) under
this Section 11.12.
11.12.2 General Principles.
If a Dispute arises, the Parties shall attempt to resolve the Dispute by discussion and mutual agreement as soon as practicable. In no
event shall a Dispute that arose more than sixty (60) days prior to the notification made under Section 11.12.3
(Dispute Notice) constitute the basis for relief under this Section 11.12 unless the
Department, at its sole discretion, waives this requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, failure of a Party to raise a Dispute within
the sixty (60) day period prior to the notification made under Section 11.12.3 (Dispute
Notice) shall not prejudice any judicial remedies available to such Party.
72
11.12.3 Dispute
Notice. Upon failure to resolve a Dispute by mutual agreement of the Parties as described under Section 11.12.2
(General Principles), the aggrieved Party may document the Dispute by notifying the other Party (the “Responding Party”)
in writing (such notice, a “Dispute Notice”), documenting the relevant facts, identifying unresolved issues, specifying
the clarification or remedy sought, documenting the rationale as to why the clarification/remedy is appropriate, and identifying the type
of event related to such Dispute in the column headed “Relevant Event” contained in the table set forth in Schedule G (Dispute
Resolution) (any such event, a “Relevant Event”).
11.12.4
Referral to Initial Decision-Maker. The aggrieved Party shall deliver the Dispute Notice (the “Referral”) to
(a) the “Department Initial Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule G (Dispute Resolution) corresponding
to the applicable Relevant Event if any Borrower Entity is the aggrieved Party and (b) the “Borrower Initial Decision-Maker”
identified in the table in Schedule G (Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant Event if the Department is
the aggrieved Party.
11.12.5
Decision by Initial Decision-Maker. During the ten (10) days after providing a Dispute Notice to the Responding Party in accordance
with Section 11.12.4 (Referral to Initial Decision-Maker), the aggrieved Party
may provide any other new relevant facts in writing to the Initial Decision-Maker of the Responding Party. Such Initial Decision-Maker
shall conduct a review of the Dispute and render a decision in writing with respect to the Dispute within thirty (30) days of receipt
of the Dispute Notice. The Initial Decision-Maker may make any reasonable inquiries to aid in the preparation of its decision with respect
to the matter and seek extension of any applicable time limits, by mutual agreement of the Parties. Any decision issued by the Initial
Decision-Maker shall be the final and binding decision of the Responding Party, unless the aggrieved Party shall, within ten (10) days
from the receipt of the written decision of the Initial Decision-Maker, request escalation as provided by Section 11.12.6
(Escalation).
11.12.6
Escalation.
(a) Within
ten (10) days of receipt of the written decision of the Initial Decision-Maker pursuant to Section 11.12.5
(Decision by Initial Decision-Maker) above, the aggrieved Party may submit a notice to the Responding Party (the “Escalation
Notice”) requesting a formal consultation with (a) the “Department Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the
table in Schedule G (Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant Event if the Borrower is the aggrieved Party
and (b) the “Borrower Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule G (Dispute Resolution) corresponding
to the applicable Relevant Event if the Department is the aggrieved Party.
(b) The
Escalation Notice shall be submitted by (i) the “Borrower Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule G
(Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant Event if the Borrower is the aggrieved Party and (ii) the “Department
Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in the table in Schedule G (Dispute Resolution) corresponding to the applicable Relevant
Event if the Department is the aggrieved Party.
(c) Unless
mutually agreed otherwise by the Parties, each Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker (or authorized designee thereof with full and final
decision-making authority) shall meet in-person or electronically by video within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Escalation Notice,
at a mutually convenient time and place (the “Escalation Decision-Maker Meeting”).
(d) The Responding Party’s
Escalation Decision-Maker (or authorized designee thereof) shall submit a written decision with respect to the Dispute as soon as possible
after the Escalation Decision-Maker Meeting, and in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of the Referral.
73
(e) The
decision issued by the Responding Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker shall be the final and binding decision of the Responding Party.
11.12.7 Unresolved
Dispute. In the event an aggrieved Party disagrees with the decision of the Responding Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker described
in Section 11.12.6 (Escalation), or in the absence of any written decision by the Responding
Party’s Escalation Decision-Maker (or authorized designee thereof) within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of the Referral,
either Party may pursue any right or remedy under the Financing Documents or provided by Applicable Law, provided that neither
Party may pursue any such right or remedy prior to the date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of the Referral (or such
earlier date as may be mutually agreed by the Parties).
11.12.8 Stay
of Remedies. During the pendency of any Dispute under this Section 11.12 each of the Department’s
remedies (other than those remedies relating to a Dispute regarding an Event of Default in connection with the provisions under Section
11.12.9 (Exempt Provisions)) shall be stayed.
11.12.9 Exempt
Provisions. The following provisions of this Agreement shall not be subject to this Section 11.12:
(a) Section
6.20 (Foreign Entity of Concern; Prohibited Persons; Sanctions; Export Control Laws; Anti-Corruption; Anti-Money Laundering Laws);
(b) Section
7.15(b) (Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern);
(c) Section
7.21(a)(i) (Maintenance of Existence; Property);
(d) Section
7.25 (Metal/Mine Customer Commitments);
(e) Section
7.31 (Creation and Perfection of
Security Interests; Additional Documents; Filings and Recordings);
(f) Section
8.1(a) (Prohibited Persons; Foreign Entities of Concern);
(g) Section
8.9 (Merger; Disposition; Sharing of Assets; Transfer or Abandonment);
(h) Section
8.10 (Margin Regulations);
(i) Section
8.12 (Investment Company Act);
(j) Section
8.14 (Organizational Documents; Accounting Policies; Corporate Form)
(k) Section
9.1(b) (Payment Defaults);
(l) Section
9.1(f) (Cross Default);
(m) Section
9.1(h) (Security Interests)
(n) Section
9.1(j) (Bankruptcy; Insolvency; Dissolution);
(o) Section
9.1(l) (Judgments)
(p) Section
9.1(s) (Change of Control); and
(q) the
Guardrail Provisions.
Section 11.13. Successors
and Assigns.
(a) The
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.
(b) No
Borrower Entity shall assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or under any Transaction Document
without the prior written consent of the Department.
74
(c) The
Department, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain a register for the recordation of the names and addresses
of each Person that acquires an interest in the Guaranteed Loan in accordance with the provisions of the FFB Documents and the principal
amounts of the FFB Advances owing to each such Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement from time to time (the “Register”).
The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Department, and FFB may treat each Person whose name is recorded
in the Register as a Lender for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The register shall be available
for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
Section 11.14. Reinstatement.
This Agreement and each other relevant Financing Document shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any
time payment or performance of the Borrower’s obligations hereunder, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to Applicable Laws or Governmental
Judgment, rescinded or reduced in amount or must otherwise be restored or returned by any Secured Party. In the event that any payment
or any part thereof is so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, such obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such
amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, and this Agreement and each other relevant Financing Document shall
remain in full force and effect until the indefeasible payment and discharge in full of such obligations.
Section 11.15. No
Partnership; Etc. Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Financing Document shall be deemed or construed to create
a partnership, tenancy-in-common, joint tenancy, joint venture, or co-ownership by, between, or among the Department and any Borrower
Entity or any other Person. The Department shall not be in any way responsible or liable for the indebtedness, losses, obligations, or
duties of any Borrower Entity or any other Person with respect to any Project or otherwise. The Department and each Borrower Entity intend
that the relationship between them shall be solely that of creditor and debtor. All obligations to pay Real Property or other taxes, assessments,
insurance premiums, and all other fees and expenses in connection with or arising from the ownership, operation, or occupancy of any Project
or any other assets and to perform all obligations under the agreements and contracts relating to any Project or any other assets shall
be the sole responsibility of the Borrower Entities.
Section 11.16. FFB
Right to Sell FFB Notes. FFB shall have the right to sell all or any portion of an FFB Note or any participation share thereof
without the prior written consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 15.4 of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement. Upon any such sale, any
reimbursement obligations of the Guaranteed Loan by the Department shall automatically terminate and be of no further force and effect.
Section 11.17. Marshaling.
None of the Department, FFB or any other Secured Party shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Borrower Entity
or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.
Section 11.18. Indemnification.
(a) The
Borrower shall indemnify the Department and each of its officers, employees, attorneys, and agents (each, an “Indemnified Party”)
from and against any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, judgements, lawsuits, costs, and expenses (excluding
attorneys’ costs and fees but including any costs and fees of any attorneys of the Collateral Agent) (each, an “Indemnified
Liability”) for which an Indemnified Party may become responsible because of a claim by a third party related to any Award,
the use of FFB Advances, this Agreement, any Financing Document, or any Project; provided, that the Borrower shall not have any indemnification
obligation hereunder if the third party’s claim is based solely on the conduct of the Department (and no other Party) or arises
from the bad faith, gross negligence, or willful misconduct of any Indemnified Party (as determined pursuant to a final, Non-Appealable
judgement by a court of competent jurisdiction).
75
(b) An
Indemnified Party shall give timely notice to the Borrower of any action for which indemnification hereunder may be sought; provided
that any failure to give such notice shall not release the Borrower from any of its indemnification obligations hereunder.
(c) The
Borrower agrees that the Department has sole authority regarding the conduct of any litigation brought against any Indemnified Party,
and the Borrower agrees that the decisions of the Department regarding any such litigation, trial or settlement shall not relieve the
Borrower of its indemnification obligations hereunder. The Department agrees that it will advise the Borrower regarding the conduct of
any such litigation and that Borrower shall be given the opportunity at its own cost and expense to advise the Department of its views
regarding such litigation, including any settlement related thereto. The Department agrees that it will not compromise or settle any Indemnified
Liability, until it has advised the Borrower, as provided above, and has been authorized by the government official with authority to
approve settlements pursuant to applicable rules. No provision herein shall restrict, modify or otherwise affect the authority of the
United States to settle or compromise any claim according to Applicable Law.
(d) All
sums paid and costs incurred by any Indemnified Party with respect to any matter indemnified hereunder shall be immediately due and payable
by the Borrower.
Section 11.19. Counterparts;
Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more duplicate counterparts and when executed by all of the
Parties shall constitute a single binding agreement. The delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by electronic means, including
by facsimile or by portable document format (PDF) attachment to email, shall be as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart
of this Agreement. Except to the extent Applicable Law would prohibit the same or make the same unenforceable, or affirmatively requires
a manually executed counterpart signature: (a) the delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by emailed
PDF, or any other electronic means approved by the Department in writing (which may be via email) that reproduces an image of the actual
executed signature page shall be as effective as the delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement; (b) the delivery
of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by emailed PDF, or any other electronic delivery means approved by the
Department in writing (which may be via email) that contains a DocuSign signature or, in the case of the Department’s signature,
a digital signature associated with a Personal Identity Verification card, or any other electronic signature means approved by the Department
in writing (which may be via email) shall be as effective as the delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement; and (c)
if agreed by the Department in writing (which may be via email) with respect to this Agreement, the delivery of an executed counterpart
of a signature page of this Agreement by electronic means that types in the signatory to a document as a “conformed signature”
from an email address approved by the Department in writing (which may be via email) shall be as effective as the delivery of a manually
executed counterpart of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, the words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,”
“delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries, or the keeping of records in
electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity, or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical
delivery thereof, or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable
Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records
Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
76
Section 11.20. Benefits
of Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Financing Document, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other
than the Parties hereto and thereto and their successors and permitted assigns hereunder or thereunder, any benefit or any legal or equitable
right or remedy under this Agreement or any other Financing Document.
Section 11.21. Termination;
Survival.
(a) The
terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Award, and all rights and obligations of the Parties thereunder, shall terminate on the
Release Date, unless otherwise extended by mutual written agreement of the Parties; provided however the termination of this Agreement
and any Award on the Release Date shall not affect any rights or remedies of any Party that have accrued prior to or on the Release Date,
or any obligations or liabilities of the Borrower Entities that expressly survive the Release Date as set forth in paragraphs (b) and
(c) below or by Applicable Law.
(b) All
representations and warranties made by any Borrower Entity in any Financing Document or other documents delivered in connection therewith
shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Department and shall survive the Release Date.
(c) The
provisions of (i) Section 3.4 (Net of Tax), Section 3.5 (Payment of Costs and Expenses), Section 9.1(a)(iii)
(Expansion Clawback Event), Section 11.7 (Governing Law), Section 11.10 (Waiver of Jury Trial), Section
11.11 (Consent to Jurisdiction), Section 11.12 (Dispute Resolution), Section 11.14 (Reinstatement)
and Section 11.18 (Indemnification) and Article 6 (Representations and Warranties), and (ii) the Guardrail
Provisions (excluding Section 2 (Prohibition on Certain Joint Research or Technology Licensing) and Section 7(d)
(Remedies, Mitigation and Clawbacks) thereof) and all other provisions and definitions set forth in this Agreement required to
give effect thereto, including, inter alia, Section 11.5 (Waiver and Amendment) shall survive and remain in full
force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the payment in full of the Secured Obligations,
the expiration or termination of the DOC Guarantee or the FFB Commitment or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof
on the Release Date.
Section 11.22. Borrower
Entity Agent.
11.22.1 Borrower
Entity Agent Appointment, Acceptance and Authority. Each Borrower Entity (other than the Borrower) hereby appoints and designates
the Borrower to act as its representative and agent for all purposes under the Financing Documents (in such capacity, the “Borrower
Entity Agent”), including requests, delivery or receipt of communications, preparation and delivery of reporting materials,
receipt and payment of Secured Obligations, requests for waiver, amendments, consent, forbearances, and other accommodations, actions
under the Financing Documents (including in respect of compliance with covenants), and all other dealings with the Department. The Borrower
Entity Agent hereby accepts such appointment.
11.22.2 Reliance.
The Department shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any notice or communication delivered by
the Borrower Entity Agent on behalf of any Borrower Entity.
11.22.3 Agent
Communications. The Department shall have the right, but not the obligation, to deal exclusively with the Borrower Entity Agent for
all purposes under the Financing Documents. Each Borrower Entity agrees that any notice, election, communication, delivery, representation,
agreement, action, omission or undertaking on its behalf by the Borrower Entity Agent shall be binding upon and enforceable against it.
77
11.22.4 Process
Agent Appointment. Further for the term of this Agreement, each Borrower Entity hereby appoints the Borrower Entity Agent, as its
agent for service of process to receive on its behalf and on behalf of its property, service of copies of the summons and complaint and
any other notice, document or process which may be served in such action, litigation or proceeding, and agree that failure of the Borrower
Entity Agent to give notice of any such service or process to any Borrower Entity shall not impair or affect the validity of such service
or of any judgment based thereon. Such service may be made by mailing or delivering a copy of such process to any Borrower Entity in
care of the Borrower Entity, and each Borrower Entity hereby irrevocably authorize and direct the Borrower Entity Agent to accept such
service on its behalf. As an alternative method of service, each Borrower Entity also irrevocably consents to the service of any and
all process in any such action, litigation or proceeding by the mailing of copies of such process to it at its address specified in Schedule
E (Addresses). If the Borrower Entity Agent becomes unable for any reason to act as agent for service of process, the applicable
Borrower Entity Agent shall promptly appoint a successor agent on terms reasonably acceptable to the Department.
Article
12
GUARANTEE
Section 12.1. Borrower
Entity Guarantee.
12.1.1 Each
Borrower Entity (other than the Borrower) (each such Borrower Entity, for the purposes of this Article
12, a “Guarantor”) jointly and severally:
(a) irrevocably,
absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to the Department, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment
of the Secured Obligations;
(b) agrees
that the Secured Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from it, and that such
Guarantor will remain bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Secured Obligation;
(c) waives
presentment to, demand of, payment from and protest to any other Borrower Entity of any of the Secured Obligations, and also waives notice
of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment;
(d) agrees
that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise)
and not a guarantee of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Department to any collateral security
held for the payment of the Secured Obligations or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Department in favor
of any other Borrower Entity or any other Person;
(e) failure
by any other Guarantor to make a payment as required during the effectiveness of this guarantee will give rise to a separate cause of
action hereunder and separate suits may be brought hereunder as each cause of action arises;
(f) agrees
that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Financing Document, the maximum liability of such Borrower Entity
under its guarantee hereunder shall not exceed an amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject
to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or any equivalent provision of any other bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other Applicable Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally;
(g) assumes
all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the financial condition and assets of each other Borrower Entity, and of all
other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Secured Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that
it assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that the Department will have no duty to advise it of information known to it or any of them
regarding such circumstances or risks; and
78
(h) agrees
that, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default referred to in any provision of Section 9.1(j) (Bankruptcy; Insolvency; Dissolution)
in respect of any Borrower Entity, if such event shall occur at a time when any of the Secured Obligations may not then be due and payable,
such Guarantor shall pay to the Secured Parties forthwith the full amount which would be payable hereunder by such Guarantor if all the
Secured Obligations were then due and payable.
Section 12.2. No
Discharge or Diminishment of Guarantee; Waivers.
(a) Except
for termination of the Guarantor obligations as set forth in Section 12.4(a) (Termination of Guarantee; Reinstatement) below,
the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason,
including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim,
recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Secured Obligations or otherwise
(other than defense of payment). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder, to the
fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by, and each Guarantor hereby waives
any defense to the enforcement hereof by reason of:
(i) the
failure of the Department to assert any claim or demand or to exercise or enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Financing
Document or otherwise;
(ii) any
rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of any Financing Document or any
other agreement;
(iii) the
failure to perfect any security interest in, or the exchange, substitution, release or any impairment of, any security held by the Department
for the Secured Obligations;
(iv) any
default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Secured Obligations;
(v) any
other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor or otherwise operate as a discharge
of such Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds of all the Secured
Obligations);
(vi) any
illegality, lack of validity or enforceability of any Secured Obligations;
(vii) any
change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any other Borrower Entity, or any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization
or other similar proceeding affecting any other Borrower Entity or any assets of such Borrower Entity or any resulting release or discharge
of any Secured Obligations;
(viii) the
existence of any claim, set-off or other rights that such Guarantor may have at any time against any other Borrower Entity, the Department,
or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or any unrelated transactions;
(ix) any
action permitted or authorized hereunder; or
79
(x) any
other circumstance (including any statute of limitations) or any existence of or reliance on any representation by the Department that
might otherwise constitute a defense to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, the Borrower, any Guarantor, any other Borrower Entity
or surety.
(b) Each
Guarantor expressly authorizes the Department to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, to
exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the
order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other Guarantors or obligors
upon or in respect of the Secured Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder.
(c) To
the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any other
Borrower Entity or the unenforceability of the Secured Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause
of the liability of any other Borrower Entity, other than the payment in full in cash or immediately available funds of all the Secured
Obligations (other than contingent indemnity or expense reimbursement obligations as to which no claim has been made). The Department
may, at its election, (i) foreclose on any security held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales; (ii) accept an assignment
of any such security in lieu of foreclosure; (iii) compromise or adjust any part of the Secured Obligations; (iv) make any other accommodation
with any other Borrower Entity; or (v) exercise any other right or remedy available to them against any other Borrower Entity, without
affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent that the Secured Obligations (other than
contingent indemnity or expense reimbursement obligations as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash or in immediately
available funds. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election
even though such election operates, pursuant to Applicable Law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or
other right or remedy of such Guarantor against any other Borrower Entity, as the case may be, or any security.
Section 12.3. Agreement
to Pay; Contribution; Subrogation.
(a) Without
limitation of any other right that the Department has at law or in equity against any Guarantor, upon the failure of any Borrower Entity
to pay any Department Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment
or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises, jointly and severally, to and will forthwith pay in cash, or cause to be paid in cash, to
the Department such unpaid Secured Obligations upon demand, in Dollars.
(b) Upon
payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Department, all rights of such Guarantor against any other Borrower Entity arising as a result
thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior
in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Secured Obligations. In addition, any Indebtedness of
any other Borrower Entity now or hereafter held by any Guarantor is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full
of the Secured Obligations during the existence of an Event of Default. If any amount shall erroneously be paid to any Guarantor on account
of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such Indebtedness of any other
Borrower Entity, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Department and shall forthwith be paid to the Department to
be credited against the payment of the Secured Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
and the other Financing Documents.
(c) If
any Guarantor at any time pays to the Department an amount less than the full amount of the Secured Obligations then due and payable to
the Department, without waiving any other rights in connection therewith, the Department may allocate and apply such payment in any way
or manner and for such purpose or purposes as the Department in its sole discretion determines, notwithstanding any instruction that such
Guarantor, the Borrower or any other Person may give to the contrary.
80
Section 12.4. Termination
of Guarantee; Reinstatement.
(a) The
obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall terminate (other than the provisions hereof that by their express terms survive such termination)
on the Release Date.
(b) In
connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a) above, the Department shall execute and deliver to the Borrower
Entity Agent or any Guarantor, at such Guarantor’s expense, all documents that such Guarantor shall reasonably request to evidence
such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 12.4 shall be without recourse to,
or warranty by, the Department.
(c) Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 12.4, this Article 12 shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be,
if at any time payment or performance of the Secured Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to Applicable Law or Governmental
Judgment, rescinded, or reduced in amount or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Department. In the event that any payment or
any part thereof is so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, such Secured Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only
by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored, or returned, and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until
the indefeasible payment and discharge in full of such Secured Obligations.
[Signature Pages Follow]
81
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties
have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers or representatives hereunto duly authorized as of
the date first written above.
USA RARE EARTH, INC.,
as Borrower and a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
USA RARE EARTH, LLC,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
USA RARE EARTH MAGNETS, LLC,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
ROUND TOP MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT, LLC,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
USA RARE EARTH REAL ESTATE, LLC,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
LACONIA INTERMEDIATE ACQUISITION
SUB, INC.,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
LACONIA ACQUISITION SUB LIMITED,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ David Kronenfeld
Name:
David Kronenfeld
Title:
Director
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
LCMG LIMITED,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ David Kronenfeld
Name:
David Kronenfeld
Title:
Director
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED,
as a Borrower Entity
By:
/s/ David Kronenfeld
Name:
David Kronenfeld
Title:
Director
USA Rare
Earth Project - Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, an agency of the Federal Government of the United States of America
By:
/s/ Bill Frauenhofer
Name:
Bill Frauenhofer
Title:
Executive Director,
Semiconductor Innovation and Investment
USA Rare Earth Project
- Loan Guarantee Agreement Signature Page
Annex
A
Definitions
“Abandonment”
means, with respect to any Project, the relinquishment of possession and control of the relevant Project by any Borrower Entity or its
contractors, or the complete cessation of work or activity for ninety (90) consecutive days (or one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive
days in any Fiscal Year) at the relevant Project, except as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Force Majeure, and the term “Abandon”
shall have a correlative meaning.
“Acceptable Operator”
means any Person who, at of the time of such Person’s entry into a contract with any Borrower Entity that the Borrower proposes
should be treated as an O&M Agreement, is routinely engaged in activities of the type purported to be provided thereunder.
“Account Control
Agreements” means, collectively, each springing account control agreement required to be entered into by any Borrower Entity
in accordance with Section 8.3(d) (Accounts).
“Action”
means any action, suit, proceeding (whether administrative, judicial or otherwise), governmental investigation, or arbitration at law
or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign, or other regulatory body or any arbitrator.
“Actual Capex Amount”
means, as of the Actual Milestone Completion Date for any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the amount of Capital Expenditures certified
in writing by the Borrower to the Department that have been incurred and paid by the relevant Borrower Entity in respect of such Disbursement
Milestone.
“Actual Cumulative
Capex Amount” means, with respect to any Project and in connection with any requested FFB Advance, the aggregate Actual Capex
Amount for all Disbursement Milestones for such Project for which an Actual Milestone Completion Date has occurred, including the Relevant
Disbursement Milestone.
“Actual Cumulative
Disbursement Amount” means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount of FFB Advances
made to the Borrower for such Project as of such date.
“Actual Cumulative
Disbursement Ratio” means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the ratio, expressed as a percentage,
equal to (a) the Actual Cumulative Disbursement Amount for such Project as of such date divided by (b) the Actual Cumulative Capex Amount
for such Project as of such date.
“Actual Milestone
Completion Date” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the date on which the relevant Borrower
Entity has actually completed such Disbursement Milestone, as such date is confirmed by the Department after the receipt of the applicable
FFB Advance Request.
“Additional Project”
means either the Magnet Project 2 or the Metal Project 2, as context may require.
Annex A-1
“Additional Project
Documents” means, for any Project:
(a) each Metal/Mine Customer Commitment for the sale of Product produced by such Project entered into in accordance
with Section 7.25 (Metal/Mine Customer Commitments) and which does not constitute a
Major Project Document;
(b) each Magnet Purchase Commitment for the sale of Product produced by such Project entered into in accordance
with Section 7.26 (Magnet Purchase Commitments) and which does not constitute a Major Project Document; and
(c) each other contract entered into by any Borrower Entity on or following the date hereof that is necessary
for or material to the construction and operation of any Project and which (i) has a term of no greater than one (1) year; (ii) does not
obligate any party thereto to make payments in an aggregate amount exceeding twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000) in any calendar
year; and (iii) does not otherwise constitute a Major Project Document.
“Affiliate”
means with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly Controls, or is under common Control with, or is Controlled
by, such Person.
“Agreement”
has the meaning given to that term in the preamble hereto, which agreement states the terms and conditions by which the Secretary agrees
to make an Award available to the Borrower and the obligations and duties of the Borrower Entities in connection therewith and satisfies
the meaning as “Required Agreement” in 15 CFR § 112.
“ALTA”
means the American Land Title Association headquartered in Washington D.C.
“ALTA Survey”
means, with respect to any Project, the ALTA or NSPS survey delivered with respect to the applicable Project Site for such Project prior
to the first FFB Advance Date pursuant to Section 5.1.8(a) (Real Property and Land Rights).
“Anti-Corruption
Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, or orders with jurisdiction over any Borrower Entity, any Major Project Participant
or any Project concerning or relating to bribery or corruption in the public or private sector, including the United States Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
“Anti-Money Laundering
Laws” means the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (otherwise known as the Bank Secrecy Act), the Patriot
Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, the Money Laundering Control Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and any similar Applicable
Laws relating to money laundering, terrorist financing, or financial recordkeeping and recording requirements administered or enforced
by any United States of America governmental agency, or any other jurisdiction in which any Borrower Entity operates or conducts business.
“Anticipated Completion
Date” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the relevant date set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement
Milestone Schedule for such Project in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule under the column entitled “Anticipated Completion Date”
in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Applicable Accounting
Requirements” means (a) with respect to the Borrower and each Borrower Entity, GAAP and (b) with respect to any other Person,
GAAP or IFRS, as the case may be.
Annex A-2
“Applicable Law”
means, with respect to any Person, any constitution, statute, law, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, treaty, judgment, order, or any
published directive, guideline, requirement, or other governmental rule or restriction that has the force of law, or any determination
or interpretation of any of the foregoing by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over or a judicial authority, that is binding
on such Person or any of its properties, whether in effect as of the date of this Agreement or as of any date hereafter.
“Application”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Approved Project
Change” has the meaning given to the term in Section 8.5(a) (Approved Project
Changes).
“Approved
Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Borrower Entity that meets the following conditions:
(a) is formed or acquired after the Award Date;
(b) the Borrower Entity maintains Control of the Subsidiary and the right to direct the operations and management
of such Subsidiary;
(c) the Borrower Entity has delivered prior written notice to the Department of the Borrower Entity’s
intent to form or acquire such Subsidiary at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the formation or acquisition of such Subsidiary; and
(d) as soon as practicable (and in any event within thirty (30) days) after such formation or acquisition,
has executed a joinder to this Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
“Authorized Officer”
means: (a) with respect to any Person that is (i) a corporation, the chairman, chief executive officer, president, vice president,
assistant vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, any Person holding equivalent positions in such corporations, or any other Financial
Officer of such Person, (ii) a partnership, each general partner of such Person or the chairman, chief executive officer, president, a
vice president, an assistant vice president, treasurer, an assistant treasurer, any Person holding equivalent positions in such partnership,
or any other Financial Officer of a general partner of such Person, or (iii) a limited liability company, the manager, managing partner
or duly appointed officer of such Person, the individuals authorized to represent such Person pursuant to the Organizational Documents
of such Person, or the chairman, chief executive officer, president, vice president, assistant vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer,
any Person holding equivalent positions in such corporations, or any other Financial Officer of the manager or managing member of such
Person; and (b) with respect to any Borrower Entity, only those individuals holding any of the foregoing positions whose name appears
on the certificate of incumbency delivered to the Department, as such certificate of incumbency may be amended from time to time to identify
the individuals then holding such offices and the capacity in which they are acting.
“Authorized Purpose”
means: (a) with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the construction and operation of the applicable Facility for the purpose of rare
earth mining and processing; (b) with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, the expansion, modernization, and operation of the applicable
Facility for the purpose of magnet-making; (c) with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, the construction, expansion, modernization,
and operation of the applicable Facility for purposes of strip casting and metal making; (d) with respect to Magnet Project 2, the construction,
expansion, modernization, and operation of the applicable Facility for the purpose of magnet-making; and (e) with respect to Metal Project
2, the construction, expansion, modernization, and operation of the applicable Facility for purposes of strip casting and metal making.
Annex A-3
“Availability Period”
means, with respect to any Project, the period commencing on the date hereof until the earliest of:
(a) the last day for an FFB Advance, as set forth in the relevant FFB Note;
(b) the Project Completion Longstop Date for such Project; and
(c) the date on which the FFB Commitment for the relevant FFB Note has been reduced to zero (0).
“Available Disbursement
Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.4 (Disbursement
of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
“Award”
means any CHIPS Incentive provided by the Department to the Borrower pursuant to terms of the CHIPS Act and the Financing Documents.
“Award Date”
means the date on which this Agreement is executed by the Department and the Borrower Entities.
“Award Date Investment
Policy” has the meaning given to that term in Section 4.1.22 (Award Date Investment Policy).
“Award Date Key Person”
means any individual person named in Schedule I (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award Date Key Person
A” means the Award Date Key Person named in Part A of Schedule I (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award Date Key Person
B” means the Award Date Key Person named in Part B of Schedule I (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award Date Key Person
C” means each Award Date Key Person named in Part C of Schedule I (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Award Date Key Person
Group C” means, collectively, each Award Date Key Person named in Part C of Schedule I (Key Person Schedule) hereto.
“Base Case Financial
Model” means the base case financial model delivered by the Borrower, and approved by the Department, in connection with the
Award Date, as the same may be updated from time to time pursuant to Section 5.1.6 (Revised Base Case Financial Model –
First FFB Advance Date) and as the same may be further amended, updated, or otherwise supplemented from time to time in accordance
with the terms hereof.
“BIS” means
the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
“Body of
Information” means: (a) a Member of Congress or a representative of a committee of Congress; (b) the OIG; (c) the
Government Accountability Office; (d) a Federal employee responsible for management of the Award; (e) an authorized official of the
Department of Justice or other law enforcement agency; (f) a court or grand jury; or (g) a management official or other employee of
any Borrower Entity who has the responsibility to investigate, discover, or address misconduct subject to whistleblower
protections.
Annex A-4
“Book Value”
means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to Total Assets minus Total Liabilities minus the aggregate
amount of any cash and cash equivalents (as determined in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements) other than any Excess
Cash, in each case, on a Consolidated Basis.
“Book Value to Cumulative
Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Book Value of the Borrower, as determined on a Consolidated
Basis without double counting, to (b) the aggregate principal amount (including, if applicable, any capitalized interest) of all outstanding
secured and unsecured Cumulative Funded Indebtedness of the Borrower Entities.
“Borrower”
has the meaning given to the term in the preamble hereto.
“Borrower Entity”
means any of the Borrower, any other Person referred to in the preamble hereto as a Party in its capacity as a Borrower Entity, any Approved
Subsidiary(ies), and any other Person that from time to time executes a joinder to this Agreement in its capacity as a Borrower Entity
with the prior written consent of the Department and the Borrower Entity Agent.
“Borrower Entity
Agent” has the meaning given to the term in 11.22.1 (Borrower Entity Agent Appointment, Acceptance and Authority).
“Borrower’s
Accountant” means BDO USA, P.C., or such other firm of independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing
as may be appointed by the Borrower from time to time pursuant to Section 8.3(f) (Accountants).
