LYNAS Rare Earths Ltd. has started producing samarium - a metal used across advanced industries - at its plant in Malaysia, bolstering the company’s standing as an alternative to China in supplying critical materials.

The first batch of samarium was made ahead of an April target, the Australian firm said in a statement, and adds to production of terbium and dysprosium that started last year. The three materials are known as "heavy” rare earths, and have become highly prized since Beijing restricted their exports last year.