ExpansionJun 15, 2026, 07:01 AM
USA Rare Earth Commissions Hydrometallurgical Facility; Q3 2026 Production
AI Summary
USA Rare Earth, Inc. announced the commissioning of its hydrometallurgical demonstration facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, targeting first production of separated oxides in Q3 2026. This milestone is expected to establish the company as one of the few Western producers of commercial-quality heavy rare earth oxides. The facility will de-risk processing flowsheets for Round Top ore, third-party feedstocks like Serra Verde, and magnet swarf recycling, supporting the company's integrated rare earth value chain from mining to magnets.
Key Highlights
- USA Rare Earth commissioned its hydrometallurgical demonstration facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
- First production of separated oxides is targeted for the third quarter of 2026.
- The facility is expected to position USA Rare Earth among few non-China producers of heavy rare earth oxides.
- The plant will de-risk three processing flowsheets: Round Top ore, third-party MREC, and magnet swarf recycling.
- Round Top Definitive Feasibility Study is on track for Q4 2026 completion and Q1 2027 publication.
- The facility is fully automated and staffed by 28 engineers, scientists, and technicians.
- A digital twin development program with DOE NETL will enable virtual simulation of the processing flowsheet.
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