American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR) (OTCMKTS: ARRNF) has moved a step closer to full-scale U.S. operations.
Through its subsidiary, Wyoming Rare Inc., the company has begun construction of a test mine at the Cowboy State Mine, part of the Halleck Creek deposit. Announced on Monday, the work is being done under a State of Wyoming License to Explore by Dozing.
The test mining program is designed to extract roughly 3,200 tonnes of ore. This material will feed a demonstration plant and support ongoing mineral processing optimization. In addition, bulk samples will help refine the company’s processing flowsheets.
The company safely executed the first of two scheduled blasts, fracturing weathered material to a depth of approximately 3.6 metres. Over the next week, crews will excavate and stockpile this material.
Once removed, American Rare Earths will expose, blast and crush the underlying non-weathered ore to a top size of about five centimetres.
Furthermore, the crushed ore will serve multiple purposes: metallurgical testing, building a stockpile for the demonstration plant, and producing samples for potential offtake partners. Meanwhile, the company will use the weathered rock to backfill the test pit upon completion.
Test mining also generates valuable operational data. Drill penetration rates, blast fragmentation, and other metrics will inform future mine design. Additionally, these insights allow the company to refine engineering and cost models for potential plant construction.
Demonstration plants are critical to the company’s development pathway. They allow American Rare Earths to validate processing flowsheets at scale and produce end-product samples for potential buyers. Furthermore, demonstration plants help de-risk full-scale operations by proving technical performance under real-world conditions.
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Countries are racing to secure supply chains
There are, however, deeper reasons why this goes beyond simple production and functionality.
Global demand for rare earth elements has surged, driven largely by geopolitical pressures.
Countries are racing to secure supply chains for critical minerals used in renewable energy, defense, and electric vehicles. In addition, trade restrictions and export controls have intensified efforts to boost domestic production in the U.S. and allied nations.
The Cowboy State Mine produces a range of rare earths critical for modern technology. Furthermore, the company’s test mining and demonstration plant programs aim to validate processing techniques and generate samples for potential offtake partners.
Antimony has also seen a surge in interest. It’s commonly used in flame retardants, batteries, and alloys, and is now prized amid geopolitical uncertainty. Perpetua Resources (NASDAQ: PPTA) (TSE: PPTA) Stibnite Mine in Idaho exemplifies this trend, producing antimony alongside gold. Additionally, smaller companies highlight antimony output alongside their usual metal production to attract investors and meet market demand.
NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50) reports antimony production at Limousine Butte and Resurrection Ridge in Nevada. This dual-focus strategy allows companies to leverage existing infrastructure while tapping rising antimony markets. Meanwhile, other juniors across North America are exploring similar approaches, emphasizing critical mineral content in investor materials.
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