#United States #Lakewood #Energy Fuels #Heavy Rare Earth Elements #REE Production

Energy Fuels Commences Production of Heavy Rare Earth Element Oxides

Energy Fuels Inc., a prominent U.S. producer of uranium and rare earth elements, has made significant strides in enhancing the domestic supply of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The company recently announced the commencement of pilot-scale production of heavy rare earth oxide at its White Mesa Mill located in Utah. With plans to transition to commercial production by late 2026, Energy Fuels positions itself as a key player in the U.S. rare earth supply chain at a time when demand is surging.

Investment in Rare Earth Element Production

Rare earth elements, essential for various high-tech applications, are crucial for industries ranging from electronics to renewable energy. Currently, the U.S. relies heavily on imports to meet its rare earth needs, allowing Energy Fuels to establish a competitive edge by producing domestically. The company's recent advancements in producing Dysprosium oxide, with a minimum purity of 99.5%, reflect its commitment to quality and innovation.

Energy Fuels plans to produce approximately 15 kilograms of Dysprosium oxide on a pilot scale by the end of September 2025. The company is not stopping at Dysprosium; preparations for producing Terbium oxide are underway, with a target output of one kilogram by November 2025. If successful, production of Samarium oxide could follow in January 2026, a game-changer in the field of rare earth element extraction.

A Unique Position in the Market

Unlike competitors who are exploring recycling methods, Energy Fuels is the only U.S. entity extracting heavy rare earth oxides from mined ores at a commercial scale. This bold approach not only demonstrates their capability but also improves supply reliability for manufacturers who require these elements for creating rare earth metals, alloys, and magnets.

Mark Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels, emphasized the company's strategic role: “Our ability to separate NdPr on a commercial scale supports the supply of heavy rare earth oxides that U.S. producers need.” Energy Fuels aims to achieve commercial production of Dysprosium, Terbium, and Samarium at its existing separation circuit by late 2026, further solidifying its status in the industry.

The Donald Project: A Promising Future

In addition to its operations at the White Mesa Mill, Energy Fuels is excited about the prospects of its Donald Project in Australia. This joint venture is expected to be one of the richest sources of heavy rare earths globally. With the ability to produce significant amounts of rare earth-bearing minerals, including monazite and xenotime—focused on the heavier rare earth elements—this project is positioned to deliver high yield from its processing.

Based on current estimates from the Donald Project, production rates of approximately 7,100 tons of rare earth concentrate per year are anticipated. This output could cover an impressive share of the U.S. annual requirements for key rare earth elements, addressing both domestic and global supply challenges.

Once approved to proceed, the Donald Project could be operational by the end of 2027, potentially offering a reliable source of rare earth elements to U.S. manufacturers. Energy Fuels also has potential projects in Madagascar and Brazil, which could further diversify its product offerings.

Conclusion

Energy Fuels' ongoing efforts to lead in the U.S. heavy rare earth elements market are critical as the industry navigates heightened demand and geopolitical challenges. The company's vision for sustainable production combined with innovative extraction methods can play a pivotal role in establishing a stable supply chain for rare earth elements within the U.S.

As efforts progress, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Energy Fuels can leverage its existing projects, enhance production capabilities, and contribute to a more self-sufficient U.S. economy regarding critical minerals. The future of heavy rare earth production seems bright at Energy Fuels, as they are positioned uniquely in the ever-evolving landscape of mineral resources.