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American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) ("ARR" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an overview of its quarterly activities for the period ending 31 December 2024. This review highlights the key achievements and ongoing activities that are shaping the Company’s future development. The Company continued its upward trajectory in the fourth quarter of 2024, advancing its Halleck Creek Project. With new partnerships, facility developments, and robust drilling results, ARR is poised to solidify its role as a cornerstone of the U.S. critical minerals supply chain.
Highlights
- Strategic Collaboration with BMO Capital Markets: The engagement of BMO Capital Markets as a financial advisor is a critical milestone in ARR’s strategy to accelerate the development of Halleck Creek by securing strategic investments and partnerships
- High-Grade Drilling Results: The Cowboy State Mine at the Halleck Creek Project yielded some of the highest- grade Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) results to date, including:
- 148.0m @ 4,451 ppm TREO (max 6,198 ppm TREO)
- Strategic Facility Secured: ARR’s subsidiary, Wyoming Rare USA Inc., secured a key facility at the Western Research Institute in Wyoming. This facility will centralise operations, house core samples, and serve as the future site for a pilot plant
- $7.1 Million State Grant: ARR received the first reimbursement of over A$450,000 from the Wyoming Energy Authority to support ongoing initiatives
Strategic Engagement
ARR engaged BMO Capital Markets, a global leader in metals and mining financial advisory, to accelerate the development of its Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming. BMO will assist ARR and its U.S. subsidiary, Wyoming Rare USA Inc., in securing strategic investments, partnerships, joint ventures, and offtake agreements to position Halleck Creek as a cornerstone of the U.S. critical minerals supply chain. This move aligns with growing U.S. bipartisan support for onshoring critical minerals and Wyoming’s economic goals. With support from the Wyoming Energy Authority and a Letter of Interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, ARR aims to capitalise on favourable market dynamics and establish long-term shareholder value while contributing to the national agenda for a secure, domestic rare earth supply chain.
Drilling Operations
ARR announced on 27 November final assay results from its 2024 drilling campaign at the Cowboy State Mine (CSM) within the Halleck Creek Project, Wyoming. These results highlight some of the highest-grade Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) intersections recorded in the region, confirming the project’s potential as a leading North American rare earth resource.
Key Highlights:
- High-Grade Intersections:
- HC24-RM046: 148.0 m @ 4,451 ppm TREO, including 52.5 m @ 5,273 ppm TREO (maximum 6,198 ppm TREO)
- HC24-RM048: 161.5 m @ 4,275 ppm TREO, including 40.5 m @ 5,287 ppm TREO (maximum 5,869 ppm TREO)
- HC24-RM049: 90.0 m @ 4,353 ppm TREO, including 16.5 m @ 5,313 ppm TREO (maximum 6,049 ppm TREO)
Drilling results demonstrate extensive high-grade zones, which will support updated geological models and resource estimates, crucial for advancing the project’s development.
These results emphasise the project’s potential to become a flagship rare earth resource for North America, aligning with the U.S. government’s strategic push to secure domestic critical mineral supply chains for defence and energy transition needs.
2024 Drill Hole Locations and Assay Summaries
With geological maps updated and Odessa Resources Ltd refining resource estimates, ARR announced an updated resource estimate on 29 January 2025 is and progressing a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), while engaging with strategic partners to unlock the project’s value.
Facility to Support Halleck Creek Project
Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. secured a facility at the Western Research Institute in Laramie, Wyoming, marking a major step forward for the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project. The facility will centralise operations by housing all drill core and assay samples and will also accommodate the construction of a pilot plant to advance rare earth processing capabilities. This partnership with the Western Research Institute, a renowned non-profit organisation specialising in energy systems and materials research, enables collaboration to enhance critical mineral development. The move aligns with Wyoming’s strategic goal of becoming a leader in rare earth element development while supporting the onshoring of critical mineral supply chains for the USA.
Wyoming Grant
The Company has received its first reimbursement of over A$450,000 from the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) grant, marking progress in developing the Cowboy State Mine at Halleck Creek. Part of a larger A$10.7 million (US$7.1 million) grant awarded in June 2024, the funds will support exploration drilling, environmental studies, and prefeasibility assessments, helping de-risk the project and achieve the Company’s 2025 goals. This milestone underscores ARR’s commitment to advancing the project and collaborating with the WEA to support Wyoming's energy strategy.
After many years of service to the Company farewelled Geoff Hill, a founding shareholder and long-standing member of the Board. ARR thanks Geoff for his exceptional leadership and strategic insights, which have significantly contributed to the Company’s growth and strengthened its position in the rare earths sector. His dedication and guidance leave a lasting legacy, providing a strong foundation for ARR’s future success.