“Business Day”
means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which either FFB or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are not open for business.
“Calculation Date”
means, with respect to any Person, each date that is the last day of a fiscal quarter of such Person.
“Calculation Period”
means, with respect to any Person, each period of twelve (12) months ending on a Calculation Date.
“Capital Expenditures”
means all expenditures that should be capitalized in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements.
“Capital Lease”
means, for any Person, any lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) any Property of such Person that would be required,
in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, to be capitalized and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of
such Person.
“Capitalized Interest
Amount” means, with respect to any FFB Advance or any related Capitalized Interest Amount as of any date of determination, the
actual amount of interest capitalized in respect of such FFB Advance or Capitalized Interest Amount as of such date of determination in
accordance with Section 7 of the FFB Note (including any interest to be capitalized in respect of the FFB Advances or Capitalized Interest
Amount as of such date of determination).
Annex A-5
“Cash Flow Available
for Debt Service” means, in respect of any relevant period of determination, EBITDA for that relevant period after:
(a) adding the amount of any decrease (and deducting the amount of any increase) in working capital for that
relevant period;
(b) adding the amount of any cash receipts (and deducting the amount of any cash payments) during that relevant
period in respect of any exceptional, one off, non-recurring or extraordinary items not already taken into account in calculating EBITDA
for such period (other than, in the case of cash receipts, any insurance proceeds and any consideration receivable by any Borrower Entity
for any disposal made by any other Borrower Entity);
(c) adding the amount of any cash receipts during that relevant period in respect of any Tax rebates or credits
and deducting the amount actually paid or due and payable in respect of Taxes during that relevant period by any Borrower Entity;
(d) adding the amount of any increase in provisions, other non-cash debits and other non-cash charges (which
are not current assets or current liabilities) and deducting the amount of any non-cash credits (which are not current assets or current
liabilities), in each case to the extent taken into account in calculating EBITDA for the relevant period; and
(e) deducting the amount of any Capital Expenditure actually made (or due to be made) in cash during that
relevant period by any Borrower Entity,
and such that no amount shall be added
(or deducted) more than once.
“Certificate Specifying
Authorized Borrower Officials” shall mean a certificate of the Borrower specifying the names and titles of those officials of
the Borrower who are authorized to execute and deliver from time to time FFB Advance Requests on behalf of the Borrower, and containing
the original signature of each of those officials, substantially in the form of the Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials
attached as Exhibit B to the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“CFIUS”
means the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
“CFIUS Approval”
means that any of the following shall have occurred: (a) the Borrower shall have received written notice from CFIUS that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement do not constitute a “covered transaction” under the Defense Production Act, as amended by the
Foreign Investment Production Act of 2018; (b) after the completion of any review or investigation under the Defense Production Act,
as amended by the Foreign Investment Production Act of 2018, the Borrower shall have received written notice from CFIUS that there are
no unresolved national security concerns and all action under the Defense Production Act is concluded with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; or (c) CFIUS shall have sent a report to the President of the United States requesting the President’s
decision and either (i) the President has not taken any action within fifteen (15) days from the date the President received the
report from CFIUS, or (ii) the President shall have announced a decision not to take any action to suspend, prohibit, or place any
limitations on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Annex A-6
“Change of Control”
means the occurrence of any one of the following:
(a) with respect to the Borrower, the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions,
of any of the following without the consent of the Department:
(i) any Person or group (within the meaning
of Section 13(d) and Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), becomes the “beneficial
owner” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of Equity Interests of the Borrower representing more than thirty
five percent (35%) of either (A) the aggregate voting power of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote pursuant to
the Borrower’s Organizational Documents (the “Outstanding Voting Interests”) of the Borrower or (B) the economic value
of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower;
(b) with respect to any Borrower Entity or LCM Europe:
(i) a Prohibited Person or a Foreign Entity of Concern acquires Control of such Borrower Entity or LCM Europe;
(ii) (other than with respect to Round Top Mountain Development, LLC, Less Common Metals, and LCM Europe) the
Borrower ceases to hold and Control, directly or indirectly, one hundred percent (100%) of both the Outstanding Voting Interests and the
economic value of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests; or
(iii) (other than with respect to the Borrower, Less Common Metals, and LCM Europe) the Borrower ceases to Control,
directly or indirectly, such Borrower Entity;
(c) with respect to Round Top Mountain Development, LLC, the Borrower ceases to hold and Control, directly
or indirectly, (i) eighty one percent (81%) of both the Outstanding Voting Interests and the economic value of the issued and outstanding
Equity Interests and (ii) any additional Outstanding Voting Interests or economic value of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests
that the Borrower may acquire, directly or indirectly, after the Award Date; or
(d) with respect to Less Common Metals or LCM Europe, the Borrower ceases to hold and Control, directly or
indirectly, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of both the Outstanding Voting Interests and the economic value of the issued and outstanding
Equity Interests.
“Change Orders”
means any change order or variation order, amendment, supplement or modification in respect of any Construction Contract.
“CHIPS Act”
means Title XCIX—Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Pub. L. 116-283), as amended by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Division A of Pub. L. 117-167).
“CHIPS Incentives”
means the provision of direct funding (via grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions), loans and loan guarantees as described
in the NOFO.
“CHIPS Incentives
Program” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“CHIPS Program Office”
means the office of the Department overseeing the administration of the CHIPS Incentives Program.
“Clawback Event”
means any of the events described in Section 9.1(a) (Clawback Events).
Annex A-7
“Collateral”
means all Property (whether tangible or intangible), IP Collateral, and Equity Interests whether now existing or hereinafter acquired
that are subject to or are intended to be or become subject to any security interest or Lien granted to the Collateral Agent or otherwise
for the benefit of the Department and the other Secured Parties under any Security Document.
“Collateral Agency
Agreement” means the collateral agency agreement entered into by and between the Department, the Collateral Agent and the Borrower
on or prior to the date of the first FFB Advance.
“Collateral Agent”
means Citibank, N.A., or any successor thereto appointed pursuant to the Collateral Agency Agreement, in its capacity as collateral agent
for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
“Communications”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 11.2(a) (Use of Websites).
“Comptroller General”
means the Comptroller General of the United States.
“Conflict of Interest”
means the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) participation by an Interested Party in a matter that has a direct and predictable effect on the Interested
Party’s personal or financial interests, which may include employment, stock ownership, a creditor or debtor relationship, or prospective
employment with the organization selected or to be selected for a Subaward;
(b) an appearance that an Interested Party’s objectivity in performing his or her responsibilities under
the applicable Project is impaired; and
(c) non-financial gain to an Interested Party, such as benefit to reputation or prestige in a professional
field.
“Consolidated”
or “Consolidated Basis” means:
(a) with respect to any Financial
Statements of any Person to be delivered hereunder, such statements on a consolidated basis in accordance with applicable principles of
consolidation in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, including the consolidation adjustments customarily applied to
avoid double counting of transactions among any of the relevant consolidated entities; and
(b) with respect to any financial
item of any Borrower Entity, any financial calculation to be made hereunder or any financial covenant compliance to be assessed hereunder
or under any other Financing Document (including, inter alia, Section 7.18 (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants)
hereof), that such item, calculation or assessment shall be made by reference to the sum of all amounts of similar nature reported in
the relevant Financial Statements of each of the entities whose accounts are to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance
with the Applicable Accounting Requirements, other than any such entities which are not a Borrower Entity (including, as of the Award
Date, any of Serra Verde Holdco, LCM Europe, Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., or any subsidiary thereof), plus or minus the consolidation
adjustments customarily applied to avoid double counting of transactions among any of those relevant entities, including the Borrower.
Annex A-8
“Consolidated Operating
Income” means, for any period, the sum of (a) the Borrower Entities’ revenues, minus (b) the cost of goods sold,
minus (c) general, administrative, and sale expenses, minus (d) depreciation and amortization, determined on a Consolidated
Basis.
“Construction and
Tool Installation Budget” means, with respect to any Project, the budget delivered by the Borrower to the Department on or about
the Award Date, as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
“Construction Contract”
means, with respect to each Project, collectively:
(a) each construction contract entered into between any Borrower Entity and a Construction Contractor in connection
with the construction of any Project; and
(b) any other document designated in writing by the Borrower and the Department as a Construction Contract
for such Project.
“Construction Contractor”
means each contractor, and each material subcontractor (if any), under any Construction Contract.
“Consultants”
means, collectively, (a) Clifford Chance US LLP as legal counsel to the Department, and (b) any other advisor, legal counsel, or consultant
retained by the Department from time to time in connection with the Award, any Project, or the Financing Documents.
“Contingent Obligations”
means as to any Person, any obligation of such Person with respect to any Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any
other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such
Person, whether or not contingent, as a guarantee or otherwise:
(a) for the purchase, payment, or discharge of any such primary obligation;
(b) to purchase, repurchase, or otherwise acquire such primary obligations or any Property constituting direct
or indirect security therefor, including the obligation to make take-or-pay or similar payments;
(c) to advance or supply funds;
(d) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net
worth or solvency or any balance sheet item, level of income or financial condition of the primary obligor;
(e) to purchase Property, securities, or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of any
such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation; or
(f) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof,
including with respect to letter of credit obligations, swap agreements, foreign exchange contracts, and other similar agreements (including
agreements relating to derivative instruments);
provided that,
the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary
course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable
amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the
maximum anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such
Person in good faith.
Annex A-9
“Control”
means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management or business or policies of a Person (whether
through the ownership of voting securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract, or otherwise); and the words “Controlling,”
“Controlled,” and similar constructions shall have correlative meanings.
“Credit Subsidy Cost”
means the “cost of a direct loan,” as defined in Section 502(5)(B) of FCRA.
“Cumulative Equity
Raised” means, as of any date of determination and without duplication, the aggregate amount of cash received by the Borrower
on or prior to such date, but in no event prior to January 1, 2026, for (a) the issuance of any capital stock or other securities exercisable
for or exchangeable into shares of capital stock; (b) the exercise of any warrants; (c) net proceeds received by the Borrower from the
issuance of Permitted Convertible Loan Notes; and (d) capital raised by the Borrower by any other means but excluding, in each case, any
capital raised via Indebtedness other than the Permitted Convertible Loan Notes; provided that, Cumulative Equity Raised shall
exclude Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds.
“Cumulative Funded
Indebtedness” means, with respect to the Borrower Entities on a Consolidated Basis as of any date of determination and without
duplication, the sum of each Borrower Entity’s outstanding: (a) Indebtedness for Borrowed Money (including, for the avoidance of
doubt, any short-term Indebtedness); (b) all Indebtedness secured by any Lien existing on property owned by such Borrower Entity (whether
or not such Indebtedness have been assumed); (c) the aggregate amount of guarantees of Indebtedness by such Borrower Entity; (d) Indebtedness
under Capital Leases; (e) reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) under any letter of credit agreement; and (f) Indebtedness
under any Hedge Transaction entered into by such Borrower Entity; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness under any
Hedge Transaction on any date of determination shall be deemed to be the termination value of such Hedge Transaction as of such date.
“Customer Agreements”
means any contract entered into by any Borrower Entity for the sale of Product produced by any Project.
“Data Protection
Laws” means any and all foreign or domestic (including U.S. federal, state and local) Applicable Laws relating to the privacy,
security, notification of breaches, Processing of any data or information that identifies or can be used to identify an individual, household
or device, whether directly or indirectly, in each case, in any manner applicable to any Borrower Entity or any Subsidiary of any Borrower
Entity.
“Davis-Bacon Act”
has the meaning given to the term in Annex E (Davis-Bacon Act Requirements).
“Debarment Regulations”
means all of the following:
(a) OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) regulations (Common
Rule), 53 Fed. Reg. 19204 (May 26, 1988); and
(b) Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility Regulations, 48 C.F.R. Subpart 9.4.
Annex A-10
“Debenture”
means the debenture entered into, or to be entered into, between Laconia Acquisition, LCMG, Less Common Metals and the Collateral Agent
on or prior to the First FFB Advance Date.
“Debt Collection
Improvement Act” means the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, as amended from time to time.
“Debt Service”
means, with respect to any period, the sum of (a) all scheduled principal, interest, and fees (including all amounts required to be paid
pursuant to Section 3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory Prepayments)) paid or to be paid in cash under the Financing Documents during such period;
(b) all scheduled principal, interest, and fees paid or to be paid in cash under any Working Capital Facility during such period; (c)
all scheduled principal, interest, and fees paid or to be paid in cash under any Permitted Convertible Loan Note during such period; and
(d) all scheduled principal, interest, and fees paid or to be paid in cash under any other Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of any Borrower
Entity during such period.
“Debt Sizing Criteria”
means:
(a) a Projected Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, on a Consolidated Basis, of at least 2.00:1.00, at all times
on and following August 15, 2030; and
(b) a projected Book Value to Cumulative Debt Ratio, on a Consolidated Basis, of:
(i) at least 2.00:1.00, at all times on and following the Award Date but prior to August 15, 2030; and
(ii) at least 1.50:1.00, at all times on and following August 15, 2030.
“Defaulting Major
Project Participant” has the meaning given to that term in Section 9.1 (Events of Default).
“Defense Production
Act” means the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA).
“Deferred Principal
Amount” means, with respect to any FFB Note, for any Scheduled Prepayment Date on which a prepayment is not required to be made
pursuant to Section 3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory Prepayments) as specified in a Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification, the Scheduled
Principal Prepayment Amount applicable to such date immediately prior to giving effect to the deferral contemplated in such Principal
Prepayment Deferral Notification.
“Deferred Principal
Installment” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory Prepayments).
“Deferred Principal
Prepayment Date” means any Scheduled Prepayment Date on which a mandatory prepayment is not required to be made by the Borrower
pursuant to Section 3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory Prepayments) as a result of a Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification.
“Deferred Report”
has the meaning given to the term in Annex F (Reporting Covenants).
“Delay Liquidated
Damages” means, for any Project, any delay liquidated damages payable or paid to any Borrower Entity in connection with such
Project under or pursuant to any Project Document (including any amount payable or paid pursuant to any guarantee issued in favor of any
Borrower Entity with respect to any liability for delay under such Project Document).
Annex A-11
“Department”
has the meaning given to the term in the preamble hereto.
“Designation Notice”
means, generally, a notice from the Secretary to FFB and the particular entity identified therein as the respective “Borrower,”
designating that entity to be a “Borrower” for purposes of the FFB Program Financing Agreement, in the form of notice that
is attached as Annex 2 to the FFB Program Financing Agreement; and “the Designation Notice” shall mean the particular
Designation Notice delivered by the Secretary to FFB and the Borrower designating the Borrower to be a “Borrower” for purposes
of the FFB Program Financing Agreement.
“Direct Agreement”
means each consent and agreement entered into in respect of any Major Project Document between the Collateral Agent and the relevant Major
Project Participant, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
“Direct Funding Agreement”
means that certain Direct Funding Agreement, dated as of the Award Date, entered into among the Borrower, as recipient, the other Borrower
Entities, as guarantors, and the Department.
“Disbursement Milestone”
means, with respect any Project, any milestone for such Project set forth in the Disbursement Milestone Schedule under the column entitled
“Disbursement Milestone”.
“Disbursement Milestone
Schedule” means that schedule attached hereto as Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone Schedule).
“Disposition”
means, with respect to any Property or assets, any single or series of related sales, transfers, assignments, donations, conveyances,
leases, licenses, abandonment, or other dispositions thereof, and the terms “Dispose” and “Disposed of” shall
have correlative meanings; provided, that the term “Disposition” shall not include the creation or existence of any
Permitted Lien, so long as no ownership is transferred to any party pursuant thereto.
“Dispute”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.1 (Scope and Severability).
“Dispute Notice”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice).
“DOC Extraordinary
Expenses” means, in connection with any technical, financial, legal, or other difficulty experienced by any Project (e.g., engineering
failure or financial workouts) that requires the Department to incur time or expenses (including third-party expenses) beyond standard
monitoring and administration of the Financing Documents, the amounts that the Department reasonably determines are required to: (a) reimburse
the Department’s additional internal administrative costs (including any costs to determine whether an amendment or modification
would be required that could constitute a “modification” (as defined in Section 502(9) of FCRA)); and (b) any related
fees and expenses of any Consultant to the extent not paid directly by or on behalf of any Borrower Entity.
“DOC Fees”
means, collectively, the fees payable by the Borrower to the Department pursuant to Section 3.3 (DOC Fees).
Annex A-12
“DOC Guarantee”
or “Secretary’s Guarantee” means a guarantee of the FFB Note issued by the Secretary, in the form of guarantee
that is attached as Exhibit H to the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“DOC Guarantee Payment”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 10.2(a) (DOC Guarantee Payment and Reimbursement).
“DOC Guarantee Payment
Amount” has the meaning given to the term in Section 10.2(a) (DOC Guarantee Payment and Reimbursement).
“DOC Late Penalty
Fee” means an amount equal to two percent (2%) of (a) the scheduled principal or interest due and payable to FFB pursuant to
the applicable FFB Note or (b) any fee due and payable to DOC pursuant to Section 3.3 (DOC Fees) of this Agreement, as context
may require.
“DOC Maintenance
Fee” has the meaning given to the term in Section 3.3(c) (DOC Fees).
“Dollars”
or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States.
“EAR” means
the Export Administration Regulations, 15 C.F.R. Parts 700-786, administered by BIS.
“EBITDA”
means, as of any period of determination and with respect to the Borrower, determined on a Consolidated Basis in accordance with the Applicable
Accounting Requirements, the sum (determined without duplication) of: (a) the Consolidated Operating Income for such period plus
(b) depreciation and amortization to the extent deducted when determining Consolidated Operating Income for such period; plus/minus
(c) other applicable items, such as other Non-Cash Items not previously accounted for, if any, to the extent deducted/added when determining
Consolidated Operating Income for such period.
“Electronic Signature”
has the meaning assigned to it by 15 U.S.C. § 7006.
“Eligibility Start
Date” means January 25, 2026, which is the effective date of the LOI.
“Eligible Facility”
means a Facility that meets eligibility requirements set forth in the CHIPS Act and the Guardrail Regulations, including those set forth
in 15 U.S.C. § 4652 (Semiconductor incentives).
“Eligible Serra Verde
Dividends” means one hundred percent (100%) of any dividend payment received by USARE LLC from Serra Verde Holdco which is attributable
to distributions to Serra Verde Holdco from Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., up to an aggregate amount not to exceed the Total Serra Verde
Cash Acquisition Costs, and thereafter, fifty percent (50%) of each such dividend payment and, in the case of any such dividend payment,
as certified by the chief Financial Officer of the Borrower.
Annex A-13
“Eligible Uses of
Funds” means, with respect to any Project, Project Costs that:
(a) are incurred or will be incurred for any of the following purposes to:
(i) finance the construction, expansion or modernization of the applicable Eligible Facility or to acquire,
maintain, repair, or transport equipment to be used for the applicable Eligible Facility, as determined necessary by the Secretary for
purposes relating to the national security and economic competitiveness of the United States;
(ii) support workforce development for such Eligible Facility, as determined by the Secretary;
(iii) support site development for such Eligible Facility, as determined by the Secretary; or
(iv) pay reasonable costs related to the operating expenses for such Eligible Facility including specialized
workforce, essential materials, and complex equipment maintenance for such Project, as determined by the Secretary;
(b) are incurred on or following the Eligibility Start Date; and
(c) are not Ineligible Uses of Funds.
“Employee Benefit
Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) other than any Multiemployer
Plans that is or at any time has been maintained or sponsored by the Borrower Entity or to which any Borrower Entity has ever made, or
been obligated to make, contributions or with respect to which any Borrower Entity or any ERISA Affiliate thereof has incurred any material
liability or obligation.
“Environmental Claim”
means any and all obligations, liabilities, losses, administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, decrees, claims, liens,
judgments, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (excluding routine inspections), proceedings, clean-up, removal or remedial
actions or orders, or damages (foreseeable and unforeseeable, including consequential and punitive damages), penalties, fees, out-of-pocket
costs, expenses, disbursements, attorneys’ or consultants’ fees, relating in any way to any violation of Environmental Law
or any violation of any Governmental Approval issued under any such Environmental Law including (a) any and all indemnity claims
by any Governmental Authority for enforcement, clean-up, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages pursuant to any applicable
Environmental Law; and (b) any and all indemnity claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery,
compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Substances, the violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or
Governmental Approval issued thereunder, or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to health, safety or the environment.
“Environmental Laws”
means any Applicable Law in effect as of the date hereof or hereafter, and in each case as amended, regulating, relating to or imposing
obligations, liability or standards of conduct concerning or otherwise relating to (a) environmental impacts resulting from the use
of any Project Site or environmental conditions present on, in or under any Project Site; (b) pollution, protection of human health
or safety or the environment, including flora and fauna, or Releases or threatened Releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, radiation
or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, including Hazardous Substances; or (c) the generation, manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial,
toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, including Hazardous Substances.
Annex A-14
“Equity Contribution”
means an equity contribution to the Borrower Entities made in accordance with the Financing Documents in the form of contributions in
immediately available funds or Permitted Subordinated Loans.
“Equity Documents”
means, collectively:
(a) the Securities Issuance Agreement;
(b) the Warrant to be issued on the Award Date by the Borrower in favor of the Department; and
(c) any other agreement designated in writing by the Borrower and the Department as an “Equity Document”.
“Equity Interest”
means any and all shares, interest, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations, or other equivalents of or interests in (however
designated) the common or preferred equity or preference share capital of an entity, including partnership interests, limited liability
interests and trust beneficial interests.
“Equity Owner”
means, with respect to any Person, another Person holding Equity Interests in such Person.
“ERISA”
means the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 of the United States, as amended from time to time, and the regulations
promulgated, and any rulings issued, thereunder.
“ERISA Affiliate”
means any person, trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that would be deemed at any relevant time to be: (a) a single employer
with any Borrower Entity under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code; or (b) under common control with any Borrower Entity under
Section 4001 of ERISA.
“ERISA Event”
means:
(a) a reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued under such Section with
respect to an Employee Benefit Plan, excluding, however, such events as to which the PBGC by regulation has waived the requirement of
Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of such event;
(b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate from an Employee Benefit Plan or the termination of
any Employee Benefit Plan resulting in liability under Section 4063 or Section 4064 of ERISA;
(c) the complete or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan;
(d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the termination, or the treatment of a plan amendment as
a termination under Section 4041 or Section 4041A of ERISA of an Employee Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan, or the commencement
of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate, or to appoint a trustee to administer, an Employee Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan;
(e) the failure by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate to make any required contribution under Section 412
or Section 430 of the Internal Revenue Code to an Employee Benefit Plan, or the failure to meet the minimum funding standard of Section 412
or 430 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan (in each case,
whether or not waived) or a filing under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA of any request for a minimum
funding variance with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or Multiemployer Plan (as such terms are defined in Section 302 of ERISA);
Annex A-15
(f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than PBGC premiums due but not delinquent
under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate;
(g) the imposition of any lien on any of the rights, Properties, or assets of the Borrower, or the posting
of a bond or other security by such entities, in either case pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or to Section 412, Section 430,
or Section 436 of the Internal Revenue Code;
(h) the making of any amendment to any Employee Benefit Plan that could directly result in the imposition
of a lien or the posting of a bond or other security;
(i) the occurrence of a non-exempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the
Internal Revenue Code or Section 406 of ERISA);
(j) a determination that any Employee Benefit Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at risk” status
(as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code);
(k) the receipt by the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of any notice, of the imposition of withdrawal liability
or of a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, in “endangered” or “critical” status,
within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA or Section 432 of the Code; or
(l) a Foreign Plan Event.
“Escalation Decision-Maker”
means any “Department Escalation Decision-Maker” or “Borrower Escalation Decision-Maker” identified in Schedule
G (Dispute Resolution), as applicable.
“Escalation Decision-Maker
Meeting” has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.6(c) (Escalation).
“Escalation Notice”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.6(a) (Escalation).
“Event of Default”
means any of the events described in Section 9.1 (Events of Default).
“Event of Force Majeure”
means: (a) any event, circumstance or condition in the nature of force majeure that would entitle any Major Project Participant to any
abatement, postponement, or other relief from any of its contractual obligations under any Major Project Document to which such Person
is party; (b) with respect to the Department, an Uncontrollable Cause; and (c) with respect to FFB, an “Uncontrollable Cause”
as such term is defined in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Event of Loss”
means any event that causes any portion of any Project or any other Property of any Borrower Entity to be damaged, destroyed, or rendered
unfit for normal use for any reason whatsoever, including through a failure of title, or any loss of such Property, or a condemnation
or taking (including by any Governmental Authority) of any portion of any Project, any Facility or any Collateral.
Annex A-16
“Excess Cash”
means, as of any date of determination, the amount, if any, by which the aggregate cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower Entities,
determined on a Consolidated Basis, exceeds five hundred million Dollars ($500,000,000); provided that in no event shall Excess
Cash be less than zero.
“Excluded LCM
Europe Equity Proceeds” means the aggregate amount of cash received by the Borrower after the Award Date in excess of the
Total Equity Raise Requirement from (a) the issuance of any capital stock or other securities exercisable for or exchangeable
into shares of capital stock; (b) the exercise of any warrants; and (c) capital raised by the Borrower by any other means
but excluding, in each case, any capital raised via Indebtedness, in each case, designated as Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds
pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate on or promptly after the date such cash is received by the Borrower.
“Existing Base Case
Financial Model” has the meaning given to that term in Section 5.1.6(a) (Revised Base Case Financial Model – First
FFB Advance Date).
“Expansion Clawback
Term” means the period of time commencing on the Award Date and ending on to the tenth (10th) anniversary thereof.
“Export Control Laws”
means any and all U.S. laws that have as a purpose or effect of restricting or controlling the export, re-export, transfer, or access
of controlled or sensitive information, commodities, software, technology, or services between or within one or more countries or their
nationals, including without limitation, the EAR and ITAR.
“Facility”
means, the Round Top Project Facility, the Stillwater Metal Project Facility, the Stillwater Magnet Project Facility, the Magnet Project
2 Facility, or the Metal Project 2 Facility, as context may require.
“FCRA”
means the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, P.L. 101-508, 104 Stat. 1388-609 (1990), as amended by P.L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 692 (1997).
“Federal
Law” means all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and orders of the United States or
any agency thereof.
“Federal Register”
means the publication provided for by the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C. § 1501 et seq.).
“FFB” means
the Federal Financing Bank, an instrumentality of the United States created by the Federal Financing Bank Act of 1973 that is under the
general supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury.
“FFB Advance”
or “Advance” means an advance of funds made by FFB under the FFB Note in accordance with the provisions of Article 7
of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“FFB Advance Date”
means a Round Top Tranche FFB Advance Date, a Stillwater Metal Tranche FFB Advance Date, a Stillwater Magnet Tranche FFB Advance Date,
a Magnet Project 2 Tranche FFB Advance Date, or a Metal Project 2 Tranche FFB Advance Date, as context may require.
Annex A-17
“FFB Advance Details”
means that schedule attached hereto as Schedule A (FFB Advance Details), as such schedule may be updated or amended on or prior
to the First FFB Advance Date.
“FFB Advance Request”
means a letter from the Borrower requesting an Advance under a FFB Note, in the form of letter attached as Exhibit A to the FFB
Note Purchase Agreement.
“FFB Advance Request
Approval Notice” means the written notice from the Department located at the end of an FFB Advance Request advising FFB that
such FFB Advance Request has been approved on behalf of the Secretary.
“FFB Borrower Instruments”
or “Borrower Instruments” means: (a) the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower; and (b) each
FFB Note, with all of the blanks on page 1 of such FFB Note filled in with information consistent with the information set out in the
Designation Notice, and duly executed by the Borrower.
“FFB Commitment”
means, with respect to any FFB Note, the commitment of FFB to make FFB Advances under such FFB Note to the Borrower pursuant to the terms
of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and such FFB Note in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount of the applicable Loan
Tranche specified in Section 2.5.3 (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
“FFB Documents”
means, collectively: (a) the FFB Note Purchase Agreement; (b) each FFB Note; (c) the DOC Guarantee; (d) the FFB Borrower
Instruments; and (e) the FFB Secretary’s Instruments.
“FFB Late Charge
Rate” means, in respect of any Overdue Amount payable in respect of a Loan Tranche made available under an FFB Note, the “Late
Charge” as defined in Section 11 of the FFB Note.
“FFB Note”
has the meaning given to that term in the recitals hereto.
“FFB Note Purchase
Agreement” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“FFB Prepayment Election”
means, in respect of any prepayment of a Loan Tranche made available under an FFB Note, the “Prepayment Election” as defined
in Section 14(a) of the FFB Note.
“FFB Prepayment Notice”
means, in respect of any prepayment of a Loan Tranche made available under an FFB Note, the “Prepayment Election Notice” as
defined in Section 14(b) of the FFB Note.
“FFB Prepayment Price”
means, in respect of any prepayment of a Loan Tranche made available under an FFB Note, the “Prepayment Price” as defined
in Section 14(b) of such FFB Note.
Annex A-18
“FFB Program Financing
Agreement” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“FFB Secretary’s
Instruments” means: (a) the FFB Note Purchase Agreement, duly executed by or on behalf of the Secretary; (b) the Secretary’s
Guarantee relating to the FFB Notes, duly executed by or on behalf of the Secretary; and (c) a Secretary’s Certificate relating
to the Secretary’s Guarantee and other matters, duly executed by or on behalf of the Secretary.
“Financial Officer”
means with respect to any Person, the general manager, any director, the chief financial officer, the controller, the treasurer or any
assistant treasurer, any vice president-finance or any assistant vice president-finance or any other vice president or assistant vice
president with significant responsibility for the financial affairs of such Person.
“Financial Statements”
means with respect to any Person, such Person’s quarterly unaudited or annual audited balance sheet and statements of income, retained
earnings, and cash flow for such fiscal period, together with all notes thereto and with comparable figures for the corresponding period
of its previous fiscal period, each prepared in Dollars and in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements.
“Financing Documents”
means, collectively:
(a) this Agreement;
(b) the Direct Funding Agreement;
(c) the FFB Documents;
(d) the Equity Documents;
(e) the Security Documents;
(f) the Collateral Agency Agreement;
(g) the Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement;
(h) each Funding Obligation (as such term is defined in the Direct Funding Agreement) to the extent required
to be delivered in accordance with Section 5.1.1 (Funding Obligations) of the Direct Funding Agreement;
(i) each subordination agreement, if any, entered into from time to time by the Department (or if applicable,
the Collateral Agent) and the relevant Borrower Entities in connection with any Permitted Subordinated Loan;
(j) each subordination agreement, if any, required to be entered into from time to time by, inter alios,
the Department (or if applicable, the Collateral Agent) and the relevant Borrower Entities in connection with any Guarantee referred to
in paragraph (h) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”; and
(k) each other document or agreement entered into after the date hereof that is designated as a “Financing
Document” by the Borrower and the Department (or the Collateral Agent acting on its behalf and at its instruction), but in all cases
excluding any Major Project Documents.
Annex A-19
“First FFB Advance
Date” means, with respect to any Project, the first date on which an FFB Advance under the relevant FFB Note is made for the
purpose of reimbursing the Borrower or other relevant Borrower Entity for Eligible Uses of Funds incurred with respect to such Project.
“First Priority Lien”
means, with respect to any Lien purported to be created in any Collateral pursuant to any Security Document, that such Lien: (a) has been
validly created and perfected under all Applicable Law; (b) is the only Lien to which such Collateral is subject, other than any Permitted
Liens; and (c) is the most senior Lien on such Collateral, other than any Permitted Liens.
“First Scheduled
Prepayment Date” means, for any FFB Note, the fourth (4th) anniversary of the date of issuance of such FFB Note or,
to the extent that such anniversary date is not a Payment Date, the immediately following Payment Date.
“Fiscal Year”
means: (a) with respect to any Borrower Entity, the accounting year of such Borrower Entity beginning on January 1 and ending on December
31; and (b) with respect to any other Person, such Person’s accounting year.
“Fitch” means Fitch
Ratings, Inc. or any successor to its ratings business.
