Lynas Rare Earths said takeover discussions held earlier this year ended without proceeding because they involved a high level of uncertainty. The Australian miner, traded under the ticker LYC.AX, is the world’s biggest rare-earths producer outside China and is searching for a new CEO after Amanda Lacaze’s retirement. Lynas reported a sharp increase in annual profit last month, supported by record average selling prices for rare-earth oxide and strong demand, although the result fell short of market expectations.