American Rare Earths Advances Development of Halleck Creek Mine in Wyoming

American Rare Earths and its subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., are making progress in developing the Halleck Creek Mine in northeastern Albany County, Wyoming, the Sheridan Press reports.

The project represents a key step in strengthening domestic rare earth production, reducing US reliance on foreign sources—particularly China—for these critical materials.

Rare earth elements (REEs) consist of 17 metallic elements, which, despite their name, are not scarce but are rarely found in high enough concentrations for economically viable extraction. The Halleck Creek Mine will focus on neodymium and praseodymium, two essential elements used in advanced technologies.

“These are often referred to as magnet metals because of their exceptional strength,”  said Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. President Joe Evers. “They are crucial for industries ranging from defense—used in fighter jets and submarines—to consumer electronics, including smartphones and laptops.”

In February, the company announced a significant metallurgical breakthrough, increasing the concentration of rare earth minerals by 10 times during initial processing. This advancement allows for 93.5% of mined ore to be eliminated early, reducing refining costs and making the extraction process more efficient.

To support testing and development, American Rare Earths has partnered with Western Research Institute (WRI) in Laramie, Wyoming. This collaboration provides a dedicated facility for storing and analyzing drill core samples and will serve as a future site for a pilot plant to refine processing techniques.

“The proximity of the Laramie facility to our mine site is a major advantage,” Evers noted. “Previously, we had to send materials out of state or even across international borders for testing. Now, we can handle much of this work locally.”

In January, the company announced a 12.2% increase in estimated mineral resources, bringing the total to 2.63 billion tonnes. This expansion solidifies Halleck Creek as one of North America’s largest rare earth deposits, with a low-cost open-pit mining operation expected to be feasible.

American Rare Earths recently received its first reimbursement of $304,000 as part of a $7.1 million grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority. These funds will support exploration, environmental studies, and feasibility assessments.

Additionally, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has expressed interest in providing up to $456 million in debt financing to help fund the mine’s development. This aligns with federal efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals.

The company is actively engaging with local stakeholders, including business leaders, ranchers, and government officials, to ensure a positive economic impact for Albany County.

“The mine itself has a relatively small footprint, but the economic benefits could be significant,” Evers said. “Revenue from severance and ad valorem taxes will directly support local government and infrastructure.”

As the project advances, American Rare Earths plans to:

• Complete a pre-feasibility study by the end of 2025

• Expand exploration efforts across the uncharted 84% of the Halleck Creek district

• Continue environmental monitoring to streamline permitting

• Secure additional investment and funding partnerships