“Fluor”
means Fluor Corporation or any successor to its construction advisory business.
“Foreign Country
of Concern” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Foreign Entity”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Foreign Entity of
Concern” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Foreign Plan”
shall mean any employee benefit plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement not subject to ERISA, including any defined benefit pension
plan maintained, contributed to or sponsored by the Borrower for the benefit of employees employed outside the United States, other than
any such plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement that is funded through a trust or funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a
Governmental Authority.
“Foreign Plan Event”
shall mean, with respect to any Foreign Plan: (a) the existence of unfunded liabilities in excess of the amount permitted under any Applicable
Law, or in excess of the amount that would be permitted absent a waiver from a Governmental Authority; (b) the failure to make the required
contributions or payments, under any Applicable Law, on or before the due date for such contributions or payments; (c) the receipt of
a notice from a Governmental Authority relating to the intention to terminate any such Foreign Plan, or alleging the insolvency of any
such Foreign Plan; (d) the incurrence of liability by the Borrower under Applicable Law on account of the complete or partial termination
of such Foreign Plan or the complete or partial withdrawal of any participating employer therein; or (e) the occurrence of any transaction
that is prohibited under any Applicable Law and that would reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any liability to the
Borrower, or the imposition on the Borrower of any fine, excise tax, or penalty resulting from any noncompliance with any Applicable Law.
Annex A-20
“Full Disbursement
Milestone” means any Disbursement Milestone for which the Incremental Capex Amount is greater than or equal to ninety-seven
and one-half percent (97.5%) of the Scheduled Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone.
“GAAP”
means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from time to time including, where appropriate, generally
accepted auditing standards, including the pronouncements and interpretations of appropriate accountancy administrative bodies (including
the Financial Accounting Standards Board and any predecessor and successor thereto), applied on a consistent basis both as to classification
of items and amounts.
“GAO” means
the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
“Governmental Approval”
means any approval, consent, authorization, license, permit, order, certificate, qualification, waiver, exemption, or variance, or any
other action of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority, including any of the foregoing that under Applicable Law are or may
be deemed given or withheld by failure to act within a specified time period.
“Governmental Authority”
means any federal, state, county, municipal, or regional authority, or any other entity of a similar nature, exercising any executive,
legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative function of government.
“Governmental Judgment”
means with respect to any Person, any judgment, order, decision, or decree, or any act of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority
having jurisdiction over such Person or any of its properties.
“Guarantee”
means, as to any Person, obligations, contingent or otherwise (including a Contingent Obligation), guaranteeing or having the economic
effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of another Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation:
(a) to purchase or pay any Indebtedness or to purchase or provide security for the payment of any Indebtedness;
(b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the payment of any Indebtedness;
(c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of
any other Person; or
(d) in respect of any letter of credit, letter of guarantee or bond issued to support any obligation or Indebtedness,
except that the term Guarantee
shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
“Guaranteed Loan”
means all FFB Notes purchased by FFB under the terms of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement and all amounts outstanding thereunder from time
to time, whether in the form of an FFB Advance, interest payable in connection therewith (whether such interest is a Capitalized Interest
Amount or is payable in cash), and any other amounts payable by the Borrower pursuant to the FFB Documents from time to time, all of which
such amounts are guaranteed by the Department to FFB pursuant to the DOC Guarantee.
Annex A-21
“Guarantor”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 12.1.1 (Borrower Entity Guarantee).
“Guardrail Clawback
Determination” means any determination by the Secretary pursuant to Section 7 (Remedies,
Mitigation and Clawbacks) of the Guardrail Provisions, or pursuant to any other applicable provision thereof, requiring the full recovery
of the Award.
“Guardrail Provisions”
means Annex C (Guardrail Provisions) hereto.
“Guardrail Regulations”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Hamer Inc.”
means Hamer Merger Sub, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“Hamer LLC”
means Hamer Merger Sub, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“Hazardous Substance”
means any hazardous or toxic substances, chemicals, materials, pollutants or wastes defined, listed, classified or regulated as such
in or under any Environmental Laws, including: (a) any petroleum or petroleum products (including gasoline, crude oil or any fraction
thereof), flammable explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation
and polychlorinated biphenyls; (b) any chemicals, materials or substances defined as or included in the definition of “hazardous
substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “extremely hazardous wastes,” “restricted hazardous wastes,”
“toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,” “contaminants” or “pollutants,” or words of similar
import, under any applicable Environmental Law; and (c) any other chemical, material or substance, the import, storage, transport,
use or disposal of, exposure to or Release of which is prohibited, limited or otherwise regulated under, or for which liability is imposed
pursuant to, any Environmental Law.
“Hedge Transaction”
means any currency, interest or commodity purchase, cap or collar agreement, forward rate agreement, interest rate, currency or commodity
future or option contract, foreign exchange or currency purchase or sale agreement, interest rate swap, currency swap, commodity swap
or combined interest rate, commodity and/or currency swap agreement and any other similar agreement.
“Historical Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of any Calculation Date, the ratio of:
(a) actual Cash Flow Available for Debt Service for the immediately preceding Calculation Period;
to
(b) the sum of (i) aggregate Debt Service for such Calculation Period plus (ii) without duplication,
aggregate operating lease expenses and rent expenses for the Borrower Entities on a Consolidated Basis for such Calculation Period.
“IFRS”
means the International Financial Reporting Standards (formerly International Accounting Standards) (IFRS) promulgated by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB), together with its pronouncements thereon from time to time, applied on a consistent basis.
Annex A-22
“Incremental Capex
Amount” means, with respect to any Project and in connection with any Disbursement Milestone, an amount equal to: (a) the Actual
Cumulative Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone less (b) the Scheduled Cumulative Capex Amount corresponding to the immediately
preceding Disbursement Milestone for such Project (and for the purposes of the first Disbursement Milestone for any Project, clause (b)
shall be deemed to be equal to zero).
“Indebtedness”
means as to any Person, and at any date, without duplication:
(a) all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of such Person;
(b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, letters of credit, or other similar
instruments;
(c) all obligations of such Person to purchase securities (or other Property) that arise out of or in connection
with the sale or acquisition of the same or similar securities (or Property);
(d) all obligations of such Person issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of Property
or services other than trade credit in the ordinary course of business;
(e) all Guarantees by such Person;
(f) all obligations of such Person under leases that are or should be, in accordance with the Applicable Accounting
Requirements, recorded as Capital Leases in respect of which such Person is liable;
(g) all deferred obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid
or advanced under a letter of credit or other instrument;
(h) the currently available amount of all surety bonds, performance bonds, letters of credit or other similar
instruments issued for the account of such Person;
(i) all liabilities secured by (or for which the holder of such liabilities has an existing right, contingent,
or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in Property (including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though
such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such liabilities;
(j) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or
incurred as financing, in either case with respect to Property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller
or bank under such agreement in the event of any default are limited to repossession or sale of such Property);
(k) obligations pursuant to any agreement to purchase materials, supplies, or other Property if such agreement
provides that payment shall be made regardless of whether delivery of such materials, supplies or other Property is ever made or tendered;
(l) all obligations in respect of any hedging agreement or similar arrangement between such Person and a financial
institution providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest risks either generally or under specific contingencies (but without regard
to any notional principal amount relating thereto); and
Annex A-23
(m) all Contingent Obligations of such Person with respect to Indebtedness of the types specified in paragraphs
(a) through (l) above.
“Indebtedness for
Borrowed Money” means, as to any Person, without duplication: (a) all Indebtedness (including principal, interest, fees, and
charges) of such person or entity for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than any deferral
(i) in connection with the provision of credit in the ordinary course of business by any trade creditor or utility or (ii) of any amounts
payable under the Major Project Documents); and (b) the aggregate amount required to be capitalized under any Capital Lease under which
such Person is the lessee.
“Indemnified Liability”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.18(a) (Indemnification).
“Indemnified Party”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.18(a) (Indemnification).
“Indian Ocean Rare
Metals” means Indian Ocean Rare Metals Pte Ltd, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Singapore.
“Ineligible Uses
of Funds” means uses of FFB Advances to:
(a) construct, modify, or improve a facility outside of the United States;
(b) physically relocate existing facility infrastructure to another jurisdiction in the United States, unless
the Department has concluded that such relocation is in the interest of the United States;
(c) purchase any equity security that is listed on a national securities exchange of the Borrower or any Affiliate
of the Borrower;
(d) pay dividends or make other capital distributions with respect to the common stock (or equivalent interest)
of the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower;
(e) pay off any federal direct or guaranteed loan or any other form of federal debt;
(f) pay profits, fees, or other incremental charges to any Borrower Entity above the actual costs incurred
in executing the approved scope of work subject to the Award;
(g) pay costs of certain covered telecommunications or video surveillance services or equipment, prohibited
by Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115-232);
(h) apply any costs for purposes contrary to Applicable Law;
(i) provide any funds to any Foreign Entity of Concern;
(j) provide any funds to any principal, interest, or fees due and payable to FFB under any FFB Note; or
(k) provide any funds to pay any DOC Fee or any other amount due and payable to the Department under any Financing
Document.
Annex A-24
“Initial Decision-Maker”
means any “Department Initial Decision-Maker” or “Borrower Initial Decision-Maker” identified in Schedule G (Dispute
Resolution), as applicable.
“Initial Operating
Budget” means, with respect to any Project, the initial Operating Budget delivered by the Borrower to the Department on or prior
to the First FFB Advance Date for such Project pursuant to Section 5.1.5 (Construction and Operating Budgets), as otherwise
updated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Insolvency Proceeding”
means any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, company reorganization, restructuring, controlled management, suspension of payments, scheme
of arrangement, appointment of provisional liquidator, receiver or administrative receiver, notification, resolution, or petition for
winding up or similar proceeding, under any Applicable Law, in any jurisdiction, and whether voluntary or involuntary.
“Intellectual Property”
means any and all rights, priorities and privileges with respect to intellectual property, whether arising under United States, multinational
or foreign laws or otherwise, including any and all of the following, as they exist anywhere in the world, whether registered or unregistered
and including all registrations, issuances and applications therefor (whether or not any such applications are modified, withdrawn, abandoned
or resubmitted) and all extensions and renewals thereof and whether now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held:
(a) all U.S., international and foreign patents and patent applications and all reissues, divisions, renewals,
extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof;
(b) all Trade Secrets;
(c) all copyrights or other rights associated with works of authorship, including all copyright registrations
and applications for copyright registration, renewals and extensions thereof, and all other rights corresponding thereto throughout the
world;
(d) all mask work rights, mask work registrations and applications therefor, and any equivalent or similar
rights in Semiconductor masks, layouts, architectures or topology;
(e) all rights in industrial designs and any registrations and applications therefor throughout the world;
(f) all rights to trade names, logos, trademarks and service marks, including registered trademarks and service
marks and all applications to register trademarks and service marks throughout the world;
(g) all rights in Software;
(h) all rights to any databases and data collections throughout the world;
(i) all moral and economic rights of authors and inventors, however denominated, throughout the world; and
(j) any similar or equivalent rights to any of the foregoing anywhere in the world.
Annex A-25
“Intellectual Property
Embodiments” means tangible embodiments of Intellectual Property or Technology (including as embodied in Software) in any form
or medium (including without limitation, electronic media) that is Project IP.
“Intended Prepayment
Date”, in respect of any prepayment of a Loan Tranche made available under an FFB Note, has the meaning given to that term in
such FFB Note; provided that such date must comply with the requirements set forth in Section 3.2.3(b) (Mandatory Prepayments).
“Interested Party”
means any (a) officer; (b) employee; (c) member of the board of directors or other governing board of any Borrower Entity; (d) parties
that advise, approve, recommend, or otherwise participate in the business decisions of any Borrower Entity, such as agents, advisors,
consultants, attorneys, accountants, or shareholders; or (e) immediate family and other Persons directly connected to the Interested Party
by law or through a business arrangement.
“Internal Revenue
Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued
thereunder. Section references to the Internal Revenue Code are to the Internal Revenue Code as in effect as of the date hereof and
any subsequent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, amendatory thereof, supplemental thereto, or substituted therefor.
“Internal Revenue
Service” means the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Department of the Treasury and any successor or similar agency
performing similar functions.
“Investment”
means, for any Person, the making or acquisition, as applicable, of any deposit with, or advance, loan, or other extension of credit to,
any other Person or any guarantee of, or other Contingent Obligation with respect to, any Indebtedness or other liability of any other
Person and (without duplication) any amount committed to be advanced, lent, or extended to any other Person.
“Investment Company
Act” means The United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
“IP Collateral”
means, collectively, all: (a) existing and after-acquired rights, title, and interests of any Borrower Entity in or to the Project IP
and the Project IP Agreements; (b) rights to sue or otherwise recover for past, present, and future infringements or other violations
of the foregoing; and (c) income, royalties, damages, claims, and payments now or hereafter due or payable under and with respect to any
of the foregoing, including damages and payments for such infringements and other violations.
“IT Systems”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 6.34(a) (Information Technology; Cyber Security; Data).
“ITAR”
means the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, administered by the US Department of State.
“Joint Research”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Key Person”
means either an Award Date Key Person or a Satisfactory Replacement Employee, as context may require.
“Key Person Group
C” means, collectively, each of the Award Date Key Persons comprising the Award Date Key Person Group C, but excluding any such
Award Date Key Person which has been replaced by a Satisfactory Replacement Employee in accordance with Section 7.19(d) (Key Person
Requirements), together with each such Satisfactory Replacement Employee.
Annex A-26
“Knowingly”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Knowledge”
means the actual knowledge of any Principal Persons of such Person or any knowledge that should have been obtained by any Principal Person
of any Borrower Entity upon reasonable investigation and inquiry.
“Laconia Acquisition”
means Laconia Acquisition Sub Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 16740602.
“LCM Europe”
means Less Common Metals Europe SAS, a société par actions simplifiée organized and existing under the laws
of France.
“LCM Europe Committed
Capital” means an aggregate amount not to exceed one hundred seventy million Dollars ($170,000,000) that is committed to be
invested in LCM Europe by (a) a French Governmental Authority or (b) an entity whose investment in LCM Europe is coordinated by a French
Governmental Authority, in each case, whether in the form of equity contributions, advances, loans, other extensions of credit or other
investments, and whose commitment, and all necessary agreements related thereto, are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the Department.
“LCMG”
means LCMG Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 06619924.
“Lease”
means any agreement that would be characterized under the Applicable Accounting Requirements as an operating lease, including sub-leases.
“Lender”
means FFB and any financial institution that acquires an interest in the Guaranteed Loan from time to time in accordance with Section
11.13 (Successors and Assigns).
“Less Common Metals”
means Less Common Metals Limited, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 02690088.
“Lien”
means any lien (statutory or other), pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, deed of trust, collateral, assignment, hypothecation,
title retention, fiduciary transfer, deposit arrangement, easement, encumbrance, or preference, priority, or other security agreement
or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever in respect of an asset, whether or not filed, recorded, or otherwise perfected
or effective under Applicable Law, as well as the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease,
or other title retention agreement relating to such asset, (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any Capital
Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, or any preferential arrangement having the practical effect
of constituting a security interest with respect to the payment of any obligation with, or from the proceeds of, any asset or revenue
of any kind).
“Loan Commitment
Fee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3(a) (DOC Fees).
Annex A-27
“Loan Program Requirement”
has the meaning given to the term in Annex D (Loan Program Requirements).
“Loan Ticking Fee”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.3(b) (DOC Fees).
“Loan Tranche”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 2.5.3(e) (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
“Lock-Up Agreement”
means that certain Amended and Restated Lock-Up Agreement entered into among the Borrower, [***], and [***], dated on or about the date
hereof.
“LOI” means
the Letter of Intent in respect of the Projects dated January 25, 2026.
“Loss Proceeds”
means all proceeds (other than any proceeds of business interruption or delay in start-up insurance and proceeds covering liability of
any Borrower Entity to third parties) resulting from an Event of Loss.
“Magnet Post-Award
Purchase Commitment” means, collectively:
(a) a Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI;
(b) the associated Magnet Post-Award Quotation Documents;
(c) an analysis provided by the Borrower to the Department demonstrating how such Magnet Post-Award Purchase
LOI meets each Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI requirement; and
(d) a brief analysis provided by the Borrower to the Department that either:
(i) demonstrates that the Borrower Entities can currently manufacture the magnet grade(s) indicated in the
Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI; or
(ii) demonstrates that any technology development activities required to deliver the product(s) detailed in
the Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI can be completed before the customer’s required delivery date.
“Magnet Post-Award
Purchase LOI” means a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding that:
(a) has been executed after the Award Date by an Authorized Officer of a Borrower Entity and a potential customer;
(b) includes a certification from an Authorized Officer of the potential customer that such customer has a
bona fide intent to place a purchase order for Product upon confirmation that the Borrower Entity is capable of manufacturing and delivering
Product that meets the potential customer’s qualification specifications at the scale required by the customer;
(c) sets forth expectations for the:
(i) approximate delivery date;
Annex A-28
(ii) period of performance;
(iii) volume per year;
(iv) approximate application/use case; and
(v) all material contingencies to be set forth in the definitive agreement;
(d) references the corresponding Magnet Post-Award Quotation Document;
(e) sets forth that the Borrower has developed internally a prototype of the products detailed in the associated
Magnet Post-Award Quotation Documents that meet the potential customer’s specifications for magnet grade; and
(f) is in effect as of the date of the applicable FFB Advance Date.
“Magnet Post-Award
Quotation Documents” means for each Product, all documents submitted to a potential customer associated with the associated
Magnet Post-Award Purchase LOI, including the following: the agreed pricing of each quoted Product; specification of each Product in reasonable
detail; grades of Product; and detailed drawings of each Product.
“Magnet Pre-Award
Purchase Commitment” means, collectively:
(a) a Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI;
(b) the associated Magnet Pre-Award Quotation Documents (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes all Magnet
Pre-Award Quotation Documents submitted to a potential customer associated with such Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI);
(c) an analysis provided by the Borrower to the Department demonstrating how such Magnet Pre-Award Purchase
LOI meets each Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI requirement; and
(d) a brief analysis provided by the Borrower to the Department that either:
(i) demonstrates that the Borrower Entities can currently manufacture the magnet grade(s) indicated in the
Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI, or
(ii) demonstrates that any technology development activities required to deliver the product(s) detailed in
the Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI can be completed within the earlier of 6 months of the Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI date and the end
of the Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI’s period of performance, notwithstanding customer qualifications.
“Magnet Pre-Award
Purchase LOI” means a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding that:
(a) has been executed prior to the Award Date by a representative of a Borrower Entity (with such representative
being acceptable to the Department) and a potential customer;
(b) includes a certification from a representative of the potential customer (with such representative being
acceptable to the Department) that such customer has a bona fide intent to enter into an agreement to purchase Product from such Borrower
Entity (or to enter negotiations to enter into an agreement to purchase Product by such Borrower Entity) upon confirmation that such Borrower
Entity is capable of manufacturing and delivering Product that meets the potential customer’s qualification specifications at the
scale required by the customer;
Annex A-29
(c) sets forth in reasonable detail an expectation to purchase Product, including period of performance, volume
per year, and all material contingencies to be included in the definitive purchase agreement (or, if all of these elements are not included
in the letter of intent or memorandum of understanding, separate documentation from such potential customer indicating such elements);
and
(d) is in effect as of the date of the applicable FFB Advance Date.
“Magnet Pre-Award
Quotation Documents” means, for each Product, all documents submitted to a potential customer associated
with the associated Magnet Pre-Award Purchase LOI, including the following:
(a) the agreed pricing of each quoted Product;
(b) specification of each Product in reasonable detail;
(c) grades of Product; and
(d) detailed drawings of each Product.
“Magnet Project 2”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Magnet Project 2
Facility” means the magnet manufacturing facility located at the Project Site for the Magnet Project 2 and including all the
buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such Project Site.
“Magnet Project 2
Tranche” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.3(d) (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum
Principal Amount).
“Magnet Project 2
Tranche FFB Advance” means an FFB Advance of the Magnet Project 2 Tranche, the proceeds of which are to be applied to reimburse
Eligible Uses of Funds relating to the Magnet Project 2.
“Magnet Project 2
Tranche FFB Advance Date” means a Business Day on which FFB makes a Magnet Project 2 Tranche FFB Advance in accordance with
the terms hereof and of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Magnet Purchase
Commitments” means, collectively, each Magnet Post-Award Purchase Commitment and each Magnet Pre-Award Purchase Commitment.
“Maintenance Costs”
means the costs of maintenance and repair of a Facility or replacement of any part of a Facility, including any major maintenance.
“Major Project Documents”
means, with respect to any Project, collectively:
(a) the Lock-Up Agreement;
(b) each Construction Contract (either an individual contract or multiple contracts with the same counterparty)
that obligates any Borrower Entity to make payments in an aggregate amount exceeding twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000) in total
in the case of a single contract or annually in the case of multiple contracts with the same counterparty, other than any Construction
Contract which the Department and the Borrower have agreed in writing shall not constitute a Major Project Document;
Annex A-30
(c) each Supply Agreement (either an individual contract or multiple contracts with the same counterparty)
that obligates any Borrower Entity to make payments in an aggregate amount exceeding twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000) in total
in the case of a single contract or annually in the case of multiple contracts with the same counterparty, other than any Supply Agreement
which the Department and the Borrower have agreed in writing shall not constitute a Major Project Document;
(d) any contract or agreement entered into by any Borrower Entity subsequent to the date hereof that is designated
a Major Project Document by the Department pursuant to Section 7.33 (Execution of Project Contracts);
(e) the Project IP Agreements;
(f) each Real Property Document entered into in connection with, or otherwise relating to, such Project;
(g) each O&M Agreement;
(h) any contract or agreement entered into by any Borrower Entity subsequent to the date hereof in connection
with such Project and designated in writing by the Department and the Borrower as a “Major Project Document”;
(i) any agreement entered into by any Borrower Entity in replacement of any of the foregoing agreements, in
each case, in accordance with Section 9.1(d) (Major Project Document Breach or Default)
or as otherwise permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, or otherwise with the Department’s prior written consent and with
a counterparty satisfactory to the Department; and
(j) any material support instrument provided in connection with any of the preceding.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, if any Major Project Document is replaced in accordance with Section 9.1(d) (Major
Project Document Breach or Default) or as otherwise permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, or otherwise with the Department’s
prior written consent and with a counterparty satisfactory to the Department, such Major Project Document shall cease to constitute a
“Major Project Document” upon the execution of such replacement document.
“Major Project Participant”
means each Person (other than any Borrower Entity) party to any Major Project Document.
“Mandatory Prepayment
Event” has the meaning given to the term in Section 3.2.3 (Mandatory Prepayments).
“Master Advance Notice”
means a notice of request for an FFB Advance, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (Form of Master Advance Notice),
delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.2.4 (Master Advance Notice and FFB Advance Request) in accordance with the
terms of Section 2.3.2 (Master Advance Notice).
Annex A-31
“Material Adverse
Effect” means, as of any date of determination by the Department, a material and adverse effect on: (a) any Project; (b) the
ability of the Borrower, any other Borrower Entity, or any Major Project Participant to observe and perform its material obligations or
enforce its rights in a timely manner under any Transaction Document to which it is a party; (c) the business, operations, liabilities,
condition (financial or otherwise), or Property of the Borrower, any other Borrower Entity, or any Major Project Participant; (d) the
validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Transaction Document; (e) any material right or remedy of the Department
under the Transaction Documents; or (f) the security or Liens of the Secured Parties on any of the Collateral under any Security
Document.
“Maturity Date”
means, with respect to any FFB Note, the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the date of issuance of such FFB Note or, to the extent
that such anniversary date is not a Payment Date, the immediately preceding Payment Date.
“Maximum Capitalized
Interest Amount” has with respect to any FFB Note, the meaning specified in Section 7(b) of such FFB Note, which, for the avoidance
of doubt, shall not exceed:
(a) in
the case of the Round Top Mine Project, seventy-eight million Dollars ($78,000,000);
(b) in
the case of the Stillwater Magnet Project, thirty-nine million Dollars ($39,000,000);
(c) in
the case of the Stillwater Metal Project, nineteen million Dollars ($19,000,000);
(d) in
the case of the Magnet Project 2, forty-nine million Dollars ($49,000,000); and
(e) in
the case of the Metal Project 2, fifteen million Dollars ($15,000,000).
“Maximum Guaranteed
Loan Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.1.1 (Guarantee).
“Maximum Principal
Amount” has the meaning given to that term in the recitals hereto.
“Members of the Affiliated
Group” has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Metal Project 2”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Metal Project 2
Facility” means the strip casting and metal making facility located at the Project Site for the Metal Project 2 and including
all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such Project Site.
“Metal Project 2
Tranche” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.3(e) (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum
Principal Amount).
“Metal Project 2
Tranche FFB Advance” means an FFB Advance of the Metal Project 2 Tranche, the proceeds of which are to be applied to reimburse
Eligible Uses of Funds relating to the Metal Project 2.
“Metal Project 2
Tranche FFB Advance Date” means a Business Day on which FFB makes a Metal Project 2 Tranche FFB Advance in accordance with the
terms hereof and of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
Annex A-32
“Metal/Mine Customer
Commitments” means, with respect to each Project:
(a) a Metal/Mine Customer LOI;
(b) the associated Metal/Mine Quotation Documents;
(c) an analysis provided by the Borrower to the Department demonstrating how such Metal/Mine Customer LOI
meets each Metal/Mine Customer LOI requirement; and
(d) a brief analysis provided by the Borrower to the Department that either:
(i) demonstrates that the Borrower Entities can currently manufacture the metal product or mine product indicated
in the Metal/Mine Customer LOI; or
(ii) demonstrates that any technology development activities required to deliver the product(s) detailed in
the Metal/Mine Customer LOI can be completed before the customer’s required delivery date.
“Metal/Mine
Customer LOI” means a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding that:
(a) has been executed by an Authorized Officer of a Borrower Entity and a potential customer;
(b) includes a certification from an Authorized Officer of the potential customer that such customer has a
bona fide intent to place a purchase order for Product upon confirmation that the Borrower Entity is capable of manufacturing and delivering
Product that meets the potential customer’s qualification specifications at the scale required by the customer;
(c) sets forth expectation for approximate delivery date, period of performance, volume per year, approximate
application/use case, and all material contingencies to be set forth in the definitive agreement;
(d) references the corresponding Metal/Mine Quotation Documents;
(e) sets forth that the Borrower has developed a prototype of the products detailed in the associated Metal/Mine
Quotation Documents that meets the potential customer’s specifications for metal or mineral composition (as applicable); and
(f) is in effect during the full four-quarter period to which it is being applied to fulfill the obligations
under Section 7.25 (Metal/Mine Customer Commitments).
“Metal/Mine Quotation
Documents” means, for each Product, all documents submitted to a potential customer associated with the associated Metal/Mine
Customer LOI, including the following: the agreed pricing of each quoted Product and the specification of each Product in reasonable detail.
Annex A-33
“Middlebury Merger
Sub Ltd.” means Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd., a business company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the British
Virgin Islands, and an indirect, wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower and at all times following the consummation of the Serra Verde
Acquisition, successor to the Serra Verde Borrower.
“Milestone Based
Schedule” means for any Project, a milestone-based construction schedule that sets out each critical path construction milestone
(including each Disbursement Milestone) necessary to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project, which schedule shall include
at a minimum (a) anticipated monthly progress for each construction milestone; (b) estimated start dates for each construction milestone;
(c) estimated completion dates for each construction milestone; (d) progress metrics for each construction milestone; and (e) other information
requested by the Department.
“Milestone Completion
Longstop Date” means, for any Disbursement Milestone for any Project, the relevant date set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement
Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Milestone Completion Longstop Date” in the row corresponding
to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Milestone Disbursement
Ratio” means, with respect to any Project and in connection with any Disbursement Milestone, the ratio, expressed as a percentage,
equal to (a) the Scheduled Disbursement Amount for such Disbursement Milestone to (b) the Scheduled Capex Amount for such Disbursement
Milestone, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Milestone
Disbursement Ratio” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Mitigation Agreement”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Moody’s” means
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to its ratings business.
“Multiemployer Plan”
means a “multiemployer plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA) that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
contributes to or participates in, or with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has any material liability or other obligation
(whether accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise).
“Net Amount”
means, with respect to any proceeds received by any Borrower Entity, the total amount of such proceeds minus (a) any Taxes paid or payable
in connection with such proceeds; and (b) any external legal fees and filing fees incurred to obtain such proceeds (and excluding any
amount paid or payable to any Affiliate of any Borrower Entity).
“NOFO”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Non-Appealable”
means, with respect to any Required Approval, unless otherwise agreed by the Department, (a) such Required Approval is not subject to
any pending appeal, intervention or similar proceeding or any unsatisfied condition that may result in modification or revocation, and
(b) all applicable appeal periods have expired (except for any Required Approval that does not have any limit on an appeal period under
Applicable Law).
Annex A-34
“Non-Cash Items”
means, with respect to any Person for any period, the net aggregate amount (which may be a positive or negative number) of all non-cash
expenses and non-cash credits that have been subtracted or, as the case may be, added in calculating the Consolidated Operating Income
of such Person during that period, including depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes, provisions for severance pay of staff and workers,
and credits resulting from revaluation of the assets’ book value.
“O&M Agreement”
means any contract or agreement entered into, or to be entered into, by any Borrower Entity with an Acceptable Operator for the operation
and maintenance of any Project or any Facility that is designated in writing by the Borrower and the Department as an “O&M Agreement”.
“Obligation”
means, with respect to any Person, any payment, performance, or other obligation of such Person of any kind, including any liability of
such Person on any claim, whether or not the right of any creditor to payment in respect of such claim is reduced to judgment, liquidated,
unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured, and whether or not such claim
is discharged, stayed, or otherwise affected by any Insolvency Proceeding; provided that without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Obligations of the Borrower under the Financing Documents shall include the obligation (a) to pay principal, interest,
charges, expenses, fees, attorneys’ or other Consultants’ fees and disbursements, indemnities and other amounts payable by
the Borrower under any Financing Document and (b) to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that the Department may elect
to pay or advance on behalf of the Borrower.
“OFAC”
means the Office of Foreign Assets Control, an agency of the United States Department of the Treasury under the auspices of the Under-Secretary
of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
“Officer’s
Certificate” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed on behalf of such Person by an Authorized Officer thereof
and relating to the items or matters for which such certificate is required, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to the Department.
“OIG” means
the Office of Inspector General of the Department.
“OMB” means
the Office of Management and Budget of the Executive Office of the President of the United States.
“Operating Budget”
means, for any Project: (a) for any Fiscal Year beginning prior to any commencement of commercial operations for such Project, the Initial
Operating Budget; and (b) for each Fiscal Year beginning on or following the commencement of commercial operations for such Project, the
Operating Budget for such Project then in effect in accordance with Section 7.29 (Operating Budget).
“Operating Costs”
means, collectively, for all Projects, for any period commencing on or following commencement of commercial operations for the relevant
Project, the following costs and expenses paid or payable by any Borrower Entity during that period (without double counting):
(a) payments under or in relation to any Supply Agreement or any O&M Agreement;
Annex A-35
(b) Taxes related to any Project or the Borrower Entity owning such Project;
(c) insurance premia in respect of the insurance required to be maintained pursuant to Section
7.5 (Insurance; Event of Loss);
(d) Maintenance Costs;
(e) administrative, accounting, and professional costs;
(f) fees payable in respect of, including the costs of renewing, any Required Approval;
(g) other fees, expenses, and payments necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of any Project;
(h) changes to net working capital; and
(i) any other amounts that the Department and the Borrower agree shall constitute Operating Costs,
but excluding, in each case:
(i) any amount constituting a Restricted Payment;
(ii) Capital Expenditures (other than Maintenance Costs);
(iii) any amounts payable in respect of Indebtedness (including under the Financing Documents); and
(iv) depreciation, other non-cash charges, reserves, amortization of intangibles, and similar book-keeping
entries.
