American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR) has announced a significant step forward for its Halleck Creek rare earths project in Wyoming, Mining.com reports.
Its subsidiary, Wyoming Rare, has secured a research facility at the Western Research Institute in Laramie, enabling the company to enhance its exploration, processing, and development capabilities.
The Western Research Institute, a not-for-profit organization specializing in advanced energy systems, environmental technologies, and materials research, will serve as a central hub for the project. The facility will house all drill core and assay samples collected to date, streamlining the company’s operations. It is also set to accommodate the construction of a pilot plant, which will be used to test and develop rare earth processing methods.
“The support of the state of Wyoming and our collaboration with the Western Research Institute highlights Wyoming’s commitment to becoming a leader in critical minerals development,” Wyoming Rare president Joe Evers said.
The development comes after the state of Wyoming awarded American Rare Earths a $7.1 million grant to support its rare earth processing initiatives. This funding underscores Wyoming’s broader strategy to bolster critical mineral production and position itself as a leader in the rare earth elements industry.
Joe Evers emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting the project’s role in strengthening domestic supply chains for critical minerals in the United States.
The Halleck Creek project has earned international recognition for its potential. Mining Intelligence recently named it one of the world’s top 10 rare earth projects based on total rare earth oxides (TREO).
The project’s strategic importance has drawn interest, including a $400 million takeover offer from a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), which Wyoming Rare declined.
