Mining

The U.S. Department of Energy is investing $134 million in two projects aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains for rare earth elements (REEs). These projects will showcase the feasibility of extracting and refining REEs from unconventional sources like mine tailings and electronic waste, potentially benefitting American industry and supply chain resilience.

Mine waste refiner Phoenix Tailings has secured a $66 million grant from the US Department of Energy’s Rare Earth Demonstration Facility Programme to advance their rare earth separation technology. This project, part of a $147.8 million initiative, in partnership with MIT and the University of Minnesota, aims to recover heavy rare earth materials from domestic feedstocks, highlighting advancements in American industry and innovation.

USA Rare Earth has secured agreements with the US Department of Commerce for up to $1.6 billion in funding under the CHIPS Act. This funding will support the company’s plans to build a domestic rare earth supply chain, contributing to American industry and supply chain resilience.

Ramaco Resources and Ohio-based REalloys Inc. have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to strengthen the United States’ domestic rare earth and permanent magnet supply chain. This strategic partnership aims to provide domestically sourced mixed rare earth carbonates, contributing to the resilience and competitiveness of American industry.

Western Ridge Resources, an ASX-listed critical minerals explorer, has significantly increased its landholding around the Keystone project in Nevada by 4,960 acres with the addition of 248 lode claims. This expansion includes multiple historic mining workings and presents opportunities for modern exploration, potentially impacting American industry and the supply of critical minerals.

REalloys, a US rare earth processing company, has entered into a partnership with Ramaco Resources, a metallurgical coal miner, to explore a long-term collaboration for the supply and commercialization of rare earth and other products from Ramaco’s Brook mine in Wyoming. This partnership aims to enhance the production and commercialization of rare earth and scandium products, potentially benefiting American industry and supply chains.

Western Ridge Resources, an ASX-listed critical minerals explorer, has significantly increased its landholding around the Keystone project in Nevada by 4,960 acres through the staking of 248 additional lode claims. This expansion, which includes multiple historic mining workings, presents new opportunities for exploration and potential development, contributing to the growth of American mining and critical minerals supply chains.

ASX-listed critical minerals explorer Lodestar Minerals has successfully raised $4.4 million through a placement, bolstering its exploration efforts in Chile, the US, and Western Australia. This capital injection will support the company’s exploration activities, potentially benefiting American industry and supply chains in the long run.