“Operating Forecast”
means, with respect to any Project, the periodic forecast prepared by the Borrower (on an annual and month-by-month basis) in connection
with the operation of such Project, which shall: (a) be the Borrower’s good faith projections at such time taking into account
all facts and circumstances then existing and assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable on the date made, complete, fair,
and accurate estimates of all Operating Revenues reasonably expected to be received in connection with such Project and all Operating
Costs (by category) reasonably expected to be incurred in connection with such Project; (b) reflect Debt Service due during each
period, and pro forma Cash Flow Available for Debt Service projections for each period; (c) include such other information
as may be reasonably requested by the Department; and (d) be prepared on a basis consistent from period to period and consistent
with the Operating Plan, in sufficient detail to permit meaningful comparisons, and shall include a statement of the assumptions on which
it is based.
“Operating Plan”
means, with respect to any Project, the periodic operating plan for such Project prepared by the Borrower in connection with the operation
of such Project, that shall: (a) describe the applicable Project’s operating plan for the relevant period; (b) summarize any
changes in such Project’s maintenance plan for the relevant period, including such Project’s program for spare parts, inventory
management and supply management; (c) summarize any changes in such Project’s capital plan for the relevant period; (d) include
such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Department; and (e) be prepared on a basis consistent from period to period,
and consistent with the relevant Operating Forecast, in sufficient detail to permit meaningful comparisons, and (f) include a statement
of the assumptions on which it is based.
Annex A-36
“Operating Revenues”
means all Project revenues, including from: (a) the sales under the Metal/Mine Customer Commitments, the Magnet Purchase Commitments
or the Customer Agreements; (b) proceeds from business interruption and delay in start-up insurance policies; and (c) any Delay
Liquidated Damages; provided that, Operating Revenues shall not include proceeds (i) from casualty and event of loss insurance,
or (ii) that are subject to a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 3.2.3 (Mandatory Prepayments).
“Opinion of Borrower’s
Counsel re: Borrower Instruments” shall mean an opinion of counsel from counsel to the Borrower, substantially in the form of
opinion that is attached as Exhibit D to the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Organizational Documents”
means, with respect to any Person: (a) to the extent such Person is a corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the
by-laws of such Person; (b) to the extent such Person is a limited liability company, the certificate of formation or memorandum or articles
of formation, incorporation or organization and operating or limited liability company agreement of such Person; and (c) to the extent
such Person is a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other form of business, the partnership, joint venture, trust, or other applicable
agreement of formation or organization, and any agreement, instrument, filing, or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with
its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if
applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization or formation of such Person.
“Overdue Amounts”
means any amount owing under any FFB Note or any Loan Commitment Fee, Loan Ticking Fee or DOC Maintenance Fee or portion thereof that,
in each case, is not paid as and when due.
“Par Prepayment/Refinancing
Privilege” shall have the meaning specified in the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Partial Disbursement
Amount” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.4(b)(i) (Disbursement
of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
“Partial Disbursement
Milestone” means any Disbursement Milestone for which the Incremental Capex Amount is less than ninety-seven and one-half percent
(97.5%) of the Scheduled Capex Amount for such Disbursement Milestone.
“Party” and “Parties”
has the meaning given to the term in the preamble hereto.
“Patriot Act”
means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, and
all regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Payment Date”
means each February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, or if not a Business Day, the next Business Day.
“PBGC”
means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, an agency of the United States, or any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions
under ERISA.
Annex A-37
“Performance Liquidated
Damages” means any liquidated damages, purchase price reduction or buy-down amounts (however described), in each case payable
or paid to any Borrower Entity under any Project Document for failure to achieve any performance or quality standards (however described)
under any Project Document.
“Period of Performance”
has the meaning given to that term in the Direct Funding Agreement.
“Periodic Expenses”
means all of the following amounts from time to time incurred under or in connection with the Financing Documents: (a) recordation
and other costs, fees and charges in connection with the execution, delivery, filing, registration, or performance of the Transaction
Documents or the perfection of the security interests in the Collateral; (b) fees, charges, and expenses of any Consultants; (c) other
fees, charges, expenses, and other amounts from time to time due under or in connection with the Financing Documents; and (d) DOC
Extraordinary Expenses.
“Permitted Capital
Expenditures” means:
(a) Capital Expenditures contemplated by the then-applicable Construction and Tool Installation Budget, in
the amount specified therein;
(b) Capital Expenditures funded with Loss Proceeds received in connection with the Project as and to the extent
permitted by the Financing Documents;
(c) Capital Expenditures from amounts that could have been distributed as a Restricted Payment pursuant to
Section 8.8 (Restricted Payments); and
(d) other Capital Expenditures in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year not in excess of (i) ten million Dollars
($10,000,000) for each of the Stillwater Metal Project and the Metal Project 2; and (ii) thirty million Dollars ($30,000,000) for each
of the Round Top Mine Project, the Stillwater Magnet Project and the Magnet Project 2, in each case, as such amounts may be adjusted solely
to reflect increases in costs resulting from inflation, calculated by reference to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (U.S.
City Average, All Items) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (or, if such index ceases to be published, a substantially comparable
index), applied on a compounding annual basis from the Award Date to the relevant date of determination, provided that any inflation
adjustment to Permitted Capital Expenditures shall be consistent with, and not exceed, the inflation assumptions used in the Base Case
Financial Model.
“Permitted Convertible
Loan Notes” means, collectively, one or more convertible loan notes issued, or to be issued, by the Borrower with an aggregate
face value not to exceed, for all such notes three hundred million Dollars ($300,000,000) and on terms and conditions satisfactory to
the Department, such terms and conditions to include, inter alia, (a) an interest rate not to exceed three percent (3%) per
annum, (b) a final maturity date falling no earlier than seven (7) years following the date of issuance of such convertible loan note
and (c) the obligations of the Borrower thereunder shall be unsecured.
“Permitted Disposition”
means:
(a) any transaction permitted under the Transaction Documents, including any Disposition of Product under
any Magnet Purchase Commitment, under any Metal/Mine Customer Commitment or under any Customer Agreement;
Annex A-38
(b) any Disposition of any equipment or Property of any Borrower Entity that is: (i) obsolete; (ii) no longer
used or useful in the operation of any Project; or (iii) replaced by other equipment of at least equal value and utility, and in all cases
for which the (x) relevant Borrower Entity has received consideration in an amount equal to the value that would have been obtained in
an arm’s length transaction with an unaffiliated third party (unless such assets only have scrap value), (y) such Dispositions are
valued at not more than one million Dollars ($1,000,000) on an individual basis or five million Dollars ($5,000,000) on an aggregate basis
among all Borrower Entities in any twelve (12) month period, and (z) if applicable, the Net Amount of the proceeds thereof are applied
in accordance with Section 3.2.3 (Mandatory Prepayments), as applicable;
(c) any Disposition from any Borrower Entity to any other Borrower Entity;
(d) any Disposition permitted in accordance with Section 6.3 (Dispositions of Trust Property) of the
Direct Funding Agreement; and
(e) any Permitted Equity Transfer.
“Permitted Equity
Transfer” means any transaction or series of transactions after the Award Date with respect to the Disposition of any direct
or indirect Equity Interest in LCM Europe, where:
(a) the transferee is a French Governmental Authority or an entity whose investment in LCM Europe is coordinated
by a French Governmental Authority;
(b) no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default is continuing or would result from any such transaction;
(c) the transaction has received all Required Approvals from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction
over the Transfer; and
(d) under any agreement entered into or amended in connection with such transfer, or giving effect to such
transfer (including but not limited to any shareholders agreement, partnership or joint venture agreement, purchase and contribution or
purchase and sale agreement, or LLC agreement), the transferee has no right or ability to make or to permit to be made any transfer of
any direct or indirect Equity Interest in any Borrower Entity other than a Permitted Equity Transfer.
“Permitted Indebtedness”
means:
(a) any Indebtedness created under the Financing Documents;
(b) Indebtedness of any Borrower Entity to any other Borrower Entity;
(c) Indebtedness under one or more Working Capital Facilities, solely to the extent that (i) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount under all such Working Capital Facilities does not exceed two hundred fifty million Dollars ($250,000,000)
at any time, (ii) each such Working Capital Facility is entered into as and when required in accordance with the Disbursement Milestone
Schedule and in any event no later than June 30, 2027 and (iii) all such Indebtedness is fully subordinated to the Secured Obligations
pursuant to the Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement;
(d) Permitted Convertible Loan Notes;
Annex A-39
(e) Indebtedness comprised of purchase money obligations and Capital Leases incurred for the purpose of purchasing
or leasing property and equipment; provided that (i) such property and equipment does not comprise an integral part of any Project;
(ii) the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness for such property and equipment does not exceed the cost of such property and equipment
being financed; (iii) the Indebtedness is budgeted in the Construction and Tool Installation Budget or Operating Budget, as applicable;
and (iv) the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding at any time pursuant to this paragraph (e), does not exceed two million
Dollars ($2,000,000);
(f) Indebtedness in respect of amounts due to trade creditors and accrued expenses, in each case arising in
the ordinary course of business and on terms requiring payment in full in not more than ninety (90) days;
(g) Indebtedness arising under surety bonds, performance bonds or similar instruments incurred in the ordinary
course of business; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding at any time does not exceed five million
Dollars ($5,000,000) or, solely in the event that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness is greater than five million Dollars ($5,000,000)
due to the Borrower Entities’ being required to maintain certain bonds or similar instruments in accordance with Applicable Law,
the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness referred to in this paragraph (g) does not exceed twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000);
(h) Guarantees of any Borrower Entity of Permitted Indebtedness of any other Borrower Entity; provided
that to the extent such underlying Permitted Indebtedness is required to be subordinated to the Secured Obligations pursuant to the
terms hereof or of any other Financing Document, any such Guarantee shall only constitute “Permitted Indebtedness” under this
paragraph (h) to the extent the obligations of the Borrower Entity providing such Guarantee are subordinated to the Secured Obligations
pursuant to a subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Department;
(i) Indebtedness of any Borrower Entity pursuant to any Hedge Transaction or similar arrangement not entered
into for speculative purposes;
(j) Indebtedness under letter of credit obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition, holding or
development of the Additional Projects; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding at any time, does
not exceed one hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($175,000,000);
(k) Indebtedness incurred in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored
value cards, purchase cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”) or other similar cash management
services, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with the Construction and Tool Installation Budget
or Operating Budget, as applicable; provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding at any time pursuant
to this paragraph (k), does not exceed two million Dollars ($2,000,000);
(l) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar
instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds;
(m) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, agreements of any Borrower Entity for the deferred payment of
premiums or to finance the payment of premiums owing by any Borrower Entity under any insurance policies;
Annex A-40
(n) other unsecured Indebtedness not to exceed five million Dollars ($5,000,000) at any time outstanding;
and
(o) any other Indebtedness as the Department may from time to time approve.
“Permitted Investments”
means any of the following, to the extent owned by any Borrower Entity free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens or Liens
created under the Security Documents):
(a) direct obligations of the United States (including obligations issued or held in book-entry form on the
books of the United States Department of the Treasury) or obligations, the timely payment of principal and interest of which is fully
guaranteed by the United States maturing not more than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the creation thereof;
(b) obligations, debentures, notes, or other evidence of Indebtedness issued or guaranteed by any agency,
instrumentality or government-sponsored entity of the United States maturing not more than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date
of the creation thereof and which investments are made by the Borrower or other relevant Borrower Entity in accordance with the Award
Date Investment Policy;
(c) interest-bearing demand or time deposits (including certificates of deposit) that are held in banks with
a general obligation rating of not less than “BBB-” by S&P or the equivalent rating by Moody’s, or if not so rated,
secured at all times up to the Project Completion Date, in the manner and to the extent provided by law, by collateral described in paragraph
(a) or (b) of this definition, of a market value of no less than the amount of moneys so invested maturing not more than one
hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the creation thereof;
(d) commercial paper rated (on the date of acquisition thereof) at least “A-1” or “P-1”
or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s, respectively (or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized credit rating agency
of similar standing if neither of such corporations is then in the business of rating commercial paper), maturing not more than ninety
(90) days from the date of creation thereof;
(e) money market funds, so long as such funds are rated “Aaa” by Moody’s, “AAA”
by S&P, or an equivalent rating by Fitch;
(f) any Investment constituting a Permitted LCM Europe Investments;
(g) any Investment by any Borrower Entity in any other Borrower Entity; and
(h) any advances, loans, or extensions of credit or any stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities
as the Department may from time to time approve.
“Permitted LCM Europe
Investments” means any direct or indirect equity contributions, advances, loans, other extensions of credit or other investments
by any Borrower Entity to LCM Europe in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the sum of (a) three hundred thirty million
Dollars ($330,000,000), plus (b) any Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds (excluding any Excluded LCM Europe Equity Proceeds
received by the Borrower to satisfy the obligation set forth in the proviso in Section 7.38 (Reimbursement of Funds for LCM Europe)),
plus (c) any LCM Europe Committed Capital.
Annex A-41
“Permitted Leases”
means (a) Leases of office space, office equipment, or motor vehicles with respect to which the aggregate lease payments do not exceed
five million Dollars ($5,000,000) per Fiscal Year; (b) Leases with respect to any Project Site, (c) Leases from any Borrower Entity to
any other Borrower Entity, or (d) licenses for Intellectual Property, in each case (i) as required in connection with the construction
or operation of any Project and (ii) in an amount no greater than the amount budgeted therefor in the applicable Construction and Tool
Installation Budget or Operating Budget, as the case may be.
“Permitted Liens”
means:
(a) any Liens securing the Secured Obligations;
(b) any Lien created in favor of any lender, agent or other secured party under a Working Capital Facility
described in, and satisfying the requirements of, paragraph (c) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”, solely to the
extent that such Lien at all times ranks junior to the Liens created in favor of the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents, subject
to the conditions described in that paragraph;
(c) Liens for any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge that is: (i) not yet due; or (ii) being
diligently contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings timely instituted, so long as: (A) such proceedings shall not involve
any danger of the sale, forfeiture, or loss of any Project; (B) such tax, assessment, or other governmental charge is not more than
sixty (60) days delinquent; and (C) a bond, adequate reserves, or other security acceptable to the Department has been posted or
provided in such manner and amount as to assure the Department that any taxes, assessments, or other charges determined to be due will
promptly be paid in full when such contest is determined;
(d) Liens in favor of materialmen, workers, or repairmen, or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course
of business or in connection with the construction of any Project, either for amounts not yet due or for amounts being diligently contested
in good faith and by appropriate proceedings timely instituted so long as: (x) such proceedings shall not involve any danger of the
sale, forfeiture, or loss of any part of any Project; and (y) a bond or other security acceptable to the Department has been posted
or provided in such manner and amount as to assure the Department that any amounts determined to be due will promptly be paid in full
when such contest is determined;
(e) Liens identified in any ALTA Survey;
(f) Liens arising under Real Property Documents;
(g) Liens disclosed by the title insurance policies delivered on or prior to the First FFB Advance Date, and
any replacement, extension or renewal of such Lien; provided, that such replacement, extension or renewal Lien shall not cover
any property other than the property that was subject to such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or renewal;
(h) zoning, entitlement, building, and other land use regulations imposed by Governmental Authorities having
jurisdiction over the applicable Project Site that do not and will not materially impair the development, construction, operation, or
use by any Borrower Entity of such Project Site for the applicable Project;
(i) with respect to any Project Site, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, and other similar matters
of record on or prior to the First FFB Advance Date for the relevant Project affecting title to such Project Site, or that are specifically
identified in any land purchase agreement to be recorded against such Project Site, which in either case do not and will not materially
impair the development, construction, operation, or use by any Borrower Entity of such Project Site for the relevant Project;
Annex A-42
(j) any other Lien affecting any Project Site the existence of which does not and will not impair in any material
respect the development, construction, operation, or use by any Borrower Entity of any Project Site for any Project;
(k) Liens (not securing Indebtedness) of depository institutions and securities intermediaries (including
rights of set-off or similar rights) with respect to deposit accounts or securities accounts;
(l) Liens securing (i) attachments that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.1(k) (Attachment);
(ii) judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.1(l) (Judgments);
or (iii) appeals and other surety bonds related to any such attachment or judgment;
(m) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory
obligations, surety bonds (other than bonds related to judgments or litigation), performance bonds, and other obligations of a like nature;
provided that such deposits are made in the ordinary course of business;
(n) purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements relating solely to operating
leases of personal property entered into in the ordinary course of business, so long as such operating leases relate only to small equipment,
laboratory equipment, copiers, printers and other similar items of personal property; provided that the aggregate value of all
such leased personal property subject to such Liens does not exceed two million Dollars ($2,000,000) at any time;
(o) to the extent constituting tax Liens incurred in connection with the Stillwater Magnet Project Facility
and Stillwater Metal Project Facility, any obligations or duties of any Borrower Entity to any municipality or public authority with respect
to any franchise, grant, license, permit or agreement provided by or entered into with such municipality or public authority to such Borrower
Entity in furtherance of the ordinary course conduct of the business of such Borrower Entity; provided that the aggregate amount
subject to all such Liens does not exceed ten million Dollars ($10,000,000);
(p) Liens in respect of an agreement to dispose of property in transactions that constitute Permitted Dispositions,
to the extent such Liens extend only to the property to be disposed of;
(q) Liens with respect to deposits to utility providers, lessors, telecommunication providers and other similar
deposits in the ordinary course; provided that if any such Lien is required by a provider, lessor or telecommunications provider,
the aggregate amount subject to all such Liens do not exceed five million Dollars ($5,000,000);
(r) Liens on cash, cash equivalents and other property arising in connection with the escrow, defeasance,
discharge or redemption of Indebtedness permitted hereunder;
(s) Liens on cash and cash equivalents deposited into an escrow pursuant to (i) the escrow agreement with
respect to the Additional Projects that is in effect as of the Award Date and (ii) any replacement or alternative escrow arrangement with
a capital partner relating to such property, in each case solely to the extent required in connection with the acquisition, holding or
development of such property; provided that the aggregate amount subject to such Liens shall not exceed eighty million Dollars
($80,000,000) under clause (i) and one hundred seventy-five million Dollars ($175,000,000) under clause (ii);
Annex A-43
(t) Liens on deposits to secure letters of credit permitted under paragraph (j) of the definition of “Permitted
Indebtedness”; provided that the aggregate amount subject to such Lien shall not exceed one hundred seventy-five million
Dollars ($175,000,000);
(u) any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor (or licensor) under any lease of real estate;
(v) space leases and subleases in the ordinary course of business; and
(w) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to paragraph (e) of the definition of “Permitted
Indebtedness”; provided that any such Lien shall encumber only the assets acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness (and any
proceeds thereof).
“Permitted Subordinated
Loan” means any subordinated loans made by, or on behalf of, any Borrower Entity to any other Borrower Entity in lieu of purchasing
Equity Interests or reflecting non-cash intercompany allocations of overhead and other costs appropriately attributable to such other
Borrower Entity and allocated in accordance with the lending Borrower Entity’s customary allocation practices and which is subordinated
to the Secured Obligations pursuant to a subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
“Permitting Schedule”
means the permitting schedule attached as Schedule F (Permitting Schedule) hereto.
“Person”
means any individual, firm, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust,
unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, committee, department, authority, or any other body, incorporated or unincorporated,
whether having distinct legal personality or not.
“Platform”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 11.2(a) (Use of Websites).
“Potential Event
of Default” means an event or circumstance that, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would become an Event
of Default.
“Practice”
means to practice Intellectual Property in any way, including to use, reproduce, distribute, modify, improve, make, display, perform,
create derivative works of, access, and utilize.
“Principal Persons”
means any officer, director, beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of equity interests that are not publicly traded securities,
other natural person (whether or not an employee) with executive responsibilities over a Borrower Entity or who has practical control
over any Borrower Entity, and each of their respective successors or assigns.
“Principal Prepayment
Deferral Notification” has the meaning given to that term in Section 3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory Prepayments).
“Principal Prepayment
Schedule” means, initially, for any FFB Note, the prepayment schedule delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 7.32(a)
(Delivery of Principal Prepayment Schedules) with respect to such FFB Note, as the same may be updated from time to time pursuant
to any of Section 5.2.18 (Updated Principal Prepayment Schedule) or Section 7.32(b) (Delivery of Principal Prepayment Schedules).
Annex A-44
“Processing”
means any operation or set of operations that are performed on data or on sets of data, whether or not by automated means, including creation,
receipt, maintenance, access, acquisition, use, disclosure, transmission, storage, retention, processing, destruction, modification, or
transfer (including cross-border transfer), and the words “Process” and similar constructions shall have correlative meanings.
“Product”
means:
(a) with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, dysprosium oxide, gallium, gadolinium oxide, terbium oxide,
yttrium oxide, hafnium, zirconium, and mixed heavy rare earth carbonate that includes holmium oxide, erbium oxide, thulium oxide, ytterbium
oxide, and lutetium oxide;
(b) with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, rare-earth magnets;
(c) with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, strip-cast neodymium-iron-boron metal;
(d) with respect to the Magnet Project 2, rare-earth magnets; and
(e) with respect to the Metal Project 2, strip-cast neodymium-iron-boron metal.
“Production Volume
Schedule” means Schedule H (Production Volume Schedule) hereto.
“Prohibited Person”
means any Person or entity that is:
(a) a Sanctioned Person;
(b) debarred or suspended from contracting with the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof;
(c) debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment with a final determination still pending, declared ineligible,
or voluntarily excluded (as such terms are defined in any of the Debarment Regulations) from contracting with any United States federal
government department or any agency or instrumentality thereof or otherwise participating in procurement or non-procurement transactions
with any United States federal government department or agency pursuant to any of the Debarment Regulations; or
(d) indicted, convicted, or had a Governmental Judgment rendered against it for any of the offenses listed
in any of the Debarment Regulations.
“Project Change”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 8.5(a) (Approved Project Changes).
“Project Collateral
Security Instrument” has the meaning given to that term in the Project Security Agreement.
Annex A-45
“Project Commencement
Clawback Date” means:
(a) with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Award Date;
(b) with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, the Award Date;
(c) with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, the Award Date;
(d) with respect to the Magnet Project 2, June 30, 2027; and
(e) with respect to the Metal Project 2, September 30, 2027.
“Project Commencement
Date” means, with respect to any Project, and as demonstrated by evidence delivered to the Department, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Department, the date on which the Borrower (or other relevant Borrower Entity) commenced the construction of such
Project.
“Project Completion
Clawback Date” means, with respect to any Project, the date by which the Borrower is required to achieve the Project Completion
Date for such Project, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule under the column entitled “Clawback Date”
with respect to the final Disbursement Milestone for such Project.
“Project Completion
Clawback Event” means, with respect to any Project, the failure of such Project to achieve the Project Completion Date by the
applicable Project Completion Clawback Date.
“Project Completion
Date” means, with respect to any Project, the first date on which the applicable Project Completion Requirements have been achieved
with respect to such Project to the satisfaction of the Department.
“Project Completion
Longstop Date” means, for any Project, the final Milestone Completion Longstop Date for such Project.
“Project Completion
Requirements” means, with respect to any Project:
(a) each Disbursement Milestone for such Project, including the final Disbursement Milestone, has been achieved
to the satisfaction of the Department;
(b) to the extent that any liquidated damages are payable to any relevant Borrower Entity under any applicable
Construction Contract or other Major Project Document, all such liquidated damages have been paid and, to the extent applicable, applied
to mandatory prepayment of FFB Advances in accordance with Section 3.2.3 (Mandatory Prepayments);
(c) any Delay Liquidated Damages and/or Performance Liquidated Damages payable under any Construction Contract
for such Project or any other applicable Major Project Document have been paid in full;
(d) there are no claims pending from, or security existing in favor of, any contractor or sub-contractor under
any applicable Major Project Document or any amounts due and unpaid with respect to any Construction Contractor under any applicable Construction
Contract or otherwise with respect to the construction of such Project unless such claims and amounts due and unpaid are being diligently
contested in good faith by the Borrower in appropriate proceedings timely instituted and the Borrower has established cash reserves for
the amount of such claims or amounts due or a bond or other security satisfactory to the Department, has been posted for the amount of
such claims or amounts due, and final unconditional lien waivers (in form and substance satisfactory to the Department (acting reasonably
and in consultation with the Title Company)) and that shall include subcontractors’ final lien waivers with respect to any subcontract
with a contract value at least equal to two hundred and fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000) have been received for all of the works under
such Project’s Construction Contracts and any other applicable Major Project Documents;
Annex A-46
(e) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Department (i) a customary as-built survey showing such completed
Project and (ii) notice of title continuation or endorsement to the Title Policy for the applicable Project Site, in each case, in form
and substance satisfactory to the Department;
(f) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Department an updated version of the Base Case Financial Model,
dated on or about the applicable Project Completion Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department and demonstrating the Debt
Sizing Criteria;
(g) no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall exist as of the Project Completion Date or would
result from the occurrence of the Project Completion Date;
(h) the Department has received an Officer’s Certificate of the Borrower, (i) certifying that the Borrower,
or other relevant Borrower Entity, has obtained each Required Approval then required for such Project, each such Required Approval has
been validly issued, is in full force and effect and Non-Appealable and all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of any such Required
Approval have been satisfied and (ii) to the extent requested by the Department, attaching true and correct copies of such Required Approvals
including all schedules, exhibits, attachments, supplements, and amendments thereto and any related protocols or side letters;
(i) the Borrower has delivered to the Department evidence that insurance then required to be maintained by
the relevant Borrower Entities with respect to such Project pursuant to Section 7.5 (Insurance;
Event of Loss) has been obtained and is in full force and effect, such evidence to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Department
(including (i) with respect to deductibles, exceptions, and premiums and (ii) designating the Collateral Agent as loss payee as its
interest may appear and the Department and the Collateral Agent as additional insureds);
(j) each of the representations and warranties made (or deemed made) by any Borrower Entity in any Transaction
Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation and warranty itself is qualified
by “materiality,” “material adverse effect” or a similar qualifier, in which case it shall be true and correct
in all respects) as of such date, except to the extent such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date or time (in
which event such representation or warranty shall be true and correct as of such date or time);
(k) the Department has received such evidence of each of the foregoing as the Department may reasonably request;
(l) the Borrower has delivered to the Department a project completion certificate executed by an Authorized
Officer of the Borrower, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C (Form of Project Completion Certificate), certifying that
each of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a) through (k) above has been satisfied as of the date of such certificate.
Annex A-47
“Project Costs”
means, with respect to any Project, all costs that have been incurred or are projected to be incurred by the Borrower or other relevant
Borrower Entity in connection with the construction, expansion, or modernization of such Project through the Project Completion Date for
such Project, including:
(a) amounts payable under the Construction Contracts entered into in connection with such Project;
(b) fees and expenses payable under the Financing Documents prior to such Project Completion Date;
(c) principal and interest payments on the Guaranteed Loan occurring prior to such Project Completion Date;
(d) costs to acquire title or use rights to the applicable Project Site, necessary easements, and other real
Property interests;
(e) costs and expenses of legal, engineering, accounting, construction management, and other advisors or Consultants
incurred in connection with any Project;
(f) fees, commissions and expenses payable to the Secured Parties;
(g) development costs to the extent permitted to be paid under the Financing Documents in connection with
such Project;
(h) insurance premiums in respect of insurance required to be obtained in connection with such Project pursuant
to Section 7.5 (Insurance; Event of Loss), to the extent obtained prior to the applicable
Project Completion Date for such Project;
(i) the applicable Borrower Entity’s labor costs and general and administration costs;
(j) costs incurred under any relevant O&M Agreement and mobilization costs included in the Base Case Financial
Model for such Project; and
(k) such other costs or expenses approved by the Department.
“Project Documents”
means, collectively for any Project, the Major Project Documents and the Additional Project Documents, in each case, entered into in connection
with, or otherwise applicable to, such Project.
“Project IP”
means, with respect to any Project, all Technology and Intellectual Property that is: (a) material, or necessary for, and used in or arising
from, the development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, starting up, commissioning, ownership, operation, or maintenance
of such Project or incorporated into the sale of Products or services manufactured or provided using such Project; (b) necessary to achieve
the applicable Project Completion Date; or (c) necessary for manufacturing and provision of goods manufactured or services provided using
the Project or the use of such goods or services, as applicable at the relevant time, but excluding, in each case, any Technology and
Intellectual Property (including Software that: (i) has not been created by, or modified or customized for a Borrower Entity; (ii) is
readily commercially available; and (iii) is licensed under standard terms and conditions).
Annex A-48
“Project IP Agreement”
means:
(a) any agreements between Borrower Entities for Project IP; and
(b) with respect to each Project, collectively each other agreement granting or document evidencing the Borrower
or any other relevant Borrower Entity’s exclusive ownership of or rights to use Project IP (including assignment, license, sub-license
or other agreements) or rights to use Project IP for such Project.
“Project IP Security
Agreement” means any Project IP security agreement entered into in accordance with Section 7.11(c) (Intellectual Property).
“Project Security
Agreement” means the Project Security Agreement, dated on or prior to the First FFB Advance Date, between each U.S. Borrower
Entity and the Collateral Agent.
“Project Site”
means:
(a) with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, the Real Property described on Part 1 (Round Top Mine Project)
of Schedule C (Project Sites);
(b) with respect to the Stillwater Magnet Project, the Real Property described on Part 2 (Stillwater Magnet
Project) of Schedule C (Project Sites);
(c) with respect to the Stillwater Metal Project, the Real Property described on Part 3 (Stillwater Metal
Project) of Schedule C (Project Sites);
(d) with respect to the Magnet Project 2, the Real Property described on Part 4 (Magnet Project 2 and Metal
Project 2) of Schedule C (Project Sites); and
(e) with respect to the Metal Project 2, the Real Property described on Part 4 (Magnet Project 2 and Metal
Project 2) of Schedule C (Project Sites).
“Projected Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of any Calculation Date, the ratio of:
(a) projected Cash Flow Available for Debt Service for the immediately succeeding Calculation Period;
to
(b) the sum of (i) aggregate Debt Service for the immediately succeeding Calculation Period plus (ii)
without duplication, projected aggregate operating lease expenses and rent expenses for the Borrower Entities on a Consolidated Basis
for such Calculation Period,
and in the case of (a) and
(b), such projections shall be based on the amounts set forth in the Base Case Financial Model, as the same may be updated from time to
time in accordance herewith.
“Property”
means, unless otherwise specifically limited, real or personal property of any kind, tangible or intangible, choate or inchoate.
“Prudent Industry
Practice” shall mean, with respect to any Project, that range of practices, methods, equipment, specifications, and standards
of safety and performance, as are commonly accepted in the Semiconductor industry as good, safe, prudent, and commercial practices in
connection with the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and use of such Project.
Annex A-49
“Qualified Public
Company Shareholder” means each Person that holds, directly or indirectly, shares in a company, which shares are not restricted
or closely held, but are freely available to the public for trading on any national securities exchange approved by or registered with
the competent securities regulator of the relevant country.
“Real Property”
means, with respect to any Person, all right, title, and interest of such Person in and to any and all parcels of real Property owned,
leased, or encumbered by such Person, together with all improvements and appurtenant fixtures, equipment, easements, mineral rights and
other Property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease, or operation thereof.
“Real Property Documents”
means:
(a) with respect to any Project, collectively all instruments vesting in any Borrower Entity a Real Property
right or contractual right in the relevant Project Site or any portion thereof or that are otherwise necessary for such Project, including,
to the Borrower Entity’s Knowledge, all easements, rights of way, mineral rights, and other land rights required to be obtained
by Major Project Participants pursuant to the Transaction Documents entered into in relation to such Project or that are necessary for
the performance of their obligations related thereto, together with any instruments encumbering, burdening, or restricting the Borrower’s
right in and to the applicable Project Site or any portion thereof; and
(b) the ALTA Survey with respect to the applicable Project Site.
