Rare Element Resources Ltd. (RER) has received final operational approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), marking the last regulatory step needed to begin operations at its rare earth processing and separation demonstration plant in Upton, Wyoming.
The NRC’s approval follows the US Department of Energy’s recent acceptance of the plant’s operations budget, providing the green light for the facility to initiate its work.
This plant is expected to play a key role in advancing RER’s rare earth separation technology. As the first of its kind, it will generate critical operational and economic data to guide the design and eventual construction of a commercial-scale facility. Led by an experienced team from Wood plc in Sheridan, Wyoming, the plant’s workforce is currently finalizing equipment shakedown and training for full-scale operations.
Jaye Pickarts, RER’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that preparations have included securing sample feed material from RER’s Bear Lodge project and completing equipment setup.
“With these approvals secured, we can now advance our goal of unlocking information essential for commercial-scale rare earth production,” Pickarts said.
He emphasized the project’s significance in enhancing access to rare earths critical to defense, technology, and renewable energy sectors.
The Upton plant will contribute to RER’s Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project in northeastern Wyoming, a region known for deposits of high-value rare earth elements essential for products like high-strength magnets, electronics, medical laser systems, and components for renewable energy solutions such as wind turbines and electric vehicles.
With input from Business Wire.
