American Rare Earths Accelerates Rare Earth Oxide Production with Wyoming-Led Pilot Plant

The company has executed agreements to process rare earth ore from its Halleck Creek project through facilities in Wyoming and Saskatchewan.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:03pm

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A polished, geometric metal sculpture representing a rare earth element, floating on a clean, monochromatic background and illuminated by dramatic studio lighting to symbolize the strategic importance of rare earth elements for the United States.A sculptural representation of rare earth elements highlights the strategic importance of developing domestic supply to reduce U.S. reliance on imports.Casper Today

American Rare Earths (ARR) has announced the next stage of its accelerated pilot plant program for the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming. The pilot plant will be structured in three stages, with the first two stages undertaken in Wyoming and the final stage at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in Canada. This approach keeps the front-end processing close to the ore source while leveraging SRC's proven downstream rare earth processing capabilities to accelerate the production of high-purity separated rare earth oxide.

Why it matters

The development of a domestic rare earth supply chain is critical for the United States to reduce its reliance on imports, predominantly from China, and meet the growing demand for rare earth elements essential to defense, advanced technologies, and economic security. By establishing a Wyoming-based rare earth project, American Rare Earths aims to strengthen America's critical mineral independence.

The details

The pilot plant program will start with milling and sizing at Western Research Institute in Laramie, Wyoming, followed by mineral separation and concentration at DISA's facilities in Casper, Wyoming. The final stage of leaching, impurity removal, and oxide refining will be undertaken by SRC in Saskatoon, Canada. This approach leverages existing facilities and specialized operators to accelerate the timeline for producing pre-production rare earth oxide, validate the broader process flowsheet, and generate material for downstream evaluation and strategic engagement.

  • The pilot plant program was previously announced on April 1, 2026.
  • The Company will process ore that has already been extracted from the Halleck Creek site and stockpiled in Laramie.

The players

American Rare Earths (ARR)

An ASX-listed critical minerals company advancing the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming, a world-class rare earth deposit with the potential to secure America's critical mineral independence.

DISA Technologies

A company providing mineral processing activities at its facilities in Casper, Wyoming, including the use of its patented High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) technology.

Western Research Institute

A research institute in Laramie, Wyoming, where the milling and sizing stage of the pilot plant program will be undertaken.

Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC)

A research organization in Saskatoon, Canada, that will handle the final stage of leaching, impurity removal, and oxide refining for the pilot plant program.

Jaye T. Pickarts, P.E.

A metallurgical engineer and Registered Professional Engineer with over four decades of experience in mine development, mineral processing, and environmental compliance, who has been engaged to lead the pilot plant process.

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What they’re saying

“This is a massive step forward for the Company. The pilot plant and production of pre-production rare earth oxide were previously expected to take several years. This defined pilot pathway now materially shortens the timeline and positions the Company to deliver outcomes within months. We are laser-focused on accelerating the largest United States domestic resource of total rare earth elements towards production.”

— Mark Wall, CEO of American Rare Earths

What’s next

The data generated during this pilot campaign will be used to further develop the necessary design criteria for the advancement of the commercial plant and mine at the Halleck Creek Project.

The takeaway

By combining Wyoming-based front-end processing with proven downstream refining infrastructure, American Rare Earths is taking a strategic approach to accelerate the development of a domestic rare earth supply chain and reduce the United States' reliance on imports, ultimately strengthening the country's critical mineral independence.