“Real Property Security
Documents” means the following, collectively, and “Real Property Security Document” means any of the following,
as context may require:
(a) with respect to the Round Top Mine Project, each mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents
or any other Real Property security document or instrument, as applicable, as may be required or requested by the Department prior to
the First FFB Advance Date for such Project (and in form and substance satisfactory to the Department) to ensure that, at all times on
and following the First FFB Advance Date for such Project, the relevant Borrower Entity’s interest in the Project Site for the Round
Top Mine Project, together with all other fee, leasehold, easement, mineral rights and other interests in Real Property evidenced by the
Real Property Documents applicable to such Project, are subject to legal, valid and enforceable First Priority Liens for the benefit of
the Collateral Agent (as beneficiary on behalf and for the benefit of the Secured Parties);
(b) with respect to each of the Stillwater Magnet Project and the Stillwater Metal Project, each mortgage,
deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents or any other Real Property security document or instrument, as applicable, as may be required
or requested by the Department prior to the First FFB Advance Date for such Project (and in form and substance satisfactory to the Department)
to ensure that, at all times on and following the First FFB Advance Date for such Project, the relevant Borrower Entity’s interest
in the Project Site for the Stillwater Magnet Project or the Stillwater Metal Project, as applicable, together with all other fee, leasehold,
easement, mineral rights and other interests in Real Property evidenced by the Real Property Documents applicable to such Project, are
subject to legal, valid and enforceable First Priority Liens for the benefit of the Collateral Agent (as beneficiary on behalf and for
the benefit of the Secured Parties); and
(c) with respect to each Additional Project, each mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents
or any other Real Property security document or instrument, as applicable, as may be required or requested by the Department prior to
the First FFB Advance Date for such Project (and in form and substance satisfactory to the Department) to ensure that, at all times on
and following the First FFB Advance Date for such Project, the relevant Borrower Entity’s interest in the Project Site for such
Additional Project, together with all other fee, leasehold, easement, mineral rights and other interests in Real Property evidenced by
the Real Property Documents applicable to such Project, are subject to legal, valid and enforceable First Priority Liens for the benefit
of the Collateral Agent (as beneficiary on behalf and for the benefit of the Secured Parties).
Annex A-50
“Recipient”
means the Borrower.
“Referral”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.4 (Referral to Initial Decision-Maker).
“Register”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.13(c) (Successors and Assigns).
“Related Entity”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Release”
means disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking, leaching, dumping, pumping, pouring, emitting, escaping, emptying, depositing
or seeping into the environment, and the term “Released” and similar constructions have correlative meanings.
“Release Date”
means the first date on which the Guaranteed Loan, each Loan Tranche, and any other Secured Obligation has been paid or satisfied irrevocably
and in full, and the FFB Commitment has expired or been terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
“Relevant Disbursement
Milestone” has the meaning given to that term in Section 5.2 (Conditions Precedent
to Each FFB Advance).
“Relevant Event”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice).
“Requested FFB Advance
Date” means the particular calendar date that the Borrower requests to be the date on which the respective Advance is to be
made.
“Required Approvals”
means all Governmental Approvals and other consents and approvals of third parties necessary or required by any Borrower Entity and, to
the Knowledge of the Borrower Entities, each Major Project Participant (or with respect to its respective Properties) under Applicable
Law, the Loan Program Requirements, the Transaction Documents or any contractual obligation including: (a) the due execution, delivery
recordation, filing or performance by any Borrower Entity or Major Project Participant of any Transaction Document to which such Borrower
Entity or Major Project Participant is or is to be a party; (b) the grant by the Borrower and each other relevant Borrower Entity of the
Liens granted by such Person pursuant to the Financing Documents; (c) the exercise by the Department of its rights under any of the Transaction
Documents; (d) the development, construction, operation or maintenance of the Project; and (e) the Borrower’s ownership of the Project,
other than those that are of a routine nature and can be obtained in the ordinary course of business.
“Required Prepayment
Amount” means, with respect to any Scheduled Prepayment Date, an aggregate amount equal to:
(a) the applicable Scheduled Principal Prepayment Amount, plus
Annex A-51
(b) to the extent not previously incorporated in the then-applicable Principal Prepayment Schedule, any applicable
Deferred Principal Installment then required to be prepaid on such Scheduled Prepayment Date in accordance with Section 3.2.3(a)(i) (Mandatory
Prepayments) as a result of the occurrence of a Principal Prepayment Deferral Notification; plus
(c) all unpaid interest (and late charges, if any) accrued on the aggregate portion of the FFB Advances referred
to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above through such Scheduled Prepayment Date; plus
(d) without duplication, the sum of all other amounts forming part of the FFB Prepayment Price in connection
with the prepayment of the aggregate portion of the FFB Advances referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above.
“Responding Party”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 11.12.3 (Dispute Notice).
“Restricted Payment”
has the meaning given to the term in Section 8.8(a) (Restricted Payments).
“Round Top Mine Project”
has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Round Top Project
Facility” means a rare earth mining and processing facility located in Sierra Blanca, Texas at the Project Site for the Round
Top Project and including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such Project Site.
“Round Top Tranche”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.3(a) (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
“Round Top Tranche
FFB Advance” means an FFB Advance of the Round Top Tranche, the proceeds of which are to be applied to reimburse Eligible Uses
of Funds relating to the Round Top Mine Project.
“Round Top Tranche
FFB Advance Date” means a Business Day on which FFB makes a Round Top Tranche FFB Advance in accordance with the terms hereof
and of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Safety Review Report”
means a safety review report, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, detailing how the Borrower and any other relevant
Borrower Entity will secure and store nuclear material, processes for transferring material to a third-party disposal company, and implementing
best practices relevant to safety identified during a third-party review of relevant processes at the Wheat Ridge R&D Facility.
“SAM” means
the System for Award Management electronic database administered by the United States General Services Administration, found at www.sam.gov.
“Sanctioned Country”
means, at any time, a country, region, or territory that is itself the subject or target of comprehensive country-wide or territory-wide
Sanctions.
“Sanctioned Person”
means, at any time: (a) any Person identified on any Sanctions List; (b) any Person located, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country;
(c) any Person owned fifty percent (50%) or more or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clause (a) or
(b); or (d) any Person that is otherwise the subject or target of any Sanctions.
Annex A-52
“Sanctions”
means any laws concerning or relating to economic, financial, or trade sanctions, embargoes, or similar restrictive measures imposed,
administered, enacted, or enforced by a Sanctions Authority.
“Sanctions Authority”
means any agency, department, division or instrumentality of the United States federal government, including OFAC, the U.S. Department
of State, and BIS.
“Sanctions List”
means any list of designated Persons maintained by any Sanctions Authority, including, without limitation, the “Specially Designated
Nationals and Blocked Persons” list, “Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List”, and “Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial
Complex Companies List” maintained by OFAC and the “Denied Persons List”, “Entity List”, “Unverified
List”, and “Military End-User List” maintained by BIS.
“Satisfactory Replacement
Employee” has the meaning given to that term in Section 7.19(d) (Key Person Requirements).
“Scheduled Capex
Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested FFB Advance,
the scheduled amount of Capital Expenditures to be incurred by the relevant Borrower Entities for such Disbursement Milestone, as set
forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Scheduled Capex Amount”
in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled Cumulative
Capex Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested FFB Advance,
an amount equal to the aggregate of the Scheduled Capex Amounts for the applicable Disbursement Milestone and all prior Disbursement Milestones
for such Project, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Scheduled
Cumulative Capex Amount” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled Cumulative
Disbursement Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested
FFB Advance, an amount equal to the aggregate of the Scheduled Disbursement Amounts for the applicable Disbursement Milestone and all
prior Disbursement Milestones for such Project, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under
the column entitled “Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled Cumulative
Disbursement Ratio” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested FFB
Advance, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, equal to (a) the Scheduled Cumulative Disbursement Amount applicable to such Disbursement
Milestone for such Project divided by (b) the Scheduled Cumulative Capex Amount applicable to such Disbursement Milestone for such
Project, as set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled “Scheduled Cumulative
Disbursement Ratio” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
“Scheduled Disbursement
Amount” means, with respect to any Disbursement Milestone for any Project and in connection with any requested FFB Advance,
the amount of the Guaranteed Loan set forth in Part Two of the Disbursement Milestone Schedule for such Project under the column entitled
“Scheduled Disbursement Amount” in the row corresponding to such Disbursement Milestone.
Annex A-53
“Scheduled Prepayment
Date” means, for any FFB Note, any of the First Scheduled Prepayment Date and each Payment Date occurring thereafter but excluding
the Maturity Date applicable to such FFB Note.
“Scheduled Principal
Prepayment Amount” means, with respect to any Scheduled Prepayment Date, the portion of the principal amount (inclusive of capitalized
interest) of all outstanding FFB Advances under the relevant FFB Note that is set forth opposite such Scheduled Prepayment Date in the
applicable Principal Prepayment Schedule.
“Secretary”
has the meaning given to that term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Secretary’s
Certificate” shall mean a certificate relating to the Secretary’s Guarantee and other matters, in the form of certificate
that is attached as Exhibit G to the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Secured Obligations”
means all amounts, without duplication, owing to any Secured Party under the Financing Documents, including:
(a) all loans, advances, debts, liabilities, and obligations, howsoever arising, owed by the Borrower under
the FFB Documents (to the extent any Secured Party is a subrogee in respect thereof), this Agreement or otherwise to any Secured Party
(whether or not evidenced by any note or instrument and whether or not for the payment of money), direct or indirect, absolute or contingent,
due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, pursuant to any of the Financing Documents, including: (a) all interest, fees,
and Periodic Expenses chargeable to the Borrower and payable by the Borrower hereunder or thereunder; and (b) any obligation to reimburse
the Department for any DOC Guarantee Payment pursuant to Section 10.2 (DOC Guarantee Payment
and Reimbursement) of this Agreement;
(b) any and all sums advanced by any Secured Party in order to preserve the Collateral or preserve the Secured
Parties’ security interest in the Collateral; and
(c) in the event of any proceeding for the collection or enforcement of the obligations after an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, the expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for sale or lease, selling or otherwise disposing
of, or realizing on the Collateral, or of any exercise by any Secured Party of its rights under the Security Documents, together with
any Periodic Expenses, including attorney’s fees and court costs.
“Secured Parties”
means the Department, FFB and the Collateral Agent, or their successors or assigns, as their respective interests may appear.
“Secured Parties’
License” means the sublicensable and transferable right for the Secured Parties to use and otherwise Practice, in each case,
for no consideration beyond that already specified under any Project IP Agreement, the Borrower’s or any other relevant Borrower
Entity’s rights in and to Project IP under a Project IP Agreement (effective as of the date of execution thereof, or, if acquired
later, upon such acquisition date, but only enforceable or exercisable: (a) during the continuance of an Event of Default; (b) upon
an enforcement and transfer of ownership in the Borrower or any relevant Borrower Entity; or (c) upon any bankruptcy or insolvency
action involving any Borrower Entity).
Annex A-54
“Securities Issuance
Agreement” means the Securities Issuance Agreement entered into on the Award Date between the Department and the Borrower.
“Security Documents”
means collectively:
(a) each Real Property Security Document;
(b) the Project Security Agreement;
(c) the Debenture;
(d) each Project IP Security Agreement (if any) then required in accordance with the Project Security Agreement
and any other relevant security instrument, as determined by the Department prior to the First FFB Advance Date for the relevant Project,
that is necessary for taking security over any Project IP applicable to such Project;
(e) each Account Control Agreement;
(f) each Direct Agreement, once required to be entered into in accordance herewith;
(g) all other documents, certificates or instruments required to be delivered in connection with the foregoing;
and
(h) any other document evidencing or creating Collateral in favor of the Secured Parties or otherwise designated
as a “Security Document” by the Department (or the Collateral Agent acting on its behalf and at its instruction) and the Borrower.
“Semiconductor”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Semiconductor MOU”
means any memoranda of understanding entered into, or to be entered into, between any Borrower Entity and a semiconductor end- or midstream
user, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department.
“Sensitive Information”
means: (a) any information that is subject to Data Protection Laws; (b) Trade Secrets, or any other information in which any Borrower
Entity has confidential Intellectual Property (including any relevant Project IP owned by any Borrower Entity); and (c) any information
with respect to which any Borrower Entity has contractual non-disclosure obligations.
“Serra Verde Acquisition”
means the merger of the Serra Verde Borrower with and into Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. pursuant to the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement.
“Serra Verde Acquisition
Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 19, 2026, by and among the Borrower, Middlebury
Merger Sub Ltd., the Serra Verde Borrower, and Serra Verde Rare Earths Ltd., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the
British Virgin Islands, as seller representative, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to
time.
“Serra Verde Borrower”
means SVRE Holdings Ltd., a business company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
Annex A-55
“Serra Verde Call
Option Agreement” means a call option agreement to be entered into between Serra Verde Holdco and the buyer under that certain
Offtake Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2026, between SV Management Switzerland AG and US SIIE, LLC.
“Serra Verde Holdco”
means a to-be-formed limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware that is a direct subsidiary of USARE
LLC and the direct parent of Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd.
“Serra Verde Mortgage
of Shares” means an equitable mortgage over 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. to be entered
into by Serra Verde Holdco to secure the obligations under that certain Finance Agreement, by and between the Serra Verde Borrower (or,
as applicable, Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. as successor to the Serra Verde Borrower following the Serra Verde Acquisition) and United States
International Development Finance Corporation, dated as of January 21, 2026, as amended on March 5, 2026, and as further amended, amended
and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Software”
means any and all: (a) computer programs and software implementations of algorithms, models, and methodologies, in each case, whether
in source code, object code, or any other form; (b) descriptions, flow charts, and other work product used to design, plan, organize,
and develop any of the foregoing, firmware, development tools, configurations, interfaces, platforms, and applications; (c) data,
databases, and compilations; and (d) documentation supporting or related to any of the foregoing (including training materials). Software
shall include “software” as such term is defined in the UCC and computer programs that may be construed as included in the
definition of “goods” in the UCC, including any licensed rights to Software, and all media that may contain Software or recorded
data of any kind.
“Solvency”
means (a) the fair saleable value (on a going concern basis) of such Persons assets exceed its liabilities, contingent or otherwise, fairly
valued; (b) such Person will be able to pay its debts as they become due; and (c) upon paying its debts as they become due, such Person
will not be left with unreasonably small capital as is necessary to satisfy all of its current and reasonably anticipated obligations,
and the term.
“Solvent”
and similar constructions shall have correlative meanings.
“Source Code”
means, with respect to any Software, the human-readable form of such Software.
“Sources and Uses
Plan” means the detailed description of the overall financing plan for each Project, delivered by the Borrower to the Department
pursuant to Section 4.1.5 (Financial Model; Sources and Uses Plan; Budget; Schedule), as amended or supplemented pursuant
to Approved Project Changes, which includes the following:
(a) expected sources and uses of funding associated with such Project (including specific line items for each
material component, phase or element of such Project);
(b) expected Capital Expenditures and operating losses through the Project Completion Date; and
(c) the applicable Maximum Principal Amount expressed as a percentage of the expected aggregate Capital Expenditures
for such Project, such percentage not to exceed (i) forty percent (40%) for the Round Top Mine Project, (ii) fifty percent (50%) for each
of the Stillwater Metal Project and the Metal Project 2, and (iii) fifty percent (50%) for each of the Stillwater Magnet Project and the
Magnet Project 2.
Annex A-56
“Stillwater Magnet
Project” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Stillwater Magnet
Project Facility” means the magnet manufacturing portion of the facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the Project Site
for the Stillwater Magnet Project and including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on such
Project Site.
“Stillwater Magnet
Tranche” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.3(c) (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum
Principal Amount).
“Stillwater Magnet
Tranche FFB Advance” means an FFB Advance of the Stillwater Magnet Tranche, the proceeds of which are to be applied to reimburse
Eligible Uses of Funds relating to the Stillwater Magnet Project.
“Stillwater Magnet
Tranche FFB Advance Date” means a Business Day on which FFB makes a Stillwater Magnet Tranche FFB Advance in accordance with
the terms hereof and of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Stillwater Metal
Project” has the meaning given to the term in the recitals hereto.
“Stillwater Metal
Project Facility” means the strip casting and metal making portion of the facility located in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the Project
Site for the Stillwater Metal Project and including all the buildings, fixtures and other improvements situated, or to be situated, on
such Project Site.
“Stillwater Metal
Tranche” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.3(b) (Disbursement of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum
Principal Amount).
“Stillwater Metal
Tranche FFB Advance” means an FFB Advance of the Stillwater Metal Tranche, the proceeds of which are to be applied to reimburse
Eligible Uses of Funds relating to the Stillwater Metal Project.
“Stillwater Metal
Tranche FFB Advance Date” means a Business Day on which FFB makes a Stillwater Metal Tranche FFB Advance in accordance with
the terms hereof and of the FFB Note Purchase Agreement.
“Subaward”
means an award to carry out the Authorized Purpose that is not a contract for goods or services.
“Subordination and
Intercreditor Agreement” means any subordination and intercreditor agreement entered into in connection with a Working Capital
Facility.
“Subsidiary”
means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or other business
entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of such Person in such Person’s consolidated financial statements
if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements as of such date, as well as any other
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or other business entity of which more than fifty percent
(50%) of the total voting power of shares of stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency)
to vote in the election of the Person or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees, or other Persons performing similar functions)
having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly
or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof.
Annex A-57
“Supply Agreement”
means:
(a) each
supply agreement entered into between a Borrower Entity and a supplier satisfactory to the Department for the supply of NdPr oxide, Dy
oxide, Tb oxide, other rare earth oxide, and/or mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC); and
(b) any
other document designated in writing as a Supply Agreement by the Borrower and the Department.
“Taxes”
means all taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges, or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest,
penalties, or additions thereto imposed in respect thereof.
“Technology”
means regardless of form, any invention (whether or not patentable or reduced to Practice), discovery, information, work of authorship,
articles of manufacture, machines, methods, processes, models, procedures, protocols, designs, diagrams, drawings, documentation, flow
charts, network configurations and architectures, schematics, specifications, concepts, data, databases and data collections, algorithms,
formulas, know-how, and techniques, Software code, including all Source Code, object code, firmware, development tools and application
programming interfaces, tools, materials, marketing and development plans, and other forms of technology and all media on which any of
the foregoing is recorded.
“Technology Clawback
Term” means the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the Release Date.
“Technology Licensing”
has the meaning given to the term in the Guardrail Provisions.
“Threshold Event
of Loss” means any Event of Loss involving an amount in excess of five million Dollars ($5,000,000).
“Title Company”
means Fidelity National Title Insurance Company or any other title company approved by the Department.
“Title Policy”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 5.1.8(e) (Real Property and Land Rights).
“TMRC”
means Texas Mineral Resources Corp., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“TMRC Acquisition”
means (a) the merger of Hamer Inc. with and into TMRC and (b) thereafter, the merger of TMRC with and into Hamer LLC, in each
case, pursuant to the TMRC Acquisition Agreement.
Annex A-58
“TMRC Acquisition
Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 4, 2026, among TMRC, the Borrower, Hamer Inc. and Hamer
LLC, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Total Assets”
means, as of any relevant determination date, the aggregate of all assets of the Borrower Entities, as determined on a Consolidated Basis
in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements on the basis of the most recently issued Financial Statements of the Borrower
Entities.
“Total Equity Raise
Requirements” has the meaning given to such term in Section 7.18(a)(iii) (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants).
“Total Funding Plan”
means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the sum of: (a) the unused portion of the FFB Commitment for such
Project; plus (b) the remaining amount available to be capitalized as interest in respect of the FFB Advances under the FFB Notes
as part of the Maximum Capitalized Interest Amount for such Project; plus (c) the unused portion (if any) of the equity committed
pursuant to Section 7.18 (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants) for such Project on terms satisfactory to the Department;
plus (d) amounts received as delay payments and Loss Proceeds (to the extent not already applied to the payment of Project Costs)
for such Project; plus (e) any other unused equity funding that is committed for such Project; plus (f) the unfunded portion
(if any) of the Maximum Award Amount (as defined in the Direct Funding Agreement) available under the Direct Funding Agreement for such
Project; plus (g) the unused portion (if any) of the commitments under any Working Capital Facility that are available to pay Project
Costs for such Project; plus (h) all cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower Entities that are available to pay Project Costs
for such Project (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, cash and cash equivalents required to be maintained pursuant to Section
7.18(b) (Liquidity Requirements; Financial Covenants)); plus (i) any other funding that the Department determines to be
reasonably likely to become available to the relevant Borrower Entity after such date of determination to pay all remaining Project Costs
for such Project.
“Total Liabilities”
means, as of any relevant determination date, the aggregate of all liabilities of the Borrower Entities, as determined on a Consolidated
Basis in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements on the basis of the most recently issued Financial Statements of the Borrower
Entities.
“Total Project Costs”
means, with respect to any Project and as of any date of determination, the total amount of Project Costs reasonably likely to be required
to be paid by any Borrower Entity to achieve the Project Completion Date for such Project.
“Total Serra Verde
Cash Acquisition Costs” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the cash portion of the total purchase price
paid by the Borrower to acquire 100% of the ownership interests in the Serra Verde Borrower pursuant to the Serra Verde Acquisition Agreement
plus (b) the aggregate amount of all fees, costs and expenses paid, or otherwise incurred, by or on behalf of any Borrower Entity
in connection with such acquisition.
“Trade Secrets”
means any trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary information, including know-how, inventions, processes, procedures, algorithms,
Source Code, databases, concepts, ideas, research, or development information, techniques, technical information and data, specifications,
methods, discoveries, modifications, extensions, and customer and supplier lists, in each case, whether or not reduced to a written or
other tangible form.
“Transaction Documents”
means the Project Documents and the Financing Documents.
Annex A-59
“Transfer”
means any sale, assignment, pledge, creation of a security interest or other transfer, regardless of whether carried out directly or indirectly.
“True-Up Amount”
has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.5.4(c) (Disbursement
of Proceeds; Use of Proceeds; Maximum Principal Amount).
“UCC” means
the Uniform Commercial Code of the applicable jurisdiction.
“Uncontrollable Cause”
means any act, event, or circumstance that (a) is beyond the reasonable control of the Department in relying on it as a justification
for performance or schedule relief as provided herein, and (b) causes interferences, or delays that prevent the performance by the Department
of its obligations hereunder, to the extent that such act, event, or circumstance is not the result of the willful or negligent act, error,
or omission, failure to exercise reasonable diligence, or breach of this Agreement by the Department.
“Unfunded Pension
Liabilities” means the excess, if any, of any Employee Benefit Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of
ERISA over the current value of such Employee Benefit Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding
such Employee Benefit Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code for the applicable plan year.
“United States”
or “U.S.” means the United States of America.
“Unrestricted Cash”
means, at any time, (a) the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower Entities (determined on a Consolidated
Basis, without duplication) at such time that are not subject to any pledge, Lien or control agreement (excluding (x) statutory Liens
in favor of any depositary bank where such cash or cash equivalents are maintained and (y) Liens created by the Financing Documents),
less (b) without duplication, the aggregate of (i) amounts otherwise included in the foregoing clause (a) that are
held by a Person other than a Borrower Entity as a deposit or security for contractual obligations and (ii) any other cash or cash
equivalent which would be designated as “restricted” in accordance with the Applicable Accounting Requirements (except, in
each case, as a result of the Financing Documents).
“USARE LLC”
means USA Rare Earth, LLC, a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware.
“U.S. Borrower Entity”
means any Borrower Entity that is incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District
of Columbia.
“Warrant”
means the Warrant to be issued on the Award Date by the Borrower in favor of the Department.
“Wheat Ridge R&D
Facility” means the Borrower’s research and development facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
“Working Capital
Facility” means one or more revolving credit facilities required pursuant to Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone Schedule)
and in each case, having a final maturity date of no less than three (3) years from the date of the initial borrowing thereunder.
“Working Capital
Facility Collateral” means the total amount of any cash collateral that a Working Capital Facility lender requires any Borrower
Entity to provide at any time in order to obtain and maintain a Working Capital Facility.
“WSP” means WSP USA,
Inc. or any successor to its construction advisory business.
Annex A-60
Annex
B
Rules
of Interpretation
For all purposes of this Agreement, including
any Exhibits, Schedules, Annexes, and Appendices hereto, unless otherwise indicated or required by the context:
1. Plurals and Gender. Defined terms in the singular
shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include all genders.
2. Use of Or. The word “or” is not exclusive.
3. Change of Law. Each reference to an Applicable Law or
Environmental Law includes any amendment, supplement or modification of such Applicable Law or Environmental Law, as the case may be,
and all regulations, rulings and other Applicable Laws or Environmental Laws promulgated thereunder, including with respect to any successor
Applicable Law or Environmental Law.
4. Successor and Assigns. A reference to a Person includes
its successors and permitted assigns.
5. Including. The words “include,” “includes”
and “including” are not limiting and mean include, includes and including “without limitation,” “without
limitation by specification” and “but not limited to.”
6. Hereof, Herein, Hereunder. The words “hereof,”
“herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any document shall refer to such document as
a whole and not to any particular provision of such document.
7. Articles, Sections, Exhibits. A reference in a document
to an Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule, Annex or Appendix is to the Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule, Annex or Appendix of such
document unless otherwise indicated.
8. Attachments, Replacements, Amendments. References to
any document, instrument or agreement (a) shall include all Exhibits, schedules, annexes and appendices thereto, and all Exhibits,
schedules, annexes or appendices to any document shall be deemed incorporated by reference in such document; (b) shall include all
documents, instruments or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof; and (c) shall mean such document, instrument or
agreement, or replacement thereto, as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time and in effect
at any given time to the extent that any such amendment, amendment and restatement, supplement, or modification is permitted under the
terms of such document, instrument or agreement and under the terms of the Financing Documents.
9. Periods and Time. Unless otherwise specified, references
to “days,” “weeks,” “months” and “years” shall mean calendar days, weeks, months and
years, respectively. References to a time of day shall mean such time in Washington, D.C.
10. Department Determinations. Any determination made by
the Department pursuant to this Agreement or any other Financing Document shall be determined at the discretion of the Department, provided
that the Department shall not unlawfully withhold or unreasonably delay a decision, nor act in an arbitrary or capricious manner, abuse
of its discretion, or otherwise act not in accordance with the law.
Annex B-1
11. Ambiguities. The Financing Documents are the result of
negotiations and have been reviewed by each party to the Financing Documents and their respective counsel. Accordingly, the Financing
Documents shall be deemed to be the product of all parties thereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any Person.
12. Continuing Definitions. With respect to any term that
is defined by reference to any document, for purposes hereof, such term shall continue to have the original definition notwithstanding
any termination, expiration or modification of such document.
13. Headings. The table of contents and article and section
headings and other captions have been inserted as a matter of convenience for the purpose of reference only and do not limit or affect
the meaning of the terms and provisions thereof.
14. Accounting Terms. All accounting terms not specifically
or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial
calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with GAAP (or, in the case of any financial
statements or ratios based thereon, in accordance with such other Applicable Accounting Requirements as may be applicable as specified
herein), applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time and in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the audited
financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 4.1.7 (Financial Statements) and
the audited financial statements required from time to time pursuant to Annex F (Reporting
Covenants), except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance
with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of any Borrower Entity shall be
deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial
liabilities shall be disregarded.
15. Reasonable Efforts. The expression “reasonable
efforts” and expressions of like import, when used in connection with an obligation of either party, means taking in good faith
and with due diligence all commercially reasonable steps to achieve the objective and to perform the obligation, including doing all
that can reasonably be done in the circumstances taking into account each party’s obligations hereunder to mitigate delays and
additional costs to the other party, and in any event taking no less steps and efforts than those that would be taken by a commercially
reasonable and prudent person in comparable circumstances, where the whole of the benefit of the obligation and where all the results
of taking such steps and efforts accrued solely to that person’s own benefit.
16. Reasonableness. The words “reasonable”, “reasonably”,
“unreasonably” and words of similar import, when applied to the Department’s satisfaction, acceptance, determination,
consent, discretion or approval, take into account any special consideration affecting decisions of the Department in its capacity as
a governmental entity or its responsibilities as such and are based on its policies, practices, and procedures, and law and regulations
applicable to it.
17. Conflict. Except as otherwise expressly provided for
herein, in the case of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of any Financing Document, the terms of this Agreement,
as between the Borrower and the Department, shall prevail.
18. Independence of Covenants. All covenants hereunder and
under the other Financing Documents shall be given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by
any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or would otherwise be within the limitations of, another
covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of a Potential Event of Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken or condition exists.
19. Order of Precedence. In the event of a conflict between
the terms and conditions included in the body of this Agreement and the terms and conditions included in any of the attachments hereto,
the order of precedence shall be: (a) Annex B (Rules of Interpretation), (b) Annex
C (Guardrail Provisions) (including the definitions set forth therein), (c) Annex E
(Davis-Bacon Act Requirements) (including the definitions set forth therein), (d) the body of this Agreement, (e) Annex
A (Definitions), (f) Schedule B (Disbursement Milestone Schedule), (g) Annex D (Loan Program Requirements) and (h)
Annex F (Reporting Covenants).
Annex B-2
EX-10.3 — SECURITIES ISSUANCE AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, BY AND BETWEEN USA RARE EARTH, INC. AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
EX-10.3
Filename: ea029340201ex10-3.htm · Sequence: 4
Exhibit 10.3
SECURITIES ISSUANCE
AGREEMENT
THIS
SECURITIES ISSUANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made as of June 3, 2026, by and between USA Rare Earth, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the United States Department of Commerce (the “Department”).
WHEREAS,
the Department and the Company and others are parties to that certain Direct Funding Agreement, Award ID No. AP-2026-0044, dated June
3, 2026 (the “DFA”), setting forth, among other things, certain terms and conditions pursuant to which the Department
agreed to issue to the Company an award (the “Award”) administered pursuant to the CHIPS Act;
WHEREAS,
the Department and the Company and others are parties to that certain Loan Guarantee Agreement, dated June 3, 2026 (as the same may be
amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “LGA”);
WHEREAS,
in order to induce the Department to enter into the DFA, the Company has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein,
to issue to the Department such number of shares of Common Stock (as defined below) set forth in Item 1 of Exhibit A;
and
WHEREAS,
in order to induce the Department to enter into the LGA, the Company has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein,
to issue to the Department a warrant to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock set forth in Item 3 of Exhibit A.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and
the DFA, the parties agree as follows:
1. Issuance
of Shares and the Warrant
1.1 Issuance
of Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to issue to the Department, at the Closing (as
defined below) that number of shares of the common stock of the Company, $0.0001 par value per share (“Common Stock”)
set forth on Exhibit A. The shares of Common Stock issued to the Department pursuant to this Agreement shall be referred to
in this Agreement as the “Shares.”
1.2 Issuance
of the Warrant. The Company has agreed to issue to the Department, at the Closing, a warrant in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
C (the ”Warrant”) granting the holder the right to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock set forth
in Item 3 of Exhibit A (subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Warrant) issuable upon exercise thereof
(the “Warrant Shares”).
1.3 Closing;
Delivery.
(a) The
Closing. The issuance of the Shares and the Warrant shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures, on the
date of this Agreement at such time as is mutually agreed upon, orally or in writing, by the Company and the Department (the consummation
of such issuance being designated as the “Closing”).
(b) Company
Closing Obligations. At the Closing, the Company shall:
(i) issue
to the Department the Shares and deliver to the Department evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Department of the issuance of the Shares
in the name of Commerce in book entry form on the books of the Company’s transfer agent;
(ii) issue
and deliver to the Department the Warrant duly executed by the Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C; and
(iii) deliver
to the Department a certificate from the Secretary of the Company addressed to the Department, certifying as to (A) the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of the Company as in effect at the Closing; (B) good standing certificate of the Company, as of a recent date
prior to the Closing, (C) incumbency of the officers authorized to act on behalf of the Company in connection with the Transaction
Agreements; and (D) resolutions of the Board of Directors approving the Transaction Agreements and the transactions contemplated
under the Transaction Agreements.
2. Defined
Terms Used in this Agreement. In addition to the terms defined above, the following terms used in this Agreement shall be construed
to have the meanings set forth or referenced below.
(a) “Automatic
Shelf Registration Statement” means an “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined under Rule 405.
(b) “Board
of Directors” means the Company’s Board of Directors.
(c) “CHIPS
Act” means the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Pub. L. 116-283), as amended by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Division A of Pub. L. 117-167).
(d) “Control”
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms “Controlled by” or “under common Control with”) shall mean the
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to cause the direction of management or policies of such person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(e) “Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
(f) “Governmental
Authority” means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof,
whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive,
legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
(g) “Officer”
means the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, and any other individual who reports directly to the Board of Directors
or the Chief Executive Officer.
