ARR Secures A$21M and Advances Halleck Creek with Major Processing Breakthroughs
American Rare Earths reports key technical breakthroughs and strong funding progress at its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project, positioning it as a vital domestic source for the US rare earths supply chain.
- Breakthrough in hydrometallurgical processing reduces impurities and costs
- Test mining completed with optimisation underway at Cowboy State Mine
- Strong recoveries of critical light and heavy rare earth elements
- A$15 million placement and option exercises bolster cash reserves to A$21.2 million
- Permitting advances and preparation for Pre-Feasibility Study in 2026
Strategic Context – Securing US Rare Earths Independence
Amid growing geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities, American Rare Earths Limited (ASX – ARR) is making significant strides to establish the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming as a cornerstone of US rare earths independence. The US currently relies heavily on imports, particularly from China, for critical rare earth elements essential to defense and advanced technologies. Halleck Creek aims to diversify and de-risk this supply chain by providing a domestic source of both light and heavy rare earths for the next century.
Technical Milestones – Overcoming Processing Challenges
During the September quarter, ARR achieved a major breakthrough in hydrometallurgical processing, successfully completing impurity removal tests that historically posed a significant hurdle for allanite-based ores like Halleck Creek’s. Minimal formation of problematic byproducts such as gypsum and silica gel was observed, promising higher rare earth yields and reduced processing complexity. This advancement could translate into lower capital and operating costs, materially de-risking the project’s economics.
Complementing this, extensive leach testing demonstrated strong recoveries of key rare earths – praseodymium and neodymium (light rare earths) achieved recoveries above 84%, while terbium and dysprosium (heavy rare earths) showed encouraging recoveries around 50%. These results support the project's potential to supply a significant portion of the feedstock needed for the US magnetics industry, including the Department of Defense-backed Independence Magnetics Facility.
Operational Progress and Permitting
Test mining at the Cowboy State Mine was successfully completed, with over 3,000 tonnes of ore excavated and primary crushed. This material is now being used for optimisation testing and will support the design of a beneficiation demonstration plant. Permitting efforts continue with groundwater pump tests and environmental