The Company welcomed Mr. Hugh Keller to the Board as a Non-Executive Director, bringing extensive experience from his 34-year legal career at Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) and various leadership roles across ASX-listed companies, private investment firms, and charities. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chairman for Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited, Hugh adds expertise in commercial contracts, audit procedures, and team leadership to the Board.
CEO, Chris Gibbs, was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Godolphin Resources Limited (ASX: GRL). This appointment aligns with ARR’s increased investment in Godolphin, raising its shareholding to 19.82%, supported by a contribution of up to $510,000 to advance key projects, including the Lewis Ponds Gold and Base Metals Project and the Narraburra Rare Earths Project in New South Wales.
Melissa Sanderson has been appointed Co-Chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), a global organisation addressing challenges in the minerals sector. This role underscores her expertise in sustainable development and policy advocacy, aligning with ARR's mission to establish a secure North American rare earth elements (REE) supply chain. Mel’s extensive experience in geopolitics and ESG strategies further strengthens ARR’s leadership in advancing a sustainable and ethically sourced REE supply chain.
The Company’s Annual General Meeting was held on November 28, 2024.
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This article includes content from American Rare Earths Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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Investor Insight
American Rare Earths is unlocking the USA’s rare earths potential through its strategic, high-value asset in Wyoming, ramping up its development to bolster the North American critical minerals supply chain.
Overview
American Rare Earths (ASX:ARR,OTCQX:ARRNF,ADR:AMRRY) is a critical minerals exploration company focused on its 100 percent owned Halleck Creek project in Wyoming. This project represents the largest known rare earth deposit in the US, with high concentrations of key magnet elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium—essential components for renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced defense systems.
The US currently depends on China for 80 to 90 percent of its rare earth processing, which poses a significant supply chain risk. Halleck Creek’s vast resource, with a 2.63-billion-ton JORC estimate at 3,292 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxide (TREO), provides an opportunity to secure domestic supply for nearly 100 years.
Beyond its substantial resource base, the project offers significant exploration upside, presenting a multi-generational opportunity to establish a sustainable rare earths supply chain in the US. The support from EXIM Bank further highlights the strategic importance of Halleck Creek in reducing U.S. dependency on foreign suppliers.Company Highlights
- American Rare Earth’s flagship project, Halleck Creek, is one of North America’s largest REE deposits. With a 2.63-billion-ton JORC resource at 3,292 ppm TREO, it holds the potential to meet US rare earths demand for approximately 100 years.
- The company is completely focused on developing a US-based critical minerals supply chain, aligning with US policies to reduce reliance on China for rare earth supply.
- The Halleck Creek project’s planned development consists of two phases. Phase 1 entails development of the Cowboy State mine, which is located entirely on Wyoming state land, enabling faster permitting and streamlined regulatory processes. Subsequently, cash flow generated from CSM will support development of the federal portions of Halleck Creek in Phase 2.
- This phased approach allows ARR to accelerate its pathway to production, enhance shareholder value, and strengthen its position as a key domestic supplier of rare earth elements in the United States.
- Well-positioned to address critical supply chain vulnerabilities, Halleck Creek benefits from strong federal and state support, including a non-binding EXIM Bank letter of interest for funding up to $456 million.
Key Projects
Halleck Creek Project (Wyoming)
The Halleck Creek project in Albany County, Wyoming, is the cornerstone of ARR’s growth strategy. Recognized as one of the largest, rare-earth deposits in North America, it boasts a JORC-compliant resource of 2.63 billion tons at 3,292 ppm TREO. The deposit is hosted in Precambrian granites and metamorphic rocks, which contain REE-enriched minerals like monazite and bastnaesite. The coarse-grained nature of the mineralization ensures cost-effective extraction and processing.
The high TREO content and low levels of impurities make Halleck Creek well-suited for producing separated rare earth oxides, particularly key magnet elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium. The project’s proximity to established infrastructure, including roads and utilities, supports cost-efficient development. Detailed geological surveys have delineated a large, continuous mineralized zone, which currently covers only 16 percent of the total land package. Advanced metallurgical testing has confirmed recovery rates of up to 67 percent, with further optimization efforts ongoing. Drilling campaigns in 2024 successfully expanded resource estimates, validating the deposit’s scalability.
ARR plans to take a phased development approach for Halleck Creek, designed to maximize early value while minimizing risk. Phase 1 entails the development of the Cowboy State mine (CSM), which will focus on mining high-grade zones and generating early cash flow. Phase 1 will be developed entirely on Wyoming state land, enabling faster permitting and streamlined regulatory processes.
