Can Lodestar Unlock US Heavy Rare Earth Supply Amid China Export Controls?

• Maiden exploration program underway at Virgin Mountain, Arizona
• Historic samples show up to 1.26% total rare earth oxides with heavy rare earths up to 57%
• Focus on verifying historic data and mapping mineralised trends along a uranium-thorium structural zone
• Strategic importance heightened by recent Chinese export controls on heavy rare earths
• Engagement with rare earth specialists and government agencies planned to support future development

Exploration Commences at a Historically Rich Rare Earth Site

Lodestar Minerals Limited has embarked on its maiden exploration program at the Virgin Mountain Rare Earth Project in Arizona, marking a significant step in its rare earth element (REE) ambitions. The project, acquired under an option agreement earlier this year, is notable for its historically reported high concentrations of heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium, alongside valuable light rare earths neodymium and praseodymium.

Historic channel sampling at the site revealed total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades ranging from 0.53% to 1.26%, with heavy rare earths comprising up to 57% of the total. These figures underscore the project's potential to contribute meaningfully to the supply of critical minerals, especially given the global tightening of heavy rare earth exports from China.

Strategic Location and Geological Promise

Virgin Mountain sits within a region of established infrastructure and is in proximity to the Mountain Pass mine, the only operating rare earth mine in the United States. The mineralisation is associated with a 760-meter uranium-thorium structural trend, an underexplored geological feature mapped by the Arizona Geological Survey. Lodestar’s current field activities include verification of historic sample sites, surface rock-chip sampling, and detailed geological and structural mapping to better define mineralised zones and their extent.

Integrated Technical and Government Engagement

Recognising the complexity of rare earth mineralisation and processing, Lodestar has engaged specialised geologists and metallurgical consultants early in the exploration phase. This strategic move aims to align exploration efforts with downstream processing requirements, potentially smoothing the path toward future development. Additionally, the company plans to engage with government agencies in both Australia and the United States to explore critical minerals programs and financing opportunities, reflecting the project's broader strategic importance.

Broader Exploration Ambitions

Alongside Virgin Mountain, Lodestar is advancing exploration at other projects, including Ned’s Creek Gold in Western Australia and the Three Saints copper and gold project in Chile. These efforts highlight Lodestar’s diversified approach to critical and base metals exploration, positioning the company to capitalize on multiple fronts within the evolving global minerals landscape.

As the initial fieldwork concludes, Lodestar will analyse new geological and geochemical data to validate historic findings and refine exploration targets. The company’s methodical approach, combining historic data with modern techniques and strategic partnerships, sets a solid foundation for what could be a significant addition to the US rare earth supply chain.

Bottom Line?

Lodestar’s maiden exploration at Virgin Mountain could mark the start of a new domestic heavy rare earth source amid shifting global supply dynamics.

Questions in the middle?

• How will assay results from the maiden program compare to historic sample grades?
• What are the prospects for advancing from exploration to development given the project's proximity to Mountain Pass?
• How might government engagement influence financing and regulatory support for Lodestar’s rare earth ambitions?