(h) “Person”
means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.
(i) “Registrable
Securities” means (i) the Shares and Warrant Shares (including any shares of Common Stock hereafter acquired pursuant to any
share holdback or similar arrangement), and (ii) any Common Stock or other securities actually issued in respect of the securities described
in clause (i) above or this clause (ii) upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation
or similar event; provided, however, that the securities described in clauses (i) and (ii) above shall only be treated as Registrable
Securities until the earliest of: (A) the date on which such security has been registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in
accordance with an effective registration statement relating thereto; (B) the date on which such security has been sold pursuant to Rule
144 and the security is no longer a Restricted Security; or (C) the date on which all Registrable Securities owned by the holder thereof
may be resold without any volume or manner of sale restrictions pursuant to Rule 144.
2
(j) “Registration
Expenses” means all expenses incurred by the Company in complying with Section 4.6 and Section 4.7, including,
without limitation, all registration, qualification, listing and filing fees, printing expenses, escrow fees, fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Company, blue sky fees and expenses, and the expense of any special audits incident to or required by any such registration.
(k) “Restricted
Securities” means any share of Common Stock (including the Shares or Warrant Shares) required to bear any of the legends set
forth in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
(l) “Rule
144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and any successor provision.
(m) “Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(n) “Selling
Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the securities registered
by the holders of Registrable Securities.
(o) “Subsidiary”
means any corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, association, or other business entity of which a
majority of the equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities
or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time owned, or the management of which is
Controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, by the Company.
(p) “Transaction
Agreements” means this Agreement, the Warrant, the DFA, each other Financing Document (as defined in the DFA), and each other
agreement, certificate, instrument or document executed or delivered by any of the parties in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby, whether at or prior to the date hereof or at or following the Closing.
3. Representations
and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Department that, except as set forth on the Disclosure
Schedule attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement, which exceptions shall be deemed to be part of the representations and warranties
made hereunder, the following representations are true and complete as of the date of the Closing, except as otherwise indicated. The
Disclosure Schedule shall be arranged in sections corresponding to the numbered and lettered sections contained in this Section 3,
and the disclosures in any section of the Disclosure Schedule shall qualify other sections in this Section 3 only to the extent
it is readily apparent from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure is applicable to such other sections.
3.1 Organization,
Good Standing, Corporate Power and Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company and each Subsidiary (a) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and
perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Warrant, including the issuance of the Shares pursuant hereto and the Warrant Shares
pursuant thereto, and (b) is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its
ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification; except, in each case referred
to in clauses (a)(i) or (b), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company.
3.2 Capitalization.
(a) The
authorized capital of the Company consists, immediately prior to the Closing, of:
(i) 750,000,000
shares of Common Stock, 228,526,437 shares of which are issued and outstanding.
3
(ii) 50,000,000
shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the ”Preferred Stock”), of which 15,000,000 shares have
been designated 12.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), and of which
1,224,351 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. The rights, privileges and preferences of the Preferred Stock
are as stated in the certificate of incorporation of the Company and the certificate of designation of preferences, rights and limitations
with respect thereto that has been filed with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware, and as provided by the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the “DGCL”).
(iii) All
of the outstanding shares of capital stock have been duly authorized, are fully paid and non-assessable and were issued in compliance
with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No such shares of capital stock are subject to any preemptive rights (nor were
they issued in violation of any preemptive rights).
(b) The
Company has reserved 13,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant
to its USA Rare Earth, Inc. 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan duly adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company stockholders
(the “Stock Plan”). Of such reserved shares of Common Stock, (i) zero shares have been issued pursuant to restricted
stock purchase agreements, (ii) 1,979,019 shares have been reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding Company restricted stock
unit awards (including performance RSUs at maximum), (iii) zero options to purchase shares have been granted and are currently outstanding,
and (iv) 10,429,088 shares of Common Stock remain available for issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants pursuant to
the Stock Plan, all of which remain uncommitted and unallocated. The Company has furnished to the Department complete and accurate copies
of the Stock Plan and forms of agreements used thereunder.
(c) Section
3.2(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth all outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities, rights (including conversion
or preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights) or agreements, orally or in writing, to purchase or acquire from the
Company any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of
Common Stock or Preferred Stock.
(d) The
Common Stock has been registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and the shares of the Common Stock outstanding on the date
hereof are listed on a national securities exchange. The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating
the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act or the listing of the Common Stock on such national securities exchange, nor
has the Company received any written notification that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or such exchange
is contemplating terminating such registration or listing. The Company is in compliance with applicable continued listing requirements
of such exchange in all material respects.
(e) The
Company has obtained valid waivers of any rights by other parties to purchase any of the Shares covered by this Agreement or the Warrant
Shares contemplated by the Warrant.
3.3 Subsidiaries.
Section 3.3 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth each Subsidiary and the percentage of the equity interests thereof owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Company. Other than the Subsidiaries set forth on Section 3.3 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Company
does not currently own or control, directly or indirectly, any interest in any other corporation, partnership, trust, joint venture, limited
liability company, association, or other business entity. The Company is not a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar
arrangement.
3.4
Authorization. All corporate action required to be taken by the Board of Directors and the Company’s stockholders in order
to authorize the Company to enter into the Transaction Agreements, and to issue the Shares and the Warrant at the Closing and the Warrant
Shares, has been taken. All action on the part of the officers of the Company necessary for the execution and delivery of the Transaction
Agreements, the performance of all obligations of the Company under the Transaction Agreements to be performed as of the Closing, and
the issuance and delivery of the Shares has been taken. The Transaction Agreements, when executed and delivered by the Company, shall
constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms
except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, or other laws of general
application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; or (ii) as limited by laws relating to the
availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.
4
3.5 Valid
Issuance of Shares and the Warrant. The Shares, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms and for the consideration
set forth in this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions
on transfer under the Transaction Agreements, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed
by the Department. Subject to the filings described in Section 3.6 below, if any, the Shares will be issued in compliance with
all applicable federal and state securities laws. The Warrant Shares have been duly reserved for issuance, and upon issuance in accordance
with the terms of the certificate of incorporation of the Company, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions
on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under the Transaction Agreements, applicable federal and state securities laws and liens
or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Department. The Warrant Shares will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and
state securities laws. The Warrant has been duly authorized, and when executed and delivered as contemplated hereby, will constitute a
valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally
and by general principles of equity. The Warrant Shares have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Warrant
and when so issued in accordance with the terms of the Warrant shall be duly authorized and validly issued.
3.6 Governmental
Consents and Filings. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or
filing with, any Governmental Authority is required on the part of the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated under the Transaction Agreements, except for the filing of any current report on Form 8-K required to be filed with the SEC,
such filings or approvals as are required pursuant to applicable state securities or blue sky laws, which have been made or will be made
in a timely manner, such filings as required by Section 4.6 and Section 4.7, and the filing of a listing of additional shares
notification form with the Nasdaq.
3.7 Reports.
(a) Since
January 1, 2025, the Company has timely filed all reports, registrations, documents, filings, statements and submissions, together with
any amendments thereto, that it was required to file with any Governmental Authority (the foregoing, collectively, the “Company
Reports”) and has paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, except, in each case, as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Company. As of their respective dates of filing, the Company
Reports complied in all material respects with all statutes and applicable rules and regulations of the applicable Governmental Authority.
In the case of each such Company Report filed with or furnished to the SEC, such Company Report (i) did not, as of its date or if amended
prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such amendment, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
and (ii) complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. With
respect to all other Company Reports, the Company Reports were complete and accurate in all material respects as of their respective dates.
No executive officer of the Company or any Subsidiary has failed in any respect to make the certifications required of him or her under
Section 302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) The
Company (i) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure
that material information relating to the Company, including its Subsidiaries, is made known to the chief executive officer and the chief
financial officer of the Company by others within those entities, and (ii) has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to
the date hereof, to the Company’s outside auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors (x) any significant deficiencies
and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the
Exchange Act) that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information and (y) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
5
3.8 Offering
of Securities. Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf has taken any action (including any offering of any securities
of the Company under circumstances which would require the integration of such offering with the offering of any of the Shares or the
Warrant (or the Warrant Shares) under the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder), which might
subject the offering, issuance or sale of any of the Shares or the Warrant to the Department pursuant to this Agreement to the registration
requirements of the Securities Act.
3.9 Brokers
and Finders. No broker, finder or investment bank is entitled to any financial advisory, brokerage, finder’s or other fee or
commission in connection with this Agreement or the issuance of the Shares and the Warrant (or the Warrant Shares) or the transactions
contemplated under the Transaction Agreements upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for which
the Department could have any liability.
4. Additional
Agreements.
4.1 Investment
Purposes. The Department acknowledges that neither the Shares nor the Warrant (nor the Warrant Shares) have been registered under
the Securities Act or under any state securities laws. The Department (a) is acquiring the Shares and the Warrant pursuant to an exemption
from registration under the Securities Act solely for investment without a view to sell and with no present intention to distribute them
to any Person in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable U.S. state securities laws; (b) will not sell or otherwise dispose
of any of the Shares and the Warrant (or the Warrant Shares), except in compliance with the registration requirements or exemption provisions
of the Securities Act and any applicable U.S. state securities laws; and (c) has such knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters and in investments of this type that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the Shares and the Warrant (or the Warrant
Shares) and of making an informed investment decision.
4.2 Legends.
The Department agrees that all certificates or other instruments representing the Shares or the Warrant (or the Warrant Shares) will bear
a legend substantially to the following effect:
“THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS INSTRUMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS
OF ANY STATE AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING THERETO IS IN EFFECT
UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS.”
In the event that any
Shares or the Warrant (or the Warrant Shares) (i) become registered under the Securities Act or (ii) are eligible to be transferred
without restriction in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act (other than Rule 144A),
the Company, upon request of the Department, shall issue or cause to be recorded new certificates or book-entry notations representing
such Shares or the Warrant (or the Warrant Shares), which shall not contain the legend above; provided that the Department
surrenders to the Company the previously issued certificates or other instruments; and provided, further, a representation
that the Department is requesting such removal in connection with a sale.
4.3 Certain
Transactions. The Company will not merge or consolidate with, or sell, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property
or assets to, any other party unless the successor, transferee or lessee party (or its ultimate parent entity), as the case may be (if
not the Company), expressly assumes the due and punctual performance and observance of each and every covenant, agreement and condition
of this Agreement and the Warrant to be performed and observed by the Company.
6
4.4 Transfers.
Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the remainder of this Section 4.4, the Department shall be permitted
to transfer, sell, assign or otherwise dispose of (“Transfer”) all or a portion of the Shares and the Warrant (or the
Warrant Shares), or any portion or combination thereof, at any time, and the Company shall take all reasonable steps as may be requested
by the Department to facilitate the Transfer of the Shares and Warrant (or the Warrant Shares), as applicable; provided that, notwithstanding
anything contained herein to the contrary, the Department (including any successor or assigns) shall not transfer the Shares and Warrant
(or the Warrant Shares), as applicable, for a period of one (1) year from the Closing (the end of such period, the “Transfer
Start Date”) without the Company’s express written consent. Any Transfer or attempted Transfer prior to the Transfer Start
Date shall be void ab initio.
4.5 Information.
With a view to making available to the Department the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may permit the sale of
the Shares, the Warrant and the Warrant Shares to the public without registration, following the Transfer Start Date, the Company agrees
to use its reasonable best efforts to: (a) make and keep adequate public information available, as those terms are understood and defined
in Rule 144(c) or any similar or analogous rule promulgated under the Securities Act, at all times after the date hereof; (b)(i) file
with the SEC, in a timely manner, all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act,
and (ii) if at any time the Company is not required to file such reports, make available, upon the request of the Department, such
information necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144A (including the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities
Act); (c) furnish to the Department or holder of Shares, the Warrant or Warrant Shares forthwith upon request: a written statement
by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144(c)(1); a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report
of the Company; and such other reports and documents as the Department or such holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any
rule or regulation of the SEC allowing it to sell any such securities to the public without registration (provided, however,
that the availability of the foregoing reports on the EDGAR filing system of the SEC will be deemed to satisfy the foregoing delivery
requirements); and (d) take such further action as the Department or such holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required
from time to time to enable the Department or such holder to sell Shares, Warrants or Warrant Shares without registration under the Securities
Act. If, after the Transfer Start Date, the Shares, the Warrant or Warrant Shares are eligible to be sold without restriction under, and
without the Company being in compliance with the current public information requirements of, Rule 144 under the Securities Act, then at
the Department’s request, no later than three (3) trading days following the delivery by the Department to the Company or the transfer
agent (with a copy to the Company) of certificates representing Registrable Securities with a restrictive legend, together with a written
request for removal of such legend, the Company will use reasonable best efforts to cause its transfer agent to remove the legend set
forth in Section 4.2. In connection therewith, if required by the Company’s transfer agent, the Company will use reasonable
best efforts to cause an opinion of counsel to be delivered to its transfer agent, together with any other authorizations, certificates
and directions reasonably required by the transfer agent that authorize and direct the transfer agent to issue such Shares, Warrants or
Warrant Shares without any such legend. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Company will not be required
to deliver, or cause the delivery of, any such opinion, authorization, certificate or direction if it reasonably believes that removal
of the legend could result in or facilitate transfers of securities in violation of applicable law.
4.6 Shelf
Registration Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file
by December 3, 2026 (the “Filing Date”), a registration statement (the ”Registration Statement”)
with the SEC covering the sale or distribution of the Registrable Securities on Form S-3 (except if the Company is not then eligible to
register for resale the Registrable Securities on Form S-3, then such registration shall be on Form S-1 or another appropriate form and
shall provide for the registration of such Registrable Securities for resale by the Department in accordance with any reasonable method
of distribution elected by the Department) and if the Company is a WKSI as of the filing date, the Resale Registration Statement shall
be an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement. To the extent that the Registration Statement has not theretofore been declared effective
or is not automatically effective upon such filing the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration
Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the forty-fifth (45th)
calendar day (or ninetieth (90th) calendar day if the SEC notifies the Company that it will “review” the Registration
Statement) following the Filing Date and (ii) the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or
in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that the Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject
to further review. The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such registration continuously effective with respect
to the Registrable Securities held by the Department, and to keep the applicable Registration Statement in compliance with the Securities
Act, until such time as there are no Registrable Securities remaining. The Company shall not be required to effect a registration (including
a resale of Registrable Securities from an effective Registration Statement): (a) prior to the Filing Date, (b) with respect to securities
that are not Registrable Securities or (c) if the Company has notified the Department that in the good faith judgment of the Board of
Directors, it would be materially detrimental to the Company or its securityholders for such registration to be effected at such time,
in which event the Company shall have the right to defer such registration or offering for a period of not more than forty-five (45) days
after receipt of the request of the Department; provided, that such right to delay a registration or underwritten offering shall
be exercised by the Company (1) only if the Company has generally exercised (or is concurrently exercising) similar black-out rights against
holders of any similar securities that have registration rights and (2) not more than three times in any 12-month period and not more
than ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any 12-month period. All Registration Expenses incurred in connection with any registration,
qualification or compliance in this Agreement, including Section 4.7, shall be borne by the Company. All Selling Expenses incurred
in connection with any registrations under this Agreement, including Section 4.7, shall be borne by the holders of the securities
so registered pro rata on the basis of the aggregate offering or sale price of the securities so registered.
7
4.7 Piggyback
Registration Rights. In connection with any registered offering of Common Stock covered by a Registration Statement (whether pursuant
to demand rights of other holders of Common Stock or at the initiative of the Company), the Department may exercise piggyback rights to
have included in such offering Registrable Securities held by it; provided that no such piggyback rights shall apply with respect
to a Registration Statement in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, or an exchange offer or offering of securities
solely to the Company’s existing securityholders, pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates
to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), for an offering of debt that is convertible
into equity securities of the Company, or for a dividend reinvestment plan. If, in connection with a piggyback registration that involves
an underwritten offering, the lead managing underwriter(s) advise(s) the Company, in writing, that, in its or their opinion, the inclusion
of all the securities sought to be included in such piggyback registration by (x) the Company, (y) other persons who have sought
to have shares of Common Stock registered in such registration pursuant to rights granted by the Company to demand such registration (such
persons, being ”Other Demanding Sellers”), and (z) the Department, as the case may be, would adversely affect
the probability of success, the proposed offering price, the timing or the distribution method thereof, then the Company shall include
in the Registration Statement applicable to such piggyback registration only such securities as the Company is so advised by such lead
managing underwriter(s) can be sold without such an effect, as follows and in the following order of priority: (a) if the piggyback
registration relates to an offering for the Company’s own account, then (i) first, such number of shares of Common Stock (or
other securities, as applicable) to be sold by the Company as the Company, in its reasonable judgment, shall have determined, (ii) second,
a pro rata number of shares of Common Stock to consist of (x) Registrable Securities of the Department, and (y) shares of Common
Stock held by Other Demanding Sellers having rights of registration on parity with the Department with respect to such offering (in each
case, based on the number of shares of Common Stock properly requested to be included in such offering), and (iii) third, shares
of Common Stock sought to be registered by holders not otherwise encompassed by clause (ii) of this Section 4.7; or (b)
if the piggyback registration relates to an offering other than for the Company’s own account, then (i) first, such number
of shares of Common Stock (or other securities, as applicable) sought to be registered by each Other Demanding Sellers, (ii) second,
Registrable Securities of the Department, and (iii) third, shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company. The Company (whether
on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations)
may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in connection with such piggyback registration at any time prior to the effectiveness
of such Registration Statement.
4.8 Voting
Restrictions for Governmental Entities. To the extent any Shares or Warrant Shares are issued to the Department pursuant to this Agreement
(collectively, “Voting Equity Interests”), the Department agrees that, for so long as the Department or any successor
or permitted assign thereof that is a U.S. governmental entity or instrumentality or department or agency thereof, or an entity in which
the U.S. government has a majority and controlling ownership interest (collectively, “Governmental Entities”), owns
any Voting Equity Interests, that such Governmental Entity shall not be entitled to vote any Voting Equity Interests at any annual or
special meeting of stockholders of the Company or execute or deliver any written consent in its capacity as a holder of the Voting Equity
Interests to the greatest extent possible consistent with applicable laws, except with respect to (a) any matter on which such Governmental
Entity is entitled to vote pursuant to applicable law (including by way of illustration Section 242(b)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation
Law) that would or would have the effect of increasing or decreasing the aggregate number of authorized shares of such class applicable
to the Voting Equity Interests, increasing or decreasing the par value of the shares of such class applicable to the Voting Equity Interests,
or altering or changing the powers, preferences, or special rights of the shares of such class applicable to the Voting Equity Interests
so as to affect them adversely, or (b) any merger, consolidation or similar business combination involving the Company. For the avoidance
of doubt, any transferee of such Voting Equity Interests that is not a Governmental Entity shall have the full right to vote, or act by
written consent with respect to, such equity interests. This Section 4.8 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect
at such time that no Governmental Entity owns any such equity.
5. Miscellaneous.
5.1 Survival
of Warranties. Unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the representations and warranties of the Company contained in or made
pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing and shall in no way be affected
by any investigation or knowledge of the subject matter thereof made by or on behalf of the Department or the Company.
8
5.2 Successors
and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors
and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties
hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement,
except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Neither this Agreement, nor any right, remedy, obligation nor liability arising hereunder
or by reason hereof shall be assignable by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other party, and any attempt to assign
any right, remedy, obligation or liability hereunder without such consent shall be void, except an assignment, in the case of a merger,
consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar transaction that requires approval of the Company’s stockholders (a “Business
Combination”), where the Company is not the surviving entity, or a sale of substantially all the Company’s assets, to
the entity which is the survivor of such Business Combination or the purchaser in such sale.
5.3 Governing
Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the federal law of the United States
if and to the extent such law is applicable, and otherwise in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts
made and to be performed entirely within such State. Each of the Company and the Department agrees to submit to the non-exclusive general
jurisdiction and venue of (i) the courts of the United States in or for the District of Columbia, (ii) the courts of the United States
in and for the Southern District of New York, (iii) any other federal court of competent jurisdiction in any other jurisdiction where
the Company or any of its property may be found, and (iv) appellate courts from any of the foregoing, in each case for any civil action,
suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated under the Transaction Agreements.
Waiver
of Jury Trial: EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES
ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY DISPUTE BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR
WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS OF THE RECIPIENT. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR EACH PARTY TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER
TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS. EACH OF THE PARTIES REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS DISCUSSED THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY WITH ITS COUNSEL, UNDERSTANDS
THE RAMIFICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVER, AND KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AGREES TO THIS WAIVER.
5.4 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying
with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered
shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
5.5 Titles
and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing
or interpreting this Agreement. All references in this Agreement to sections, paragraphs, exhibits and schedules shall, unless otherwise
provided, refer to sections and paragraphs of this Agreement and exhibits and schedules attached to this Agreement, all of which exhibits
and schedules are incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
5.6 Notices.
(a) General.
All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing (including electronic mail as permitted
in this Agreement) and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt, or (i) personal delivery to the party to
be notified; (ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business
hours, then on the recipient’s next business day; (iii) five days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) one business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid,
specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties
at their address as set forth on the signature page or Item 4 or Item 5 Exhibit A, respectively, or to such e-mail address
or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 5.6. If notice is given to the
Company, a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to Latham & Watkins, LLP, 10250 Constellation Blvd., Suite
1100, Los Angeles, California 90067, Attention: Steven B. Stokdyk; David A. Zaheer, emails: steven.stokdyk@lw.com; David.zaheer@lw.com.
9
(b) Consent
to Electronic Notice. The Department consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the DGCL, as amended or superseded
from time to time, by electronic mail pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the e-mail address set forth below
the Department’s name on the signature page or Item 4 of Exhibit A, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company.
To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic mail is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall
be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected e-mail address has been provided, and such attempted electronic notice shall be
ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each party agrees to promptly notify the other parties of any change in its e-mail address,
and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.
5.7 Amendments
and Waivers. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement, any term of this Agreement may be amended, terminated or
waived only with the written consent of the Company and the Department. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 5.7
shall be binding upon the Department and each transferee of the Shares or the Warrant (or the Warrant Shares), each future holder of all
such securities, and the Company.
5.8 Severability.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
5.9 Delays
or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach
or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-breaching or non-defaulting
party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach
or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default
theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any
breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must
be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement
or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
5.10 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto), and the other Transaction Agreements constitute the full and entire understanding
and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject
matter hereof existing between the parties are expressly canceled.
5.11 No
Commitment for Additional Financing. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Department has not made any representation, undertaking,
commitment or agreement to provide or assist the Company in obtaining any financing, investment or other assistance, other than as set
forth in the Transaction Agreements and subject to the conditions set forth therein. In addition, the Company acknowledges and agrees
that (i) no statements, whether written or oral, made by the Department or its representatives on or prior to the date of this Agreement
shall create an obligation, commitment or agreement to provide or assist the Company in obtaining any financing or investment, (ii) the
Company shall not rely on any such statement by the Department or its representatives, and (iii) an obligation, commitment or agreement
to provide or assist the Company in obtaining any financing or investment may only be created by a written agreement, signed by the Department
and the Company, setting forth the terms and conditions of such financing or investment and stating that the parties intend for such writing
to be a binding obligation or agreement. The Department shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to refuse or decline
to participate in any other financing of or investment in the Company, and shall have no obligation to assist or cooperate with the Company
in obtaining any financing, investment or other assistance.
5.12 Waiver
of Conflicts. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that Latham & Watkins, LLP, counsel for the Company, may have in the past
performed, and may continue to or in the future perform, legal services for the Department in matters that are similar, but not substantially
related, to the transactions contemplated under the Transaction Agreements, including the representation of the Department in venture
capital financings and other matters. Accordingly, each party to this Agreement hereby acknowledges that (a) they have had an opportunity
to ask for information relevant to this disclosure, and (b) Latham & Watkins, LLP represents only the Company with respect to the
Agreement and the transactions contemplated under the Transaction Agreements. The Company gives its informed consent to Latham & Watkins,
LLP’s existing and/or future representation of the Department in matters not substantially related to this Agreement, and the Department
gives its informed consent to Latham & Watkins, LLP’s representation of the Company in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated under the Transaction Agreements.
5.13 Construction.
Unless otherwise indicated to the contrary herein by the context or use thereof: (i) the words, “herein”, “hereto”,
“hereof” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole, including the Schedules, and not to any particular
section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause set forth in this Agreement; (ii) words importing the singular shall also
include the plural, and vice versa; (iii) the words “include”, “includes” or “including” shall
be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (iv) references to “$” shall be references to
United States dollars; (v) the word “or” is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive; (vi) the words “writing”,
“written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media)
in a visible form; (vii) the word “day” means calendar day unless business day is expressly specified; (viii) the word
“extent” in the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase
shall not mean simply “if”; (ix) all references to Sections or Schedules are to Sections and Schedules of this Agreement;
and (x) all references to any law will be to such law as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. If any action
under this Agreement is required to be done or taken on a day that is not a Business Day, then such action shall be required to be done
or taken not on such day but on the first succeeding Business Day thereafter. Documents, materials and information are deemed to have
been “made available” or “furnished” to the Department, if such documents, materials or information were, at least
one (1) Business Day prior to the date hereof, (a) available for review by such Person, its affiliates and its representatives through
the electronic data room in connection with the transactions contemplated under the Transaction Agreements, or (b) otherwise provided
in writing (including by electronic mail) by or on behalf of the Company to such Person or any of its affiliates or representatives (it
being understood that information conveyed solely orally, including by telephone or in-person presentation, shall not be deemed “made
available” or “furnished”).
[Signature Page Follows]
10
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Securities Issuance Agreement as of the date first written above.
COMPANY:
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
Address:
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
100 W. Airport Road Stillwater, OK 74075
Email:
[***]
DEPARTMENT:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
By:
/s/ Bill Frauenhofer
Name:
Bill Frauenhofer
Title:
Executive Director, Semiconductor Innovation and Investment
[Signature Page To Securities Issuance Agreement]
Exhibit A
ISSUANCE DETAILS
SHARES
Item 1
Name and Address of Investor
Total Shares
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
16,132,790
WARRANTS
Item 2
Name: USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Organizational form: Corporation
Jurisdiction of organization: Delaware
Item 3
Issue Date: June 3, 2026
Exercise Price: $17.17
Number of Common Shares
Issuable on Exercise: 17,600,584
NOTICE
Item 4
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE
Herbert C. Hoover Building
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
Email: [***]
Attention: [***]
Item 5
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
100 West Airport Road
Stillwater, OK 74075
Attention: [***]
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF WARRANT
[See attached.]
[FORM OF WARRANT TO PURCHASE Common
SHARES]
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY
THIS INSTRUMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND MAY NOT
BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING THERETO IS IN EFFECT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE
STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS.
WARRANT
to purchase Common Shares
of USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Issuance Date: [___]
1. Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, when used herein the following terms shall have the meanings indicated.
“Affiliate”
means, with respect to any person, any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with, such other
person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled
by” and “under common control with”) when used with respect to any person, means the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to cause the direction of management and/or policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities by contract or otherwise.
“Acquiror”
means, with respect to any Business Combination involving the Company, the Person acquiring control of the Company or substantially all
of its assets in such Business Combination, or the ultimate parent entity of such Person.
“Appraisal Procedure”
means a procedure whereby two independent appraisers, one chosen by the Company and one by the Warrantholder, shall mutually agree upon
the determinations then the subject of appraisal. Each party shall deliver a notice to the other appointing its appraiser within ten (10)
Business Days after the Appraisal Procedure is invoked. If within thirty (30) days after appointment of the two (2) appraisers they are
unable to agree upon the amount in question, a third independent appraiser shall be chosen within ten (10) Business Days thereafter by
the mutual consent of such first two appraisers. The decision of the third appraiser so appointed and chosen shall be given within thirty
(30) days after the selection of such third appraiser. If three appraisers shall be appointed and the determination of one appraiser is
disparate from the middle determination by more than twice the amount by which the other determination is disparate from the middle determination,
then the determination of such appraiser shall be excluded, the remaining two determinations shall be averaged and such average shall
be binding and conclusive upon the Company and the Warrantholder; otherwise, the average of all three determinations shall be binding
upon the Company and the Warrantholder absent fraud or manifest error. The costs of conducting any Appraisal Procedure shall be borne
by the Company.
C-1
“Business Combination”
means a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or similar transaction,
in each case which is effected in such a way that the holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive cash, stock, securities or other
assets or property (whether directly, in exchange for or with respect to their Common Shares, or indirectly, through a distribution, dividend
or liquidation of the proceeds of such transaction).
“Business Day”
means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York generally are authorized or required
by law or other governmental actions to close; provided that banks shall be deemed to be generally open for business
in the event of a “shelter in place” or similar closure of physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental
entity if such banks’ electronic funds transfer system (including wire transfers) are open for use by customers on such day.
“Certificate of Incorporation”
means the certificate of incorporation of the Company issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, including any certificate
of incorporation on change of name.
“Commission”
means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Shares”
means the shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12.
“Company”
means USA Rare Earth, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Deemed Liquidation
Event” means (i) any Business Combination, or (ii) a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
“Exchange Act”
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Exercise Date”
means each date a Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company in accordance with Section 3 hereof.
“Exercise Price”
means the amount set forth in Item 2 of Schedule I hereto, subject to adjustment as contemplated herein.
“Expiration Date”
has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3(i).
“Fair Market Value”
means, with respect to any security or other property, the fair market value of such security or other property, as of any time of determination,
determined as follows: (a) for the Warrant Shares, if the Warrant Shares are traded on a Trading Market and the determination is
not made in connection with a Deemed Liquidation Event, the “Fair Market Value” shall be the VWAP for the Warrant Shares calculated
as of the determination date, or (b) to the extent clause (a) does not apply, the “Fair Market Value” shall
be: (i) with respect to cash consideration or distributions payable to holders of Common Shares in connection with a Deemed Liquidation
Event, the Fair Market Value of a Warrant Share shall be the per-share amount of such cash consideration payable or distributable in respect
of each Common Share in such Deemed Liquidation Event, or (ii) with respect to any non-cash consideration (including stock, securities
or other assets or property) payable or distributable to holders of Common Shares in connection with a Deemed Liquidation Event, or with
respect to any other security or other property for which a determination of Fair Market Value is required hereunder, either (A) as
determined by mutual consent of the Warrantholder and the Company, or (B) the fair market value of such security or other property
as determined by the board of directors of the Company, acting in good faith in reliance on an opinion of a nationally recognized independent
investment banking firm retained by the Company for this purpose; provided that the Warrantholder may object in writing to any
such calculation of fair market value proposed by the board of directors within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of written notice thereof.
If the Warrantholder and the Company are unable to agree on such fair market value calculation during the ten (10) Business Day period
following the delivery of the Warrantholder’s objection, the Appraisal Procedure may be invoked by either party to determine Fair
Market Value by delivering written notification thereof not later than the thirtieth (30th) day after delivery of the Warrantholder’s
objection.
C-2
“Governance Documents”
means, with respect to any Person, all organizational documents and other documents relating to the governance, management or control
of such Person (including any certificate of formation, certificate of incorporation, certificate of partnership, bylaws, charters, operating
agreements, partnership agreements, side letters, limited liability company agreements, shareholder agreements, and all other governance
documents).
“Issuance Agreement”
means that certain Securities Issuance Agreement, dated as of the Issuance Date by and between the Warrantholder and the Company.
“Issuance Date”
means the date first set forth above.
“Notice of Exercise”
means a notice of exercise delivered by or on behalf of the Warrantholder in the form set forth in Schedule II hereto.
“OTC Bulletin Board”
means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. OTC Bulletin Board.
“Person”
has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.
“Preferred Shares”
means the shares of preferred stock of the Company, par value $0.0001.
