American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR, OTCQX: ARRNF, ADR: AMRRY) continues to make strides in its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, reporting encouraging results from a recent geological mapping and channel sampling campaign at the Cowboy State Mine (CSM) area. The findings underscore the project’s potential as a significant domestic source of critical rare earth elements (REEs) essential for advanced technologies and national security.
The sampling program, conducted by geologists from Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., American Rare Earths’ wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, in partnership with Geosyntec, collected 106 channel samples across the Red Mountain area. Assay results revealed elevated concentrations of rare earth oxides, with Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) grades ranging from 711 parts per million (ppm) to an impressive 13,651 ppm (1.37%). The average TREO grade across the Red Mountain Pluton (RMP) rock type was 3,661 ppm.
Notably, 15 samples exceeded 4,500 ppm TREO, highlighting zones of higher-grade material within the deposit. The composition of these rare earths includes approximately 28% magnet rare earth oxides (MREO), such as neodymium and praseodymium, averaging 1,023 ppm, and about 13% heavy rare earth oxides (HREO), including dysprosium and terbium, averaging 464 ppm. These heavy rare earth elements are particularly valuable for their use in high-performance magnets and other advanced applications.
The southern part of Red Mountain stands out as hosting some of the highest-grade material identified so far within the CSM area. This new data is being integrated into an updated geological model and mineral resource estimate, which will inform mine planning and support the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) scheduled for completion by late 2025.
Chris Gibbs, CEO of American Rare Earths, emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “Halleck Creek is positioned to become one of the few U.S. sources capable of supplying critical magnet rare earths at scale, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.” He highlighted the significance of terbium and dysprosium, which are crucial for magnets operating at high temperatures and remain scarce outside China. According to the company’s Scoping Study, these two elements alone could contribute over 25% of project revenues despite representing a small fraction of the total tonnage.
A key advantage of Halleck Creek is its location on Wyoming state lands, which provides a clear regulatory pathway without the need for federal permitting reform. This simplifies project advancement compared to other sites on federal lands. The project’s timing is also critical given recent Chinese export restrictions on terbium and dysprosium, reinforcing Halleck Creek’s role as a secure domestic supply source.
American Rare Earths envisions a staged development approach that could see initial production as early as 2029. The project benefits from cost-effective open-pit mining methods and plans to establish onsite processing and separation facilities. This vertical integration aims to reduce U.S. dependence on rare earth imports, particularly from China, and support the growing demand for these elements in defense, renewable energy, and advanced technology sectors.
The Halleck Creek project covers over 3,304 hectares in the Central Laramie Mountains of Wyoming and includes approximately 367 unpatented lode mining claims and four Wyoming State Mineral Leases. Through its subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., American Rare Earths controls the project fully, positioning it as a cornerstone for U.S. critical mineral independence.
American Rare Earths Limited is an Australian-based critical minerals company focused on developing rare earth deposits in the United States. Besides Halleck Creek, it owns the La Paz Rare Earth Project in Arizona and other exploration properties. The company collaborates with U.S. government-supported research programs to develop environmentally responsible extraction and processing technologies.
The latest sampling results from American Rare Earths’ Halleck Creek project reinforce its potential to become a vital U.S. source of rare earth elements, particularly the high-value magnet rare earths critical for modern technologies. With its strategic location, promising grades, and supportive regulatory environment, the project is advancing steadily toward production, aligning with national interests to secure a domestic rare earth supply chain.
