US Rare Earth Supply Tightens as Halleck Creek Confirms High-Grade Critical Minerals
American Rare Earths reports high-grade rare earth oxide results from Wyoming's Cowboy State Mine, reinforcing its strategic position in the US critical minerals landscape.
- TREO grades up to 13,651 ppm (1.37%) confirmed at Cowboy State Mine
- 15 of 106 channel samples exceed 4,500 ppm TREO
- Magnet rare earth oxides average 1,023 ppm, ~28% of total TREO
- Heavy rare earth oxides average 464 ppm, ~13% of TREO
- Results feed into updated resource model supporting late 2025 Pre-Feasibility Study
Robust Sampling Highlights Rare Earth Potential
American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR) has unveiled compelling assay results from its recent channel sampling program at the Cowboy State Mine (CSM), part of the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming. The program returned Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) grades reaching as high as 13,651 ppm (1.37%), with a significant subset of samples, 15 out of 106, exceeding 4,500 ppm TREO. These findings underscore the project's potential as a major domestic source of critical rare earth elements.
Strategic Composition of Rare Earth Elements
The mineralogical breakdown reveals that magnet rare earth oxides (MREO), including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, constitute approximately 28% of the total rare earth content, averaging 1,023 ppm. Heavy rare earth oxides (HREO), vital for high-performance magnets and currently constrained by global supply, average 464 ppm, representing about 13% of TREO. This composition aligns with the project's strategic focus on supplying high-value rare earths essential for advanced technologies and defense applications.
Advancing Towards Pre-Feasibility and Production
The channel sampling data is being integrated into an updated geological model and mineral resource estimate for the CSM area. This updated model will inform mine planning and underpin the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which remains on schedule for completion in late 2025. American Rare Earths anticipates that, following the PFS, a staged development could enable first production as early as 2029, positioning Halleck Creek as a cornerstone of US rare earth supply.
Permitting and Geopolitical Context
Located on Wyoming State lands, the project benefits from streamlined permitting processes, avoiding the complexities often associated with federal land. This advantage is particularly timely given recent Chinese export restrictions on key rare earths like terbium and dysprosium, heightening the national imperative for secure domestic sources. American Rare Earths is thus well placed to contribute to reducing US reliance on foreign rare earth imports.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing exploration and development drilling planned, including permit applications already submitted, the company is methodically advancing Halleck Creek’s resource definition and project economics. The robust channel sampling results not only validate previous exploration but also enhance confidence in the project's multi-generational potential to supply critical minerals essential for the evolving green economy and national security.
Bottom Line?
As American Rare Earths integrates these high-grade results into its upcoming feasibility study, Halleck Creek’s role in securing US rare earth independence grows ever clearer.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated resource model affect the project's economic viability and mine plan?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with advancing from pre-feasibility to production by 2029?
- How might evolving geopolitical tensions and rare earth market dynamics impact project development and financing?