According to the Phase 1 Scoping Study, the CSM development is projected to require an initial capex of $380 million, with a 20 percent contingency. The study estimates an NPV of $430 million at a 10 percent discount rate and an IRR of 21.1 percent, based on a 3-million-ton-per-annum throughput rate. The project is expected to have a payback period of 2.9 years and a life of mine exceeding 20 years, with significant potential for future expansion.
In Phase 2, ARR plans to expand operations into federal land areas within the Halleck Creek property. This phase involves de-risking the federal portions of the project by leveraging cash flow from the initial phase and advancing permitting processes in parallel. Additionally, ARR is actively engaging with state regulators and local stakeholders to ensure compliance and support for its phased development approach.
Upcoming Work
ARR is advancing its development efforts on Halleck Creek over several fronts. The company plans to conduct additional drilling aimed at expanding the resource by targeting unexplored zones with known mineralization. In parallel, Phase 2 metallurgical testing will focus on improving recovery rates and producing high purity separated rare earth oxides to enhance project economics. To maintain its accelerated timeline, ARR is making progress on permitting, including advancing state-level approvals and environmental baseline studies for the CSM area. Furthermore, the company plans to initiate a pre-feasibility study (PFS) by late 2025, emphasizing a phased development strategy that includes the CSM as a key component.
La Paz Project (Arizona)
The La Paz project, located in western Arizona, is a promising asset in ARR’s portfolio, featuring a 171-million-ton JORC resource. The deposit is enriched in light rare earth elements, particularly cerium, lanthanum and neodymium, which are critical for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to roads and power. ARR continues to evaluate the potential for expanding the resource and advancing the project through further drilling and metallurgical testing. Although secondary to Halleck Creek, it holds potential as a long-term asset for ARR’s portfolio.
Beaver Creek (Wyoming)
This project is located near Halleck Creek and shares similar geological characteristics, indicating potential for significant rare earth mineralization. Preliminary fieldwork has identified areas with elevated rare earth element concentrations, and ARR plans to conduct detailed mapping and geophysical surveys to define drill targets.
Searchlight (Nevada)
Situated close to Mountain Pass, the only currently operating rare earth mine in the US, the Searchlight project is strategically located in a region known for its rare earth potential. ARR’s exploration strategy includes leveraging historical data and conducting modern geochemical sampling to identify high-priority areas for further exploration.
Leadership Team
Chris Gibbs - CEO & Executive Director
Appointed in November 2021, Chris Gibbs brings more than 30 years of experience in the resource sector across Australia, Canada, the US, South America, Africa and Europe. His track record includes driving growth and operational excellence for industry-leading mining companies. Prior to joining ARR, Gibbs held senior positions at Argonaut Gold, Centerra Gold, Barrick Gold, Placer Dome and Millennium Chemicals.
Joe Evers - President
Joe Evers has served in various leadership roles in the energy and mining industry. Most recently, Evers served as general counsel of American Rare Earths. Prior to that, he was corporate counsel at an international mining company and held positions of increasing responsibility in the land and policy departments at a publicly traded oil and gas company. Originally hailing from Sheridan, Wyoming, Evers received a bachelor’s degree and JD/MA in Environment & Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming. Evers was instrumental in securing a US$7.1 million grant from the State of Wyoming with support from partners Wyoming Energy Authority and the University of Wyoming Energy Resources Council.
Dwight Kinnes - Chief Technical Officer
A geologist with decades of experience, Dwight Kinnes has specialized in geological modeling of complex deposits in various international locations. Before joining ARR, he served as president of Highland GeoComputing LLC for 17 years, providing geological field services, modeling, GIS and database management to the mining industry.
Wayne Kernaghan - Company Secretary
Appointed on September 25, 2020. Wayne Kernaghan is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia with over 35 years’ experience in various areas of the mining industry. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a chartered secretary.
Board of Directors
Richard Hudson - Chairman
Richard Hudson contributes deep leadership expertise in mining and exploration, with a focus on mineral royalties, mineral economics, financial management, strategic planning and acquisitions. His extensive experience enhances the board's capacity to guide ARR's strategic initiatives.
Sten L Gustafson - Non-executive Director and Deputy Chairman
Sten Gustafson is the chief executive officer and a director of Pyrophyte Acquisition (NYSE:PHYT), a special purpose acquisition company focused on companies that provide products, services, equipment and technologies that support a variety of energy transition solutions. He is a highly experienced energy service industry executive, investment banker and corporate securities attorney. With over 25 years of experience in the global energy sector, Gustafson has advised on more than 100 corporate transactions worldwide worth over US$100 billion in value.
Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson - Non-executive Director
Melissa Sanderson’s international career has spanned diplomacy and mining for more than 30 years. She is adept at cross-cultural communication and brings exceptional leadership experience in inclusivity and diversity issues. At global mining leader Freeport-McMoRan, Sanderson sited, staffed and ran a corporate office focused on government and public relations and social responsibility programs. She has also served as a senior diplomat in the US Department of State.
Hugh Keller - Non-executive Director
Hugh Keller had a successful 34 year career as a partner at the law firm Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) until retirement from full time legal practice in 2010. During this time, Keller served as joint national managing partner, Sydney office managing partner, chairman of the staff superannuation fund, one of the practice leaders, and as a board member. He was a non-executive director of ASX listed Thakral Holdings and a member of its audit committee until the company was acquired in a public takeover by Brookfield. He was a non-executive director of LJ Hooker and a member of its audit committee. He has also served as chairman of a large private investment company, several small investment companies and a private small exploration company. Keller has extensive legal experience and expertise in commercial contracts and arrangements, and public company audit committee procedures and requirements. He has led large teams of professionals and successfully managed people and resources in large projects.
Advancing one of the largest REE deposits in North America
March Drilling Update McLaren Titanium Project
Highlights
- Drilling has consistently intersected visible heavy minerals
- Additional 10m of mineral hosting sediments identified in northern area
- Metallurgical sample collected and dispatched for test work
- Pressurised saline water encountered in several holes on northern drilling lines
- Gypsum occurrence confirmed in north-western corner of EL69/2388
- First parcel of analytical samples has been dispatched to Perth for analysis
McLaren Minerals are currently exploring the McLaren Deposit located approximately 40km west of Balladonia in Western Australia by means of Air Core drilling and surface geological investigations. The 2025 exploration program is progressing well and is approximately 40% complete.
The drilling program, targeting infill drilling to a previously interpreted mineral sands strandline, should be complete by mid-April. Onsite geologists have confirmed visual mineralisation within targeted sediments and are encouraged by the consistent nature of mineralising orientation. It should be noted that visual estimates recorded during drilling activities and laboratory results do not always align.
Heavy Mineral Consistently Intersected
Drilling consistently intersected sediments hosting Heavy Minerals (HM) and it is interpreted to occupy paleo marine sediments below modern cover and are predictably identified within the elevated topographic feature. The mineral hosting sediments are observed to gently rise in an easterly orientation and overlay crystalline basement displaying a consistent heavy mineral assemblage dominated by Ilmenite and observed to contain a relatively low level of trash minerals. It is noted that a vertical extension to the historical drilling has been identified in the northern area, with current drill holes intersecting an additional 10m of mineral hosting sediments to those previously interpreted. Heavy Mineral present in the metallurgical sample grid is consistent along strike within the mineralizing beds and displays predictable mineral composition. Figure 1 below displays visual confirmation of HM observed during metallurgical test holes within the current 2025 infill drilling activities.
Figure 1: HM in drillholes - Left Image MM01, central image MM06, right image MM57
Metallurgical Sample
The samples of mineralised sediments required for metallurgical test work at IHC Mining laboratory in Queensland have been collected and dispatched. The samples were taken from 69 drillholes with those holes broadly representative of the first 5 years of planned operations (Please see Figure 2 below).
The sample equated to approximately 6 tonnes of material and will be used to validate the flowsheet designed by IHC and to complete follow up tests to allow development of a slimes management strategy for McLaren. As per previous test work (ref APS ASX Announcement 24 Sept 2024) slimes settling was achieved using addition of 3% gypsum, resulting in significant improvement in flocculant dosing rates, down to 150-200g/t.
The test work produced final products of:
- Ilmenite of a suitable grade to be classified as sulphate ilmenite
- Rutile of a typical quality with 95.7% TiO2, 1.49% Fe2O3,
- Zircon of a typical standard zircon quality, noting levels of U + Th at 265ppm were considered very low.
Water Encountered
In very positive news, pressurised water has been encountered in 3 holes being drilled in the north-western part of the known deposit area. In these holes saline water flowed freely from the hole while the rods were downhole, and in the second hole the water flow continued after rods were withdrawn and until the hole was plugged.
The groundwater occurs within a gravel terrace draping basement clays and occurs at shallow depth (approximately 20m). The crystalline basement below saprolite clays display an amount of alteration consistent to a shearing environment. The location is identifiable in regional geophysics data adjacent to a small-scale faulting feature striking approximately north south. It is likely that the gravel terrace was formed in a fluvial drainage feature, eroding and incising the softer sheared zones in the basement, later confined by overriding cover units. Further investigation will be required to determine whether the water is of sufficient volume and quality to support operations.
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This article includes content from McLaren Minerals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
American Rare Earths Limited Investor Kit
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