American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR, OTCQB:ARRNF) subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc, has secured a facility at the Western Research Institute in Laramie, Wyoming – a key milestone in advancing the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project.
The new facility will act as a central hub for exploration, processing and further project development.
Key features of the facility and partnership include:
- Centralised operations: The facility will house all drill core and assay samples collected to date, providing a central location for streamlined operations.
- Future pilot plant site: The space will accommodate the construction of a pilot plant, advancing the development and testing of processing capabilities for the project.
- Collaboration: This partnership lays the groundwork for further synergies, leveraging the Western Research Institute’s expertise.
“This is an exciting milestone for the company and our progression of the Cowboy State Mine at Halleck Creek,” said president of Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc Joe Evers.
“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.
"This facility helps to advance our mission of onshoring critical mineral supply chains for the USA while highlighting Wyoming’s position a leader in critical minerals and rare earth elements.”
The Western Research Institute is a not-for-profit research organisation with a multi-million-dollar operation, recognised for its expertise in advanced energy systems, environmental technologies and materials research.
Its headquarters and advanced technology centre features state-of-the-art laboratories, pilot facilities and space for future developments.
US$7.1 million grant to support rare earth initiatives
The announcement follows the recent approval of a US$7.1 million grant from the State of Wyoming, aimed at supporting ARR’s rare earth processing initiatives.
The collaboration with state-backed efforts reflects ARR’s commitment to enhancing critical mineral development in the region. The facility’s strategic location is expected to strengthen ARR’s operational capacity and alignment with regional economic and mineral development goals.
Recent drilling
Earlier this month, the company provided an update on its Halleck Creek project, reporting high-grade assay results from its recent drilling program.
The latest findings revealed rare earth oxide concentrations exceeding 5,000 parts per million (ppm) in the western section of the deposit.
Highlights included an intersection of 148 metres grading 4,451 ppm, with a higher-grade section of 52 metres at 5,273 ppm. Another standout result was 161 metres at 4,275 ppm.
CEO Chris Gibbs noted that these results reinforce the deposit’s consistent mineralisation, emphasising that surface samples extend to depth. He added that drilling confirmed the deposit continues down to 300 metres.