#United States #Denver #Rare Earth #Energy Fuels #Vulcan Elements

Energy Fuels and Vulcan Elements Collaboration to Strengthen U.S. Rare Earth Magnet Security

Energy Fuels Inc., a U.S. company specialized in the production of rare earth element oxides, has announced a significant partnership with Vulcan Elements. This collaboration aims to establish a robust domestic supply chain for rare earth magnets, crucial for various commercial and defense applications. The agreement was formalized under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently signed by both companies.

Rare earth magnets hold immense importance in the modern technological landscape. They are integral to a myriad of applications including satellites, robotics, artificial intelligence data centers, semiconductor fabrication, drones, defense systems, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, industrial motors, and power tools. Understanding the strategic significance of these materials, Energy Fuels and Vulcan Elements are taking decisive steps to minimize reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly from China, which has historically dominated this market.

Under the terms of the MOU, Energy Fuels will provide Vulcan Elements with high-purity “light” and “heavy” rare earth oxides sourced from U.S. mines. The primary resources for this collaboration will come from Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah, the only U.S. facility capable of separating these oxides from monazite mineral concentrates. This unique mineral source is sought after due to its high concentration of valuable rare earth materials.

The collaboration is poised to kick off in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Energy Fuels delivering initial quantities of high-purity neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) and dysprosium (Dy) oxides. Following the delivery, Vulcan Elements will validate these materials for their specific applications in magnet production. Should the validation process prove successful, both companies intend to enter into long-term supply agreements to ensure a steady flow of these essential materials.

CEO of Vulcan Elements, John Maslin, emphasized the critical nature of this partnership, stating, "Together, Vulcan Elements and Energy Fuels are onshoring one of the most important supply chains for America's future economy and security. We believe this collaboration will enable Vulcan to ensure it has access to the rare earth materials needed to deliver high-performance magnets for critical technologies and essential military capabilities."

Energy Fuels' CEO, Mark S. Chalmers, also expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting their shared vision of creating a secure Western supply chain for rare earth magnets. He highlighted both companies’ proven ability to deliver rare earth products that meet commercial specifications at scale from American facilities.

Currently, Vulcan Elements operates a manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina, producing high-performance rare earth magnets. Their products meet stringent requirements for both commercial and defense applications, spanning sectors from artificial intelligence infrastructure to automotive applications.

Energy Fuels proudly announced its accomplishments in 2024, notably achieving commercial scale production of high-purity NdPr oxide at its White Mesa Mill. This facility is also spearheading steps to produce commercially suitable “heavy” rare earth oxides. With kilogram-scale samples of Dy oxide expected in August 2025, and Terbium oxide in Q4 2025, Energy Fuels is ardently progressing its ambitions in the rare earth sector.

In summary, the partnership between Energy Fuels and Vulcan Elements marks a pivotal step in strengthening the U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain. By leveraging domestic resources and expertise, both companies aim to secure the requisite materials critical for advancing technology and fostering national security. As these developments unfold, the eyes of the industry will be keenly observing the progress of this collaboration and its implications for the future of rare earth elements in America.