“Pro Rata Repurchase”
means any purchase of Common Shares by the Company or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to (a) any tender offer or exchange offer subject
to Section 13(e) or 14(e) of the Exchange Act or Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder or (b) any other offer available to substantially
all holders of Common Shares, in the case of both (a) or (b), whether for cash, Common Shares of the Company, other securities of the
Company, evidences of indebtedness of the Company or any other Person or any other property (including shares of common stock, other securities
or evidences of indebtedness of a subsidiary), or any combination thereof, effected while this Warrant is outstanding. The “Effective
Date” of a Pro Rata Repurchase shall mean the date of acceptance of shares for purchase or exchange by the Company under any tender
or exchange offer which is a Pro Rata Repurchase or the date of purchase with respect to any Pro Rata Repurchase that is not a tender
or exchange offer.
C-3
“Securities Act”
means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“trading day”
means (a) if Common Shares are not traded on any national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market, a
Business Day or (b) if Common Shares are traded on any national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market,
a Business Day on which such relevant exchange or quotation system is scheduled to be open for business and on which the Common Shares
(i) are not suspended from trading on any national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market for any period
or periods aggregating one half hour or longer; and (ii) have traded at least once on the national or regional securities exchange or
association or over-the-counter market that is the primary market for the trading of Common Shares.
“Trading Market”
means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Shares are listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the
NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or
any successors to any of the foregoing).
“VWAP”
means as of any day of determination, the volume weighted average sale price for the Warrant Shares for the ten (10) consecutive trading
day period ending on and including the trading day immediately preceding such date on the Trading Market for the Warrant Shares reported
by, or based upon data reported by, Bloomberg Financial Markets or an equivalent, reliable reporting service reasonably acceptable to
the Warrantholder and the Company or, if the volume weighted average sale price has not been reported for such trading day, then the last
closing trade price of the Warrant Shares, or, if no last closing trade price is reported, the average of the bid prices of any market
makers for the Warrant Shares that are listed in the over the counter market by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or on
the OTC Bulletin Board (or any successor) or in the “pink sheets” (or any successor) by the OTC Markets Group, Inc.
“Warrant”
means this Warrant, issued pursuant to the Issuance Agreement.
“Warrantholder”
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
“Warrant Shares”
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
2. Warrant
Shares. This certifies that, for value received, the United States Department of Commerce or its permitted assigns (the “Warrantholder”)
is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, to acquire from the Company, in whole or in part, up
to an aggregate of the number of fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares set forth in Item 3 of Schedule I hereto.
The number of Common Shares (“Warrant Shares”) issuable upon exercise of this Warrant and the Exercise Price are subject
to further adjustment as provided herein, and all references to “Common Shares,” “Warrant Shares,” and “Exercise
Price” herein shall be deemed to include any such adjustment or series of adjustments.
C-4
3. Method
of Exercise; Settlement.
(a) This
Warrant is exercisable, in whole or in part, by the Warrantholder with respect to Warrant Shares, at any time or from time to time after
the first anniversary of the Issuance Date, by the surrender of this Warrant and delivery of a Notice of Exercise that is duly completed
and executed by or on behalf of the Warrantholder, at the principal executive office of the Company located at the address set forth in
Item 4 of Schedule I hereto (or such other office or agency of the Company in the United States as it may designate
by notice in writing to the Warrantholder at the address of the Warrantholder appearing on the books of the Company) and accompanied by
payment of the Exercise Price, at the Warrantholder’s election, (i) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, (ii) by
reduction of the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to the Warrantholder pursuant to Section 3(b), or (iii) by any combination
of the foregoing.
(b) In
lieu of exercising this Warrant by delivering the aggregate Exercise Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds, at the election
of the Warrantholder, this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise”
in which the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive the number of Warrant Shares as follows (a “Net Settlement”):
Where X = the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to the Warrantholder
Y = the number of Warrant Shares purchasable under this Warrant or, if only a portion of this Warrant is being
exercised, that portion of this Warrant being exercised (at the date of such calculation)
A = the Fair Market Value of one Warrant Share (as of the date of such calculation)
B = Exercise Price (in effect as of the date of such calculation)
(c) Upon
exercise of this Warrant and against payment of the Exercise Price (including by way of Net Settlement), the Company shall issue the number
of Warrant Shares as to which the Warrant has been exercised as indicated in the Notice of Exercise in such name or names as the exercising
Warrantholder may designate. The Company hereby represents and warrants that any Warrant Shares issued upon the exercise of this Warrant
will be duly and validly authorized and issued and free from all taxes, liens and charges (other than liens or charges created by the
Warrantholder, income and franchise taxes incurred in connection with the exercise of the Warrant or taxes in respect of any transfer
occurring contemporaneously therewith).
(d) The
Company agrees that the Warrant Shares when issued will be deemed to have been issued to the Warrantholder as of the close of business
on the date on which this Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price are delivered to the Company (including by way of Net Settlement)
in accordance with the terms of this Warrant, notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of the Company may then be closed or certificates
representing such Warrant Shares may not be actually delivered on such date. The Company will at all times reserve and keep available,
out of its authorized but unissued Common Shares, solely for the purpose of providing for the exercise of this Warrant, the aggregate
number of Warrant Shares then issuable upon exercise of this Warrant at any time. The Company will take all such commercially reasonable
actions as may be necessary to ensure that the Warrant Shares may be issued without violation of any applicable law or regulation or of
any requirement of any Trading Markets on which the Warrant Shares are then listed or traded.
C-5
(e) In
lieu of any fractional Common Shares to which the Warrantholder would otherwise be entitled, the Company may elect to make a cash payment
equal to the Fair Market Value of a Common Share determined as of the Exercise Date multiplied by such fraction of a Common Share, less
the pro-rated Exercise Price for such fractional Common Share.
(f) Common
Shares to be issued upon the exercise of any portion of this Warrant shall be (x) issued in such name or names as the Warrantholder may
designate and (y) delivered by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent to such Warrantholder or its designee or designees
(i) if the shares are then able to be so delivered, via book-entry transfer crediting the account of such Warrantholder (or the relevant
agent member for the benefit of such Warrantholder) through the depositary’s DWAC system (if the Company’s transfer agent
participates in such system), or (ii) otherwise in certificated form by physical delivery to the address specified by the Warrantholder
in the Notice of Exercise, within a reasonable time, not to exceed three Business Days after the date on which this Warrant has been duly
exercised in accordance with its terms.
(g) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if an exercise of any portion of this Warrant is to be made in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of the
Company’s assets to another Person, a consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another Person, an initial public offering
or a sale of the Company, or other similar transaction, such exercise may at the election of the Warrantholder be conditioned upon the
consummation of such transaction, in which case the Exercise Date will be the date of such consummation and such exercise will not be
deemed to be effective until immediately prior to such consummation on the Exercise Date.
(h) If
the Warrantholder does not exercise this Warrant in its entirety, the Warrantholder will be entitled to receive from the Company within
a reasonable time after the date on which this Warrant has been duly exercised in accordance with the terms of this Warrant, and in any
event not exceeding three (3) Business Days after the date thereof, a new warrant in substantially identical form for the purchase of
that number of Warrant Shares equal to the difference between the number of Warrant Shares subject to this Warrant and the number of Warrant
Shares as to which this Warrant is so exercised.
(i) If
the Warrantholder does not exercise this Warrant in its entirety prior to the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Issuance Date (such date,
the “Expiration Date”), this Warrant shall be deemed to have been exercised by the Warrantholder by Net Settlement
effective immediately prior to the Expiration Date.
C-6
4. Redemption
Right.
(a) Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Warrant, the Warrantholder shall have the right (the “Redemption Right”), but not
the obligation, at any time concurrently with or following the occurrence of any Business Combination to cause the Acquiror to purchase
all or a portion of this Warrant for an amount equal to the amount Warrantholder would receive in respect of the Warrant Shares
as of the date of the Redemption Exercise Notice if the Company sold all of its assets at
Fair Market Value, paid its obligations and liabilities and distributed the net proceeds to the equityholders of the Company as specified
in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Redemption Price”).
(b) The
Company shall cause the Acquiror to
give the Warrantholder written notice of any Business Combination at least
thirty (30) days prior to consummation thereof. If the
Warrantholder desires to sell all or any portion of the Warrant pursuant to Section 4(a),
the Warrantholder shall deliver
to the Company (for further distribution from the Company to the Acquiror) a written notice (the “Redemption Exercise Notice”)
exercising the Redemption Right and specifying the portion of the Warrant to be sold (the “Redemption Shares”) by the
Warrantholder.
(c) The
closing of the purchase and sale for all or any portion of the Warrant pursuant to this Section 4 shall take place immediately
prior to the consummation of the Business Combination giving rise to the Redemption Right. The Company shall
cause the Acquiror to give the Warrantholder at
least ten (10) days’ written notice of the date of closing (the “Redemption Closing Date”).
(d) The
Company shall cause the Acquiror to pay the Redemption Price for the portion
of the Warrant to be sold by the Warrantholder by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the Redemption Closing Date.
At the closing of any redemption pursuant to this Section 4, the
Warrantholder shall surrender to the Acquiror the portion of the Warrant to be sold,
against receipt of the Redemption Price.
(e) The
Company and the
Warrantholder shall each (and the Company shall cause the Acquiror to) take all actions as may be reasonably necessary to consummate
the redemption contemplated by this Section 4, including entering into agreements and delivering certificates and instruments
and consents as may be deemed necessary or appropriate.
5. Exchange
Right. In connection with any Business Combination prior to the Expiration Date, the Warrantholder shall have the right, but
not the obligation, at its option, to require as a condition precedent to the related transaction, that the Company cause the Acquiror
or its ultimate parent entity to expressly assume, by written instrument delivered to, and reasonably satisfactory to, the Warrantholder,
the due and punctual performance and observance of each and every covenant, agreement and condition of this Warrant otherwise to be performed
and observed by the Company. In such case, the Warrant will be exchangeable, upon the surrender by the Warrantholder, for a new warrant
or warrants of like tenor in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Warrantholder representing the right to purchase equity
securities of such Acquiror or its ultimate parent entity on equivalent terms.
C-7
6. No
Rights as Stockholder; Transfer Books. This Warrant does not entitle the Warrantholder to any voting rights or other rights
as a stockholder of the Company prior to the date of exercise hereof. The Company will at no time close its transfer books against transfer
of this Warrant in any manner that interferes with the timely exercise of this Warrant.
7. Charges,
Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of certificates for Warrant Shares to the Warrantholder upon the exercise of this Warrant shall
be made without charge to the Warrantholder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such
certificates, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company; provided that the Company shall not be required
to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate, or any certificates
or other securities in a name other than that of the registered holder of the Warrant surrendered upon exercise of the Warrant.
8. Transfer/Assignment.
This Warrant and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, upon the books of the Company by the registered holder hereof
in person or by duly authorized attorney, and a new warrant shall be made and delivered by the Company, of the same tenor and date as
this Warrant but registered in the name of one or more transferees, upon surrender of this Warrant, duly endorsed, to the office or agency
of the Company described in Section 3. All expenses (other than transfer taxes) and other charges payable in connection with
the preparation, execution and delivery of the new warrants pursuant to this Section 8 shall be paid by the Company.
9. Exchange
and Registry of Warrant. The Company shall maintain a registry showing the name and address of the Warrantholder as the registered
holder of this Warrant. This Warrant may be surrendered for exchange or exercise in accordance with its terms, at the office of the Company,
and the Company shall be entitled to rely in all respects, prior to written notice to the contrary, upon such registry.
10. Loss,
Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss,
theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant, and in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction, upon receipt of a bond, indemnity
or security reasonably satisfactory to the Company, or, in the case of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Warrant,
the Company shall make and deliver, in lieu of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant, a new Warrant of like tenor representing
the right to purchase the same aggregate number of Warrant Shares as provided for in such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant.
11. Saturdays,
Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or
granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding day that
is a Business Day.
C-8
12. Adjustments
and Other Rights. The Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant shall be subject
to adjustment from time to time as follows; provided, that if more than one subsection of this Section 12 is applicable
to a single event, the subsection shall be applied that produces the least adjustment and no single event shall cause an adjustment under
more than one subsection of this Section 12 so as to result in duplication:
(a) Share
Splits, Subdivisions, Reclassifications or Combinations. If the Company shall (i) declare and pay a dividend or make a distribution
on its Common Shares in Common Shares or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire Common Shares, (ii) subdivide or reclassify
the outstanding Common Shares into a greater number of Common Shares, or (iii) combine or reclassify the outstanding Common Shares into
a smaller number of Common Shares, the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant at the time of the record date
for such dividend or distribution or the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be proportionately
adjusted so that the Warrantholder after such date shall be entitled to acquire the number of Common Shares which such holder would have
owned or been entitled to receive in respect of the Common Shares subject to this Warrant after such date had this Warrant been exercised
immediately prior to such date. In such event, the Exercise Price in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or distribution
or the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be adjusted to the number obtained by dividing (A) the
product of (x) the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon the exercise of this Warrant before such adjustment and (y) the Exercise Price
in effect immediately prior to the record or effective date, as the case may be, for the dividend, distribution, subdivision, combination
or reclassification giving rise to this adjustment by (B) the new number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant determined
pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
(b) Distributions.
In case the Company shall make a distribution to all holders of Common Shares of cash, securities, evidences of indebtedness, assets,
rights or warrants (excluding dividends of its Common Shares and other dividends or distributions referred to in Section 12(a)),
in each such case, the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive its pro rata share of such cash, securities, evidences of indebtedness,
assets, rights or warrants so distributed, as if the Warrant had been exercised in full by Net Settlement immediately prior to such distribution.
(c) Deemed
Liquidation Events. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, in case of any Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification
of Common Shares (other than a reclassification of Common Shares referred to in Section 12(a)), the Warrantholder’s
right to receive Warrant Shares upon exercise of this Warrant shall be converted into the right to exercise this Warrant to acquire the
cash, stock, securities or other assets or property which the Common Shares issuable (at the time of such Deemed Liquidation Event or
reclassification) upon exercise of this Warrant immediately prior to such Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification would have been
entitled to receive upon consummation of such Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification; and in any such case, if necessary, the provisions
set forth herein with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the Warrantholder shall be appropriately adjusted so as to be
applicable, as nearly as may reasonably be, to the Warrantholder’s right to exercise this Warrant in exchange for any shares of
stock or other securities or property pursuant to this paragraph. In determining the kind and amount of cash, stock, securities or other
assets or property receivable upon exercise of this Warrant following the consummation of such Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification,
if the holders of Common Shares have the right to elect the kind or amount of consideration receivable upon consummation of such Deemed
Liquidation Event or reclassification, then the consideration that the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive upon exercise shall
be deemed to be the types and amounts of consideration received by the majority of all holders of Common Shares that affirmatively make
an election (or of all such holders if none make an election).
C-9
(d) Rounding
of Calculations; Minimum Adjustments. All calculations under this Section 12 shall be made to the nearest one-tenth (1/10th)
of a cent or to the nearest one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share, as the case may be. Any provision of this Section 12 to the contrary
notwithstanding, no adjustment in the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares shall be made if the amount of such adjustment would
be less than $0.01 or one-tenth (1/10th) of a Common Share, but any such amount shall be carried forward and an adjustment with respect
thereto shall be made at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment which, together with such amount and any other amount
or amounts so carried forward, shall aggregate $0.01 or 1/10th of a Common Share, or more.
(e) Timing
of Issuance of Additional Common Shares Upon Certain Adjustments. In any case in which the provisions of this Section 12 shall
require that an adjustment shall become effective immediately after a record date for an event, (i) if the Warrantholder has exercised
this Warrant after such record date but before the occurrence of such event, the Company may defer, until the occurrence of such event,
the issuance of any additional Common Shares issuable upon such exercise by reason of the adjustment required by such event over and above
the Common Shares issuable upon such exercise before giving effect to such adjustment and (ii) the Company may defer until the occurrence
of such event paying to such Warrantholder any amount of cash in lieu of a fractional Common Share; provided, however, that
the Company, upon request of the Warrantholder, shall deliver to such Warrantholder evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Warrantholder
of the right to receive such additional shares and cash upon the occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.
(f) Other
Events. If any event occurs as to which the provisions of this Section 12 are not strictly applicable or, if strictly
applicable, would not, in the good faith judgment of the Company, fairly and adequately protect the purchase rights of this Warrant in
accordance with the essential intent and principles of such provisions, then the Company shall make such adjustments in the application
of such provisions, in accordance with such essential intent and principles, as shall be reasonably necessary, in the good faith opinion
of the Company, to protect such purchase rights as aforesaid. The Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares shall not be adjusted
in the event of a change in the par value of the Common Shares or a change in the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company.
(g) Statement
Regarding Adjustments. Whenever the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares shall be adjusted as provided in Section 12,
the Company shall forthwith file at the principal office of the Company a statement showing in reasonable detail the facts requiring such
adjustment and the Exercise Price that shall be in effect and the number of Warrant Shares after such adjustment, and the Company shall
also cause a copy of such statement to be sent by mail, first class postage prepaid, to each Warrantholder at the address appearing in
the Company’s records.
C-10
(h) Notice
of Adjustment Event. In the event that the Company shall propose to take any action of the type described in this Section 12
(but only if the action of the type described in this Section 12 would result in an adjustment in the Exercise Price or the number
of Warrant Shares or a change in the type of securities or property to be delivered upon exercise of this Warrant), the Company shall
give notice to the Warrantholder, which notice shall specify the record date, if any, with respect to any such action and the approximate
date on which such action is to take place. Such notice shall also set forth the facts with respect thereto as shall be reasonably necessary
to indicate the effect on the Exercise Price and the number, kind or class of shares or other securities or property which shall be deliverable
upon exercise of this Warrant. In the case of any action which would require the fixing of a record date, such notice shall be given at
least ten (10) days prior to the date so fixed, and in case of all other action, such notice shall be given at least fifteen (15) days
prior to the taking of such proposed action. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity
of any such action.
(i) Proceedings
Prior to Any Action Requiring Adjustment. As a condition precedent to the taking of any action which would require an adjustment pursuant
to this Section 12, the Company shall take any action which may be necessary, including obtaining regulatory, applicable national
securities exchange or corporate approvals or exemptions, as applicable, in order that the Company may thereafter validly and legally
issue all Common Shares that the Warrantholder is entitled to receive upon exercise of this Warrant pursuant to this Section 12.
(j) Adjustment
Rules. Any adjustments pursuant to this Section 12 shall be made successively whenever an event referred to herein shall occur.
If an adjustment in Exercise Price made hereunder would reduce the Exercise Price to an amount below par value of the Common Shares, then
such adjustment in Exercise Price made hereunder shall reduce the Exercise Price to the par value of the Common Shares.
13. No
Inconsistent Agreements; No Impairment. The Company shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which
conflicts with the rights granted to the Warrantholder in this Warrant or the provisions hereof. The Company shall not, by amendment of
its Governance Documents or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities
or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder
by the Company, but shall at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all the provisions of this Warrant and in taking of
all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Warrantholder.
14. Governing
Law. This Warrant will be governed by and construed in accordance with the federal law of the United States if and to
the extent such law is applicable, and otherwise in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and
to be performed entirely within such State. Each of the Company and the Warrantholder agrees (a) to submit to the non-exclusive general
jurisdiction and venue of (i) the courts of the United States in or for the District of Columbia, (ii) the courts of the United States
in and for the Southern District of New York, (iii) any other federal court of competent jurisdiction in any other jurisdiction where
the Company or any of its property may be found, and (iv) appellate courts from any of the foregoing, in each case for any civil action,
suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Warrant or the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) that notice may be served
upon the Company in accordance with Section 18 below and upon the Warrantholder at the address for the Warrantholder set forth
in the registry maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 9 hereof; provided that nothing herein shall affect the right
of the Warrantholder to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each
of the Company and the Warrantholder hereby unconditionally waives trial by jury in any civil legal action or proceeding relating to the
Warrant or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
C-11
15. Binding
Effect. This Warrant shall be binding upon any successors or assigns of the Company.
16. Amendments.
This Warrant may be amended and the observance of any term of this Warrant may be waived only with the written consent of the Company
and the Warrantholder.
17. Prohibited
Actions. The Company agrees that it will not take any action, including any action that would entitle the Warrantholder to
an adjustment of the Exercise Price, if the total number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant after giving effect
to such action, together with all Common Shares then outstanding and all Common Shares then issuable upon the exercise, exchange or conversion
of all outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities exercisable or convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares, would
exceed the total number of Common Shares then authorized by its Governance Documents.
18. Notices.
Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any party to the other will be in writing and will be deemed
to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by facsimile, upon confirmation of receipt, or (b) on
the second (2nd) Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next day courier service. All notices hereunder
shall be delivered as set forth in Item 4 of Schedule I hereto, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated
in writing by the party to receive such notice.
19. Entire
Agreement. This Warrant, the forms attached hereto and Schedule I hereto (the terms of which are incorporated by reference
herein) and the Issuance Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede
all prior and contemporaneous arrangements or undertakings with respect thereto.
20. Specific
Performance; Non-Impairment. Each Warrantholder shall have the right to specific performance by the Company of the provisions
of this Warrant, in addition to any other remedies it may have at law or in equity. The Company hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent
that it may do so under applicable law, any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which may be asserted as a bar to the remedy
of specific performance in any action brought against the Company for specific performance of this Warrant by the Warrantholder. Nothing
contained in this Warrant shall affect, limit or impair the rights and remedies of any Warrantholder or any of its Affiliates.
21. Construction.
Unless otherwise indicated to the contrary herein by the context or use thereof: (i) the words, “herein”, “hereto”,
“hereof” and words of similar import refer to this Warrant as a whole, including the Schedules, and not to any particular
section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause set forth in this Warrant; (ii) words importing the singular shall also include
the plural, and vice versa; (iii) the words “include”, “includes” or “including” shall be deemed
to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (iv) references to “$” shall be references to United States
dollars; (v) the word “or” is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive; (vi) the words “writing”, “written”
and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form; (vii) the
word “day” means calendar day unless Business Day is expressly specified; (viii) the word “extent” in the phrase
“to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”;
(ix) all references to Sections or Schedules are to Sections and Schedules of this Warrant; and (x) all references to any law
will be to such law as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. If any action under this Warrant is required to
be done or taken on a day that is not a Business Day, then such action shall be required to be done or taken not on such day but on the
first succeeding Business Day thereafter.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
C-12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company
has caused this Warrant to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer.
Dated:
COMPANY:
USA RARE EARTH, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
[Signature Page to Warrant Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
Item 1
Name: USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Organizational form: Corporation
Jurisdiction of organization: Delaware
Item 2
Exercise
Price: $17.17
Item 3
Number of Common Shares: 17,600,584
Item 4
To Company:
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
100 West Airport Road
Stillwater, OK 74075
Attention: [***]
To Warrantholder:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Herbert C. Hoover Building
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
Email: [***]
Attention: [***]
EX-10.4 — WARRANT, DATED JUNE 3, ISSUED BY USA RARE EARTH, INC. TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
EX-10.4
Filename: ea029340201ex10-4.htm · Sequence: 5
Exhibit 10.4
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY
THIS INSTRUMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND MAY NOT
BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING THERETO IS IN EFFECT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE
STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS.
WARRANT
to purchase Common Shares
of USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Issuance Date: June 3, 2026
1. Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, when used herein the following terms shall have the meanings indicated.
“Affiliate”
means, with respect to any person, any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with, such other
person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled
by” and “under common control with”) when used with respect to any person, means the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to cause the direction of management and/or policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities by contract or otherwise.
“Acquiror”
means, with respect to any Business Combination involving the Company, the Person acquiring control of the Company or substantially all
of its assets in such Business Combination, or the ultimate parent entity of such Person.
“Appraisal Procedure”
means a procedure whereby two independent appraisers, one chosen by the Company and one by the Warrantholder, shall mutually agree upon
the determinations then the subject of appraisal. Each party shall deliver a notice to the other appointing its appraiser within ten (10)
Business Days after the Appraisal Procedure is invoked. If within thirty (30) days after appointment of the two (2) appraisers they are
unable to agree upon the amount in question, a third independent appraiser shall be chosen within ten (10) Business Days thereafter by
the mutual consent of such first two appraisers. The decision of the third appraiser so appointed and chosen shall be given within thirty
(30) days after the selection of such third appraiser. If three appraisers shall be appointed and the determination of one appraiser is
disparate from the middle determination by more than twice the amount by which the other determination is disparate from the middle determination,
then the determination of such appraiser shall be excluded, the remaining two determinations shall be averaged and such average shall
be binding and conclusive upon the Company and the Warrantholder; otherwise, the average of all three determinations shall be binding
upon the Company and the Warrantholder absent fraud or manifest error. The costs of conducting any Appraisal Procedure shall be borne
by the Company.
“Business Combination”
means a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or similar transaction,
in each case which is effected in such a way that the holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive cash, stock, securities or other
assets or property (whether directly, in exchange for or with respect to their Common Shares, or indirectly, through a distribution, dividend
or liquidation of the proceeds of such transaction).
“Business Day”
means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York generally are authorized or required
by law or other governmental actions to close; provided that banks shall be deemed to be generally open for business
in the event of a “shelter in place” or similar closure of physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental
entity if such banks’ electronic funds transfer system (including wire transfers) are open for use by customers on such day.
“Certificate of Incorporation”
means the certificate of incorporation of the Company issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, including any certificate
of incorporation on change of name.
“Commission”
means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Shares”
means the shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12.
“Company”
means USA Rare Earth, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Deemed Liquidation
Event” means (i) any Business Combination, or (ii) a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
“Exchange Act”
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Exercise Date”
means each date a Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company in accordance with Section 3 hereof.
“Exercise Price”
means the amount set forth in Item 2 of Schedule I hereto, subject to adjustment as contemplated herein.
“Expiration Date”
has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3(i).
“Fair Market Value”
means, with respect to any security or other property, the fair market value of such security or other property, as of any time of determination,
determined as follows: (a) for the Warrant Shares, if the Warrant Shares are traded on a Trading Market and the determination is
not made in connection with a Deemed Liquidation Event, the “Fair Market Value” shall be the VWAP for the Warrant Shares calculated
as of the determination date, or (b) to the extent clause (a) does not apply, the “Fair Market Value” shall
be: (i) with respect to cash consideration or distributions payable to holders of Common Shares in connection with a Deemed Liquidation
Event, the Fair Market Value of a Warrant Share shall be the per-share amount of such cash consideration payable or distributable in respect
of each Common Share in such Deemed Liquidation Event, or (ii) with respect to any non-cash consideration (including stock, securities
or other assets or property) payable or distributable to holders of Common Shares in connection with a Deemed Liquidation Event, or with
respect to any other security or other property for which a determination of Fair Market Value is required hereunder, either (A) as
determined by mutual consent of the Warrantholder and the Company, or (B) the fair market value of such security or other property
as determined by the board of directors of the Company, acting in good faith in reliance on an opinion of a nationally recognized independent
investment banking firm retained by the Company for this purpose; provided that the Warrantholder may object in writing to any
such calculation of fair market value proposed by the board of directors within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of written notice thereof.
If the Warrantholder and the Company are unable to agree on such fair market value calculation during the ten (10) Business Day period
following the delivery of the Warrantholder’s objection, the Appraisal Procedure may be invoked by either party to determine Fair
Market Value by delivering written notification thereof not later than the thirtieth (30th) day after delivery of the Warrantholder’s
objection.
2
“Governance Documents”
means, with respect to any Person, all organizational documents and other documents relating to the governance, management or control
of such Person (including any certificate of formation, certificate of incorporation, certificate of partnership, bylaws, charters, operating
agreements, partnership agreements, side letters, limited liability company agreements, shareholder agreements, and all other governance
documents).
“Issuance Agreement”
means that certain Securities Issuance Agreement, dated as of the Issuance Date by and between the Warrantholder and the Company.
“Issuance Date”
means the date first set forth above.
“Notice of Exercise”
means a notice of exercise delivered by or on behalf of the Warrantholder in the form set forth in Schedule II hereto.
“OTC Bulletin Board”
means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. OTC Bulletin Board.
“Person”
has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.
“Preferred Shares”
means the shares of preferred stock of the Company, par value $0.0001.
“Pro Rata Repurchase”
means any purchase of Common Shares by the Company or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to (a) any tender offer or exchange offer subject
to Section 13(e) or 14(e) of the Exchange Act or Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder or (b) any other offer available to substantially
all holders of Common Shares, in the case of both (a) or (b), whether for cash, Common Shares of the Company, other securities of the
Company, evidences of indebtedness of the Company or any other Person or any other property (including shares of common stock, other securities
or evidences of indebtedness of a subsidiary), or any combination thereof, effected while this Warrant is outstanding. The “Effective
Date” of a Pro Rata Repurchase shall mean the date of acceptance of shares for purchase or exchange by the Company under any tender
or exchange offer which is a Pro Rata Repurchase or the date of purchase with respect to any Pro Rata Repurchase that is not a tender
or exchange offer.
“Securities Act”
means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
3
“trading day”
means (a) if Common Shares are not traded on any national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market, a
Business Day or (b) if Common Shares are traded on any national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market,
a Business Day on which such relevant exchange or quotation system is scheduled to be open for business and on which the Common Shares
(i) are not suspended from trading on any national or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market for any period
or periods aggregating one half hour or longer; and (ii) have traded at least once on the national or regional securities exchange or
association or over-the-counter market that is the primary market for the trading of Common Shares.
“Trading Market”
means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Shares are listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the
NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or
any successors to any of the foregoing).
“VWAP”
means as of any day of determination, the volume weighted average sale price for the Warrant Shares for the ten (10) consecutive trading
day period ending on and including the trading day immediately preceding such date on the Trading Market for the Warrant Shares reported
by, or based upon data reported by, Bloomberg Financial Markets or an equivalent, reliable reporting service reasonably acceptable to
the Warrantholder and the Company or, if the volume weighted average sale price has not been reported for such trading day, then the last
closing trade price of the Warrant Shares, or, if no last closing trade price is reported, the average of the bid prices of any market
makers for the Warrant Shares that are listed in the over the counter market by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or on
the OTC Bulletin Board (or any successor) or in the “pink sheets” (or any successor) by the OTC Markets Group, Inc.
“Warrant”
means this Warrant, issued pursuant to the Issuance Agreement.
“Warrantholder”
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
“Warrant Shares”
has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
2. Warrant
Shares. This certifies that, for value received, the United States Department of Commerce or its permitted assigns (the “Warrantholder”)
is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, to acquire from the Company, in whole or in part, up
to an aggregate of the number of fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares set forth in Item 3 of Schedule I hereto.
The number of Common Shares (“Warrant Shares”) issuable upon exercise of this Warrant and the Exercise Price are subject
to further adjustment as provided herein, and all references to “Common Shares,” “Warrant Shares,” and “Exercise
Price” herein shall be deemed to include any such adjustment or series of adjustments.
3. Method
of Exercise; Settlement.
(a) This
Warrant is exercisable, in whole or in part, by the Warrantholder with respect to Warrant Shares, at any time or from time to time after
the first anniversary of the Issuance Date, by the surrender of this Warrant and delivery of a Notice of Exercise that is duly completed
and executed by or on behalf of the Warrantholder, at the principal executive office of the Company located at the address set forth in
Item 4 of Schedule I hereto (or such other office or agency of the Company in the United States as it may designate
by notice in writing to the Warrantholder at the address of the Warrantholder appearing on the books of the Company) and accompanied by
payment of the Exercise Price, at the Warrantholder’s election, (i) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, (ii) by
reduction of the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to the Warrantholder pursuant to Section 3(b), or (iii) by any combination
of the foregoing.
4
(b) In
lieu of exercising this Warrant by delivering the aggregate Exercise Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds, at the election
of the Warrantholder, this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise”
in which the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive the number of Warrant Shares as follows (a “Net Settlement”):
X = Y(A-B)
A
Where X
= the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to the Warrantholder
Y
= the number of Warrant Shares purchasable under this Warrant or, if only a portion of this Warrant is being
exercised, that portion of this Warrant being exercised (at the date of such calculation)
A
= the Fair Market Value of one Warrant Share (as of the date of such calculation)
B
= Exercise Price (in effect as of the date of such calculation)
(c) Upon
exercise of this Warrant and against payment of the Exercise Price (including by way of Net Settlement), the Company shall issue the number
of Warrant Shares as to which the Warrant has been exercised as indicated in the Notice of Exercise in such name or names as the exercising
Warrantholder may designate. The Company hereby represents and warrants that any Warrant Shares issued upon the exercise of this Warrant
will be duly and validly authorized and issued and free from all taxes, liens and charges (other than liens or charges created by the
Warrantholder, income and franchise taxes incurred in connection with the exercise of the Warrant or taxes in respect of any transfer
occurring contemporaneously therewith).
(d) The
Company agrees that the Warrant Shares when issued will be deemed to have been issued to the Warrantholder as of the close of business
on the date on which this Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price are delivered to the Company (including by way of Net Settlement)
in accordance with the terms of this Warrant, notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of the Company may then be closed or certificates
representing such Warrant Shares may not be actually delivered on such date. The Company will at all times reserve and keep available,
out of its authorized but unissued Common Shares, solely for the purpose of providing for the exercise of this Warrant, the aggregate
number of Warrant Shares then issuable upon exercise of this Warrant at any time. The Company will take all such commercially reasonable
actions as may be necessary to ensure that the Warrant Shares may be issued without violation of any applicable law or regulation or of
any requirement of any Trading Markets on which the Warrant Shares are then listed or traded.
5
(e) In
lieu of any fractional Common Shares to which the Warrantholder would otherwise be entitled, the Company may elect to make a cash payment
equal to the Fair Market Value of a Common Share determined as of the Exercise Date multiplied by such fraction of a Common Share, less
the pro-rated Exercise Price for such fractional Common Share.
(f) Common
Shares to be issued upon the exercise of any portion of this Warrant shall be (x) issued in such name or names as the Warrantholder may
designate and (y) delivered by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent to such Warrantholder or its designee or designees
(i) if the shares are then able to be so delivered, via book-entry transfer crediting the account of such Warrantholder (or the relevant
agent member for the benefit of such Warrantholder) through the depositary’s DWAC system (if the Company’s transfer agent
participates in such system), or (ii) otherwise in certificated form by physical delivery to the address specified by the Warrantholder
in the Notice of Exercise, within a reasonable time, not to exceed three Business Days after the date on which this Warrant has been duly
exercised in accordance with its terms.
(g) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if an exercise of any portion of this Warrant is to be made in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of the
Company’s assets to another Person, a consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another Person, an initial public offering
or a sale of the Company, or other similar transaction, such exercise may at the election of the Warrantholder be conditioned upon the
consummation of such transaction, in which case the Exercise Date will be the date of such consummation and such exercise will not be
deemed to be effective until immediately prior to such consummation on the Exercise Date.
(h) If
the Warrantholder does not exercise this Warrant in its entirety, the Warrantholder will be entitled to receive from the Company within
a reasonable time after the date on which this Warrant has been duly exercised in accordance with the terms of this Warrant, and in any
event not exceeding three (3) Business Days after the date thereof, a new warrant in substantially identical form for the purchase of
that number of Warrant Shares equal to the difference between the number of Warrant Shares subject to this Warrant and the number of Warrant
Shares as to which this Warrant is so exercised.
(i) If
the Warrantholder does not exercise this Warrant in its entirety prior to the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Issuance Date (such date,
the “Expiration Date”), this Warrant shall be deemed to have been exercised by the Warrantholder by Net Settlement
effective immediately prior to the Expiration Date.
4. Redemption
Right.
(a) Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Warrant, the Warrantholder shall have the right (the “Redemption Right”), but not
the obligation, at any time concurrently with or following the occurrence of any Business Combination to cause the Acquiror to purchase
all or a portion of this Warrant for an amount equal to the amount Warrantholder would receive in respect of the Warrant Shares
as of the date of the Redemption Exercise Notice if the Company sold all of its assets at
Fair Market Value, paid its obligations and liabilities and distributed the net proceeds to the equityholders of the Company as specified
in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Redemption Price”).
6
(b) The
Company shall cause the Acquiror to
give the Warrantholder written notice of any Business Combination at least
thirty (30) days prior to consummation thereof. If the
Warrantholder desires to sell all or any portion of the Warrant pursuant to Section 4(a),
the Warrantholder shall deliver
to the Company (for further distribution from the Company to the Acquiror) a written notice (the “Redemption Exercise Notice”)
exercising the Redemption Right and specifying the portion of the Warrant to be sold (the “Redemption Shares”) by the
Warrantholder.
(c) The
closing of the purchase and sale for all or any portion of the Warrant pursuant to this Section 4 shall take place immediately
prior to the consummation of the Business Combination giving rise to the Redemption Right. The Company shall
cause the Acquiror to give the Warrantholder at
least ten (10) days’ written notice of the date of closing (the “Redemption Closing Date”).
(d) The
Company shall cause the Acquiror to pay the Redemption Price for the portion
of the Warrant to be sold by the Warrantholder by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the Redemption Closing Date.
At the closing of any redemption pursuant to this Section 4, the
Warrantholder shall surrender to the Acquiror the portion of the Warrant to be sold,
against receipt of the Redemption Price.
(e) The
Company and the
Warrantholder shall each (and the Company shall cause the Acquiror to) take all actions as may be reasonably necessary to consummate
the redemption contemplated by this Section 4, including entering into agreements and delivering certificates and instruments
and consents as may be deemed necessary or appropriate.
5. Exchange
Right. In connection with any Business Combination prior to the Expiration Date, the Warrantholder shall have the right, but
not the obligation, at its option, to require as a condition precedent to the related transaction, that the Company cause the Acquiror
or its ultimate parent entity to expressly assume, by written instrument delivered to, and reasonably satisfactory to, the Warrantholder,
the due and punctual performance and observance of each and every covenant, agreement and condition of this Warrant otherwise to be performed
and observed by the Company. In such case, the Warrant will be exchangeable, upon the surrender by the Warrantholder, for a new warrant
or warrants of like tenor in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Warrantholder representing the right to purchase equity
securities of such Acquiror or its ultimate parent entity on equivalent terms.
6. No
Rights as Stockholder; Transfer Books. This Warrant does not entitle the Warrantholder to any voting rights or other rights
as a stockholder of the Company prior to the date of exercise hereof. The Company will at no time close its transfer books against transfer
of this Warrant in any manner that interferes with the timely exercise of this Warrant.
7. Charges,
Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of certificates for Warrant Shares to the Warrantholder upon the exercise of this Warrant shall
be made without charge to the Warrantholder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such
certificates, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company; provided that the Company shall not be required
to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate, or any certificates
or other securities in a name other than that of the registered holder of the Warrant surrendered upon exercise of the Warrant.
7
8. Transfer/Assignment.
This Warrant and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, upon the books of the Company by the registered holder hereof
in person or by duly authorized attorney, and a new warrant shall be made and delivered by the Company, of the same tenor and date as
this Warrant but registered in the name of one or more transferees, upon surrender of this Warrant, duly endorsed, to the office or agency
of the Company described in Section 3. All expenses (other than transfer taxes) and other charges payable in connection with
the preparation, execution and delivery of the new warrants pursuant to this Section 8 shall be paid by the Company.
9. Exchange
and Registry of Warrant. The Company shall maintain a registry showing the name and address of the Warrantholder as the registered
holder of this Warrant. This Warrant may be surrendered for exchange or exercise in accordance with its terms, at the office of the Company,
and the Company shall be entitled to rely in all respects, prior to written notice to the contrary, upon such registry.
10. Loss,
Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss,
theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant, and in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction, upon receipt of a bond, indemnity
or security reasonably satisfactory to the Company, or, in the case of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Warrant,
the Company shall make and deliver, in lieu of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant, a new Warrant of like tenor representing
the right to purchase the same aggregate number of Warrant Shares as provided for in such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant.
11. Saturdays,
Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or
granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding day that
is a Business Day.
12. Adjustments
and Other Rights. The Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant shall be subject
to adjustment from time to time as follows; provided, that if more than one subsection of this Section 12 is applicable
to a single event, the subsection shall be applied that produces the least adjustment and no single event shall cause an adjustment under
more than one subsection of this Section 12 so as to result in duplication:
(a) Share
Splits, Subdivisions, Reclassifications or Combinations. If the Company shall (i) declare and pay a dividend or make a distribution
on its Common Shares in Common Shares or securities entitling any person or entity to acquire Common Shares, (ii) subdivide or reclassify
the outstanding Common Shares into a greater number of Common Shares, or (iii) combine or reclassify the outstanding Common Shares into
a smaller number of Common Shares, the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant at the time of the record date
for such dividend or distribution or the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be proportionately
adjusted so that the Warrantholder after such date shall be entitled to acquire the number of Common Shares which such holder would have
owned or been entitled to receive in respect of the Common Shares subject to this Warrant after such date had this Warrant been exercised
immediately prior to such date. In such event, the Exercise Price in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or distribution
or the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be adjusted to the number obtained by dividing (A) the
product of (x) the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon the exercise of this Warrant before such adjustment and (y) the Exercise Price
in effect immediately prior to the record or effective date, as the case may be, for the dividend, distribution, subdivision, combination
or reclassification giving rise to this adjustment by (B) the new number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant determined
pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
8
(b) Distributions.
In case the Company shall make a distribution to all holders of Common Shares of cash, securities, evidences of indebtedness, assets,
rights or warrants (excluding dividends of its Common Shares and other dividends or distributions referred to in Section 12(a)),
in each such case, the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive its pro rata share of such cash, securities, evidences of indebtedness,
assets, rights or warrants so distributed, as if the Warrant had been exercised in full by Net Settlement immediately prior to such distribution.
(c) Deemed
Liquidation Events. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, in case of any Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification
of Common Shares (other than a reclassification of Common Shares referred to in Section 12(a)), the Warrantholder’s
right to receive Warrant Shares upon exercise of this Warrant shall be converted into the right to exercise this Warrant to acquire the
cash, stock, securities or other assets or property which the Common Shares issuable (at the time of such Deemed Liquidation Event or
reclassification) upon exercise of this Warrant immediately prior to such Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification would have been
entitled to receive upon consummation of such Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification; and in any such case, if necessary, the provisions
set forth herein with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the Warrantholder shall be appropriately adjusted so as to be
applicable, as nearly as may reasonably be, to the Warrantholder’s right to exercise this Warrant in exchange for any shares of
stock or other securities or property pursuant to this paragraph. In determining the kind and amount of cash, stock, securities or other
assets or property receivable upon exercise of this Warrant following the consummation of such Deemed Liquidation Event or reclassification,
if the holders of Common Shares have the right to elect the kind or amount of consideration receivable upon consummation of such Deemed
Liquidation Event or reclassification, then the consideration that the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive upon exercise shall
be deemed to be the types and amounts of consideration received by the majority of all holders of Common Shares that affirmatively make
an election (or of all such holders if none make an election).
(d) Rounding
of Calculations; Minimum Adjustments. All calculations under this Section 12 shall be made to the nearest one-tenth (1/10th)
of a cent or to the nearest one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share, as the case may be. Any provision of this Section 12 to the contrary
notwithstanding, no adjustment in the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares shall be made if the amount of such adjustment would
be less than $0.01 or one-tenth (1/10th) of a Common Share, but any such amount shall be carried forward and an adjustment with respect
thereto shall be made at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment which, together with such amount and any other amount
or amounts so carried forward, shall aggregate $0.01 or 1/10th of a Common Share, or more.
9
(e) Timing
of Issuance of Additional Common Shares Upon Certain Adjustments. In any case in which the provisions of this Section 12 shall
require that an adjustment shall become effective immediately after a record date for an event, (i) if the Warrantholder has exercised
this Warrant after such record date but before the occurrence of such event, the Company may defer, until the occurrence of such event,
the issuance of any additional Common Shares issuable upon such exercise by reason of the adjustment required by such event over and above
the Common Shares issuable upon such exercise before giving effect to such adjustment and (ii) the Company may defer until the occurrence
of such event paying to such Warrantholder any amount of cash in lieu of a fractional Common Share; provided, however, that
the Company, upon request of the Warrantholder, shall deliver to such Warrantholder evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Warrantholder
of the right to receive such additional shares and cash upon the occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.
(f) Other
Events. If any event occurs as to which the provisions of this Section 12 are not strictly applicable or, if strictly
applicable, would not, in the good faith judgment of the Company, fairly and adequately protect the purchase rights of this Warrant in
accordance with the essential intent and principles of such provisions, then the Company shall make such adjustments in the application
of such provisions, in accordance with such essential intent and principles, as shall be reasonably necessary, in the good faith opinion
of the Company, to protect such purchase rights as aforesaid. The Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares shall not be adjusted
in the event of a change in the par value of the Common Shares or a change in the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company.
(g) Statement
Regarding Adjustments. Whenever the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares shall be adjusted as provided in Section 12,
the Company shall forthwith file at the principal office of the Company a statement showing in reasonable detail the facts requiring such
adjustment and the Exercise Price that shall be in effect and the number of Warrant Shares after such adjustment, and the Company shall
also cause a copy of such statement to be sent by mail, first class postage prepaid, to each Warrantholder at the address appearing in
the Company’s records.
(h) Notice
of Adjustment Event. In the event that the Company shall propose to take any action of the type described in this Section 12
(but only if the action of the type described in this Section 12 would result in an adjustment in the Exercise Price or the number
of Warrant Shares or a change in the type of securities or property to be delivered upon exercise of this Warrant), the Company shall
give notice to the Warrantholder, which notice shall specify the record date, if any, with respect to any such action and the approximate
date on which such action is to take place. Such notice shall also set forth the facts with respect thereto as shall be reasonably necessary
to indicate the effect on the Exercise Price and the number, kind or class of shares or other securities or property which shall be deliverable
upon exercise of this Warrant. In the case of any action which would require the fixing of a record date, such notice shall be given at
least ten (10) days prior to the date so fixed, and in case of all other action, such notice shall be given at least fifteen (15) days
prior to the taking of such proposed action. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity
of any such action.
10
(i) Proceedings
Prior to Any Action Requiring Adjustment. As a condition precedent to the taking of any action which would require an adjustment pursuant
to this Section 12, the Company shall take any action which may be necessary, including obtaining regulatory, applicable national
securities exchange or corporate approvals or exemptions, as applicable, in order that the Company may thereafter validly and legally
issue all Common Shares that the Warrantholder is entitled to receive upon exercise of this Warrant pursuant to this Section 12.
(j) Adjustment
Rules. Any adjustments pursuant to this Section 12 shall be made successively whenever an event referred to herein shall occur.
If an adjustment in Exercise Price made hereunder would reduce the Exercise Price to an amount below par value of the Common Shares, then
such adjustment in Exercise Price made hereunder shall reduce the Exercise Price to the par value of the Common Shares.
13. No
Inconsistent Agreements; No Impairment. The Company shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which
conflicts with the rights granted to the Warrantholder in this Warrant or the provisions hereof. The Company shall not, by amendment of
its Governance Documents or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities
or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder
by the Company, but shall at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all the provisions of this Warrant and in taking of
all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Warrantholder.
14. Governing
Law. This Warrant will be governed by and construed in accordance with the federal law of the United States if and to
the extent such law is applicable, and otherwise in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and
to be performed entirely within such State. Each of the Company and the Warrantholder agrees (a) to submit to the non-exclusive general
jurisdiction and venue of (i) the courts of the United States in or for the District of Columbia, (ii) the courts of the United States
in and for the Southern District of New York, (iii) any other federal court of competent jurisdiction in any other jurisdiction where
the Company or any of its property may be found, and (iv) appellate courts from any of the foregoing, in each case for any civil action,
suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Warrant or the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) that notice may be served
upon the Company in accordance with Section 18 below and upon the Warrantholder at the address for the Warrantholder set forth
in the registry maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 9 hereof; provided that nothing herein shall affect the right
of the Warrantholder to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each
of the Company and the Warrantholder hereby unconditionally waives trial by jury in any civil legal action or proceeding relating to the
Warrant or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
15. Binding
Effect. This Warrant shall be binding upon any successors or assigns of the Company.
16. Amendments.
This Warrant may be amended and the observance of any term of this Warrant may be waived only with the written consent of the Company
and the Warrantholder.
11
17. Prohibited
Actions. The Company agrees that it will not take any action, including any action that would entitle the Warrantholder to
an adjustment of the Exercise Price, if the total number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant after giving effect
to such action, together with all Common Shares then outstanding and all Common Shares then issuable upon the exercise, exchange or conversion
of all outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities exercisable or convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares, would
exceed the total number of Common Shares then authorized by its Governance Documents.
18. Notices.
Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any party to the other will be in writing and will be deemed
to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by facsimile, upon confirmation of receipt, or (b) on
the second (2nd) Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next day courier service. All notices hereunder
shall be delivered as set forth in Item 4 of Schedule I hereto, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated
in writing by the party to receive such notice.
19. Entire
Agreement. This Warrant, the forms attached hereto and Schedule I hereto (the terms of which are incorporated by reference
herein) and the Issuance Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede
all prior and contemporaneous arrangements or undertakings with respect thereto.
20. Specific
Performance; Non-Impairment. Each Warrantholder shall have the right to specific performance by the Company of the provisions
of this Warrant, in addition to any other remedies it may have at law or in equity. The Company hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent
that it may do so under applicable law, any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law which may be asserted as a bar to the remedy
of specific performance in any action brought against the Company for specific performance of this Warrant by the Warrantholder. Nothing
contained in this Warrant shall affect, limit or impair the rights and remedies of any Warrantholder or any of its Affiliates.
21. Construction.
Unless otherwise indicated to the contrary herein by the context or use thereof: (i) the words, “herein”, “hereto”,
“hereof” and words of similar import refer to this Warrant as a whole, including the Schedules, and not to any particular
section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause set forth in this Warrant; (ii) words importing the singular shall also include
the plural, and vice versa; (iii) the words “include”, “includes” or “including” shall be deemed
to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (iv) references to “$” shall be references to United States
dollars; (v) the word “or” is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive; (vi) the words “writing”, “written”
and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form; (vii) the
word “day” means calendar day unless Business Day is expressly specified; (viii) the word “extent” in the phrase
“to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”;
(ix) all references to Sections or Schedules are to Sections and Schedules of this Warrant; and (x) all references to any law
will be to such law as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. If any action under this Warrant is required to
be done or taken on a day that is not a Business Day, then such action shall be required to be done or taken not on such day but on the
first succeeding Business Day thereafter.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company
has caused this Warrant to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer.
Dated: June 3, 2026
COMPANY:
USA RARE EARTH, INC.
By:
/s/ W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Name:
W. Robert Steele, Jr.
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
[Signature Page to Warrant Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
Item 1
Name: USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Organizational form: Corporation
Jurisdiction of organization: Delaware
Item 2
Exercise Price: $17.17
Item 3
Number of Common Shares: 17,600,584
Item 4
To Company:
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
100 West Airport Road
Stillwater, OK 74075
Attention: [***]
To Warrantholder:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Herbert C. Hoover Building
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
Email: [***]
Attention: [***]
EX-99.1 — PRESS RELEASE, DATED JUNE 3, ANNOUNCING ENTRY INTO THE DIRECT FUNDING AGREEMENT, THE LOAN GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, SECURITIES ISSUANCE AGREEMENT AND WARRANT
EX-99.1
Filename: ea029340201ex99-1.htm · Sequence: 6
Exhibit 99.1
USA Rare Earth Finalizes Definitive Agreements
with U.S. Department of Commerce, Unlocking Access to Up to $1.6 Billion to Advance the Leading Rare Earth Value Chain
Definitive
Agreements Trigger Access to Up to $277 Million in Federal Funding and Up to $1.3 Billion in CHIPS Senior Secured Loan Capacity to
advance the only vertically integrated rare earth company in the U.S. across domestic heavy rare earth mining, processing and
separation, metal, and magnet production
Combined with the
$1.5 Billion PIPE Closed in January 2026 and Previous Capital Raises, Brings Total Committed Capital Supporting USA Rare
Earth’s Growth Plan to Approximately $3.5 Billion
Advances USA Rare
Earth as a Global Leader in Rare Earths that is Developing one of the Largest Integrated Mine-to-Magnet Value Chains with
Significant Runway for Future Value Creation
STILLWATER, Okla., June 3rd, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — USA
Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) (“USAR”, “USA Rare Earth”, or the “Company”), today announced the
execution of definitive agreements with the U.S. Department of Commerce, unlocking access to up to $1.6 billion in funding under the Department
of Commerce’s CHIPS Program.1 The definitive agreements comprise up to $277 million in federal funding and up to $1.3
billion in senior secured loan capacity under the CHIPS Act, with disbursements tied to the achievement of project milestones.
Prior to the definitive documents, USA Rare Earth closed $1.5 billion
in private capital raise, signed certain strategic customer agreements, and advanced Round Top.
The definitive agreements establish the framework under which USAR
will continue to build out its integrated heavy rare earth mining, metal, and magnet global value chain. Together with the $1.5 billion
private capital raise completed in January 2026 and previous capital raises, the agreements bring total committed capital supporting USAR’s
growth plan to approximately $3.5 billion.2
“This partnership with the U.S. Government is the largest of
its kind in our industry and provides the necessary capital to build the only global platform across light and heavy rare earth mining
and processing, metal and alloy making, as well as magnet manufacturing - for the benefit of the United States and its allies,”
said Michael Blitzer, Chairman of the Board of USA Rare Earth. ”This landmark collaboration reflects the scale and urgency
of securing critical supply chains for technologies essential to long-term economic growth. We are grateful for the leadership
shown across government in moving with speed and conviction. Our focus now is execution and generating industry-leading returns for both
our shareholders and the U.S. Government.”
“Today marks the moment we move from intent to execution alongside
the United States Government,” said Barbara Humpton, Chief Executive Officer of USA Rare Earth. “With the definitive agreements,
USAR is positioned to accelerate the building of a global mine-to-magnet value chain that will supply the materials, metals, and magnets
that industrial customers depend upon. From defense, aerospace, semiconductors, and data centers to physical AI, energy, mobility, and
healthcare, our integrated value chain is designed to power the technology and innovations of the 21st Century. We look forward
to our partnership with the United States Government.”
1 Funding amounts represent maximum available access under
the definitive agreements. Actual disbursements are subject to the Company’s achievement of project milestones and other conditions
set forth in the definitive agreements.
2 Approximate total committed capital comprises approximately
$1.5 billion in private capital raised through the PIPE transaction that closed on January 28, 2026, previous capital raises, and up
to $1.6 billion in U.S. Department of Commerce federal funding and CHIPS Act senior secured loan capacity under the definitive agreements.
“The CHIPS Program’s $277 million funding and $1.3 billion
loan will be instrumental for the construction of a domestic integrated supply chain for critical minerals and NdFeB magnets which are
essential for semiconductor chip manufacturing,” said Bill Frauenhofer, Executive Director of Semiconductor Investment and Innovation.
“Yttrium, gallium, dysprosium and the other 9 critical and strategic minerals that will be mined in Texas, along with the domestic
metal and magnet production, provides United States semiconductor companies a reliable domestic source and removes choke points in their
manufacturing supply chain that enable chemical vapor deposition, high-k materials, compound semiconductors, dopants and other foundational
applications.”
What the Definitive Agreements Enable. The definitive agreements
support execution of USAR’s integrated value chain across each layer of the production system, with a targeted 2030 operating profile
that, when delivered, is expected to represent the largest domestic heavy rare earth and critical mineral mining, processing and separation,
metal making, and magnet production platform in the United States and the establishment of the global leader in rare earths. Specifically,
the agreements support:
● Development of the Round Top heavy rare earth and critical
mineral deposit in Hudspeth County, Texas, targeted to begin commercial production in 2028;
● Processing and separation of the output from the Round Top
Project, including heavy rare earth element and critical mineral oxides and concentrates — including dysprosium, terbium, yttrium,
gadolinium, hafnium, erbium, thulium, lutetium, ytterbium, holmium, gallium, and zirconium — securing domestic access to 12 critical
minerals and rare earth elements;
● Reshoring of 10,000 tons per annum (tpa) of heavy rare earth
element metal- and alloy-making and strip-casting capacity through USAR’s subsidiary Less Common Metals (LCM), which are capabilities
that do not currently exist in the United States; and
● Scaling of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet manufacturing
capacity in Stillwater, Oklahoma and Blacksburg, South Carolina to 10,000 tpa.
A Partnership at the Scale of the National Challenge. Rare earth
elements and permanent magnets are foundational inputs to the technologies that underpin American economic and national security. Today,
the United States is structurally dependent on foreign supplies (and in many categories a single-source) for materials that are essential
to modern technology and global security.
The definitive agreements between USAR and the Department of Commerce
are structured to close that gap. The U.S. Government’s funding is tied to project milestones aligned with USAR’s build schedule
and creates a structure that directly aligns with taxpayer returns and the objectives of institutional investors.
Transaction Overview.
● The definitive agreements with the Department of Commerce’s
CHIPS Program provide access to up to $1.6 billion, comprising up to $277 million in federal funding and up to $1.3 billion in senior
secured loan capacity under the CHIPS Act.
2
● USAR will issue to the Department of Commerce 16.1 million
shares of common stock and approximately 17.6 million warrants.
● Funding will be disbursed in phases, tied to the Company’s
achievement of project milestones, and is structured to reimburse capital expenditures incurred in executing USAR’s business plan.
● Combined with the $1.5 billion common stock PIPE that closed
in January 2026 and previous capital raises, total committed capital to support USAR’s growth plan stands at approximately $3.5
billion.2
Transaction Advisors
Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal counsel and Moelis & Company
LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to USA Rare Earth in structuring and executing its agreements with the U.S. Government.
About USA Rare Earth
USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) is building a fully integrated
rare earth and permanent magnet value chain across the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. Through its ownership of
Less Common Metals (LCM), one of the world’s leading producers of rare earth metals and alloys, its magnet manufacturing capacity
in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Pela Ema mine in Brazil (subject to closing the Serra Verde Group transaction) and the Round Top deposit
in Texas, USA Rare Earth operates across the entire value chain from mining to metal-making, alloy production and neodymium magnet manufacturing.
USA Rare Earth is establishing a secure, Western-aligned supply of materials essential to the aerospace and defense, semiconductor, energy,
data center, physical AI, mobility, healthcare and industrial sectors. For more information, visit www.usare.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include those relating to the definitive agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce
and its expected benefits, including the anticipated milestones, conditions precedent, timing of disbursements, and expected funding amounts;
the issuance of common stock and warrants to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the potential dilutive impact of such issuances on existing
stockholders; the Company’s investment plans, including the development of the Round Top deposit, the development and expansion
of processing and separation facilities, the development and expansion of metal-making and strip-casting facilities, and the development
and expansion of the magnet manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma; the Company’s strategic supply and customer agreements;
the Company’s plans for and prospects of its announced acquisitions, investments, and other business development activities, including
the announced Serra Verde Group transaction; and projected operating results and performance.
2 Approximate total committed capital comprises approximately
$1.5 billion in private capital raised through the PIPE transaction that closed on January 28, 2026, previous capital raises, and up
to $1.6 billion in U.S. Department of Commerce federal funding and CHIPS Act senior secured loan capacity under the definitive agreements.
3
Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate
strictly to historical or current facts. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,”
“could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “might,”
“plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,”
“should,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions may
identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and
potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations, including
without limitation: the ability of USA Rare Earth to satisfy the conditions precedent and other milestone-based requirements of the definitive
agreement on the anticipated terms or at all; the potential dilution to existing stockholders and adverse effect on the Company’s
stock price resulting from the issuance of common stock and warrants to the U.S. Department of Commerce or other issuances of common stock
or equity-linked securities; the Company’s ability to commercially extract minerals from the Round Top deposit on the anticipated
timeline or at all; the Company’s ability to develop its processing, separation, metal-making, strip-casting, and magnet manufacturing
facilities on the anticipated timeline or at all; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms or at all;
the volatility of the Company’s stock price; risks that the proposed transactions with the Serra Verde Group, Carester SAS and Texas
Mineral Resources Corp. may not be consummated on their anticipated timelines or at all; the Company may not realize the anticipated benefits
of its proposed and prior acquisitions, including expected synergies, financial performance, estimated EBITDA and, in the case of the
Serra Verde Group, integration of operations, on the anticipated timeline or at all; the ability of the Company’s Stillwater magnet
manufacturing facility to commence commercial operations on the timing and with the production capacity anticipated or at all; the Company’s
limited operating history; risks that the Company may experience delays, unforeseen expenses, increased capital costs, and other complications
in operating its business; the availability of rare earth oxide, metal feedstock and other materials, utilities (including power and water)
and equipment in quantities and prices that allow the Company to develop and commercially operate its Stillwater facility and other facilities;
the Company’s ability to meet individual customer specifications and manufacture a consistently high quality product; fluctuations
in demand for and prices of the Company’s products, including without limitation as a result of dumping, predatory pricing and other
tactics by the Company’s competitors or state actors or the overall competitive environment; the Company’s ability to achieve
positive cash flow or profitability or the ability to access cash flow within the Company’s corporate structure due to restrictions
contained in the Company’s financing agreements; the Company’s ability to convert current commercial discussions and/or memorandums
of understanding with customers for the sale of its neo magnets and other products into definitive orders; geopolitical developments or
disruptions, such as changes in the political environment, export/import or environmental policy of the People’s Republic of China,
the United States or other countries in which the Company operates or sells products or otherwise; war, terrorism, natural disasters or
public health emergencies; the Company’s ability to retain or recruit key personnel; environmental, health and safety regulations;
and the Company’s ability to comply with requirements for federal, state and local government incentives and financing.
Additional risks and detailed information regarding the factors that
may cause actual results to differ materially has been and will be included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the
Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings.
Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release (or such other date as is specified in such statement),
and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future developments
except as required by law.
Contacts
Investor Relations
J.B. Lowe, VP, Investor Relations, USA Rare Earth — IR@usare.com
Media Relations
Dan Moore / Scott Bisang, Collected Strategies — USAR-CS@collectedstrategies.com
# # #
4
GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC
Filename: ea029340201_img1.jpg · Sequence: 7
Binary file (15912 bytes)
Download ea029340201_img1.jpg
GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC
Filename: ea029340201_ex10-3img1.jpg · Sequence: 8
Binary file (2480 bytes)
Download ea029340201_ex10-3img1.jpg
XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
XML
Filename: R1.htm · Sequence: 13
v3.26.1
Cover
Jun. 03, 2026
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type
8-K
Amendment Flag
false
Document Period End Date
Jun. 03, 2026
Entity File Number
001-41711
Entity Registrant Name
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key
0001970622
Entity Tax Identification Number
98-1720278
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
DE
Entity Address, Address Line One
100 W Airport Road
Entity Address, City or Town
Stillwater
Entity Address, State or Province
OK
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
74075
City Area Code
813
Local Phone Number
867-6155
Written Communications
false
Soliciting Material
false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer
false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer
false
Title of 12(b) Security
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Trading Symbol
USAR
Security Exchange Name
NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company
true
Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period
false
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_AmendmentFlag
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Area code of city
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_CityAreaCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Cover page.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_CoverAbstract
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
For the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period. The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_DocumentType
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:submissionTypeItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Address Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the City or Town
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Code for the postal or zip code
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the state or province.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:stateOrProvinceItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityCentralIndexKey
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:centralIndexKeyItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Indicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Indicate if an emerging growth company has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Securities Act
-Number 7A
-Section B
-Subsection 2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Commission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityFileNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:fileNumberItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Two-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:edgarStateCountryItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityRegistrantName
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:employerIdItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Local phone number for entity.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_LocalPhoneNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 13e
-Subsection 4c
+ Details
Name:
dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 14d
-Subsection 2b
+ Details
Name:
dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Title of a 12(b) registered security.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b
+ Details
Name:
dei_Security12bTitle
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:securityTitleItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the Exchange on which a security is registered.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection d1-1
+ Details
Name:
dei_SecurityExchangeName
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:edgarExchangeCodeItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 14a
-Subsection 12
+ Details
Name:
dei_SolicitingMaterial
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_TradingSymbol
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:tradingSymbolItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Securities Act
-Number 230
-Section 425
+ Details
Name:
dei_WrittenCommunications
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration