Carbon Materials | Logistics | Financing

ASTER Beyond Carbon

ASTER Resources delivers metallurgical coal, specialty carbon, and critical materials through an integrated commercial platform built for reliable execution from source to market.

Industrial Materials Platform

Built for reliable movement from source to market.

Through strategic relationships, ASTER provides reliable access to high-quality inputs essential to modern industry, with the financial and logistics capabilities needed to execute in real-world conditions.

Industrial materials processing facility with overhead cranes and molten metal

Our Mission

We supply critical industrial inputs with discipline, reliability, and commercial focus.

National Security

Securing America's industrial future.

ASTER Resources is building a secure supply platform for the critical raw materials that support steelmaking, defense manufacturing, advanced technologies, and the energy transition for American companies and allied partners.

The United States industrial and national security increasingly depends on secure access to critical minerals and metallurgical inputs. ASTER supplies critical materials through transparent, resilient, and reliable supply chains designed to reduce dependence on geopolitical adversaries.

  • Trusted producing jurisdictions
  • Transparent sourcing and traceability
  • Reliable logistics and delivery
  • Long-term commercial partnerships
  • Reduced geopolitical and operational risk

Trusted Production

We prioritize materials produced in the United States and allied nations, supporting domestic jobs and long-term industrial resilience.

Secure Supply Chains

Supply chain resilience is no longer optional. It is a strategic imperative for manufacturers, defense suppliers, and industrial customers.

Two military aircraft in flight

Carbon Applications

Supporting industries with dependable carbon & alloy materials.

Carbon is a foundational material across industrial and advanced applications. ASTER supports sectors where performance, consistency, and supply reliability are critical.

Aerospace & Defense Applications

Advanced carbon materials enable lighter, stronger, and more heat-resistant structures while supporting critical energy, mobility, and protective technologies.

Robotics & Automation

Precision manufacturing relies on durable, high-performance materials. Carbon-based inputs enhance consistent efficiency and longevity.

Magnet Technology

Rare Earth Element inputs are essential in the production of advanced magnetic systems used across energy and electronics sectors.

Transportation & Energy Systems

From steel production to electrification, carbon helps build scalable and efficient infrastructure.

Primary & Secondary Metals Processing

Carbon improves recovery rates and operating efficiency in key refining processes.

Steel Mills

Uniquely positioned to deliver single-source mid-volatility metallurgical coal, supporting high-quality coke performance, drying efficiency, and blast furnace efficiency.

Supply Platform

Align supply, capital, and execution.

We work closely with producers, consumers, and financial partners to structure transactions that are reliable, efficient, and scalable.

Direct access High-quality metallurgical coal, Specialty Carbon, & Alloy materials.
Market-driven structuring Commercial terms shaped around demand and execution.
Integrated logistics Delivery capabilities from origin to destination.
Financing Capital solutions connected to physical transactions.

Services

Commercial capability across the materials value chain.

Carbon Products

Metallurgical coal, specialty coal, coke, and carbon materials tailored to industrial and advanced applications.

Metals & Minerals

Producer-to-market connections for efficient and reliable sourcing of essential raw materials.

Ferroalloys

Key steelmaking and alloy production inputs supported by strong commercial relationships.

Rare Earth Elements

Access to strategic materials critical to high-growth technologies and energy transition systems.

Financing

Capital solutions integrated with physical transactions for efficient execution and working capital.

Logistics & Warehousing

End-to-end logistics management that keeps materials moving efficiently and predictably.

Supply & Resource Access

Strategic producer relationships serving clients worldwide.

Working as partners with Clinch Resources Ltd, ASTER supports clients by sourcing the right materials for their specific needs across a range of industries.

  • High-quality metallurgical coal, including mid-volatility grades
  • Alignment with production growth and scalability
  • Insight into material chemistry and performance
  • Integration with downstream carbon applications

Financing

Capital solutions connected to physical commodities.

ASTER integrates financing with physical supply and logistics, enabling faster, more transparent, and commercially aligned transactions.

Trade Finance

Capital to support the purchase, transport, and delivery of commodities.

Co-Investment

Selective participation where commercial alignment enhances value creation.

Advisory

Strategic guidance on market positioning, commercialization, and capital structure.

Digital Commodity Solutions

Asset-backed digital instruments linked to underlying resource value.

Why ASTER

Not just a supplier. A commercial partner.

We combine market knowledge, supply access, financial capability, and execution discipline to deliver solutions that work in real-world conditions.

Leadership

Leadership built around supply, markets, and execution.

ASTER's executive team brings together commercial discipline, commodity market knowledge, and operational focus to support customers from sourcing strategy through delivery.

Cesar Canali

CEO, ASTER Resources LLC

Cesar Canali was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Argentem Trade Services, a specialized trade and commodity finance company focused on the metals and minerals sector. Argentem Trade Services operates in close affiliation with Argentem Creek Partners, a global investment firm with offices in the United States and United Kingdom. With over 25 years of experience spanning financial services and the commodities sector, Mr. Canali brings deep expertise in commodities, structured trade, emerging markets, and cross-border transactions. His career includes leadership and senior roles at leading institutions, including Sucden, Cargill, Jefferies, MF Global, and Mizuho Corporate Bank. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Canali is an active technology investor and a frequent guest speaker, contributing insights to global industry forums and publications. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and is based in New York City. Mr. Canali holds an MBA in Management and Finance from Business School São Paulo (BSP), a Bachelor's degree in International Trade and Business from Unisinos, and has completed executive education at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

JON NIX

Co-CEO, ASTER Resources LLC President & CEO, Clinch Resources Ltd

Jon Nix, Active Resources' founder, has proven executive leadership experience in the mining industry. Mr. Nix is a fourth-generation coal miner. Jon founded Xinergy Corp. (XRG) in 2008, a former Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed Central Appalachian metallurgical and thermal coal producer where he served as CEO and Chairman through May 2012. Prior to Xinergy Corp., Jon was the Founder, CEO and Chairman of Nasdaq listed National Coal Corporation (NCOC), from 2001, through 2005. Mr. Nix holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The University of Tennessee.

Ownership

A Clinch Resources Ltd company.

Clinch Resources Ltd mines, processes, and sells metallurgical carbon for modern materials and specialty steel markets. Its metallurgical coal operations are located in West Virginia, USA, and the company is focused on safe, efficient, and responsible production to meet global supply demand.

Visit Clinch Resources Ltd