#United States #Nome #Rare Earths #Graphite One #Graphite Creek

Graphite One Confirms Rare Earth Elements at Graphite Creek

Graphite One Inc., a prominent player in the mining sector, recently made a significant announcement regarding its Graphite Creek deposit located north of Nome, Alaska. The CEO, Anthony Huston, asserted that the deposit not only contains graphite but also a noteworthy presence of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) which are deemed essential under the Defense Production Act Title III. This revelation could elevate Graphite Creek’s status as a generational deposit favored for industrial and defense applications.

The geochemical analyses conducted by Activation Laboratories Ltd. revealed the presence of REEs in drill core samples obtained from the garnet-bearing ore rock. This finding aligns with the Feasibility Study (FS) completed by Graphite One earlier this year, which identified the Graphite Creek deposit as the largest known natural graphite reserve in the United States. The scope of the FS has significantly increased the previous resource estimates, indicating a 20-year mine life that covers merely a fraction (12%) of the total mineralized zone that stretches over 15.3 kilometers.

The importance of Rare Earth Elements cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of modern technology. Elements such as neodymium and praseodymium play crucial roles in manufacturing permanent magnets used in various high-tech applications, including wind turbines and electric vehicles. Moreover, these elements are fundamental to advanced military systems, telecommunications, and innovative renewable energy solutions.

Reflecting on China's pivotal role in the Rare Earth Elements market, the country has imposed strict export limits, raising concerns over reliance on foreign resources. This geopolitical factor amplifies the significance of Graphite One’s development plans to ensure domestic supply chains are established.

The findings from Graphite One's operations highlighted elevated levels of Heavy Rare Earths (HREEs), particularly Dysprosium and Terbium, along with the more commonly recognized Samarium, which is integral in the production of high-performance magnets. Another noteworthy mention is the presence of Scandium and elevated Yttrium within the garnet-bearing ore rock, enhancing the ore’s potential value. Geologist Dr. Kirsten Fristad noted that garnets are particularly known for their ability to incorporate these heavy rare earths into their structure, a factor which could prove advantageous for extraction processes.

In confidence of their findings, Graphite One has entered discussions with a Department of Energy National Lab to refine extraction methods and optimize the processing of these Rare Earth Elements. As optimism grows regarding their REE recovery plan, the company is also simultaneously working on a robust supply chain strategy aimed at creating a comprehensive domestic solution for graphite materials, which includes transporting mined materials to their processing facilities.

With a state-supported strategic direction, Graphite One is not only looking to capitalize on natural graphite but also aims to integrate the recovery of REEs as valuable by-products of their mining operations. This holistic approach not only improves overall project feasibility but also positions Graphite One favorably within the competitive landscape of critical minerals production. The company underscores its commitment to sustainable practices with a circular economy model, aiming to reclaim graphite and essential battery materials through advanced recycling initiatives.

In conclusion, Graphite One’s recent findings at the Graphite Creek deposit signify an exciting evolution in the mining and materials sector, with the potential to reshape U.S. dependency on foreign supply chains for vital minerals. The introduction of Rare Earth elements into their operational framework not only adds economic value but also aligns with national interests by enhancing domestic production capabilities for the technologies essential in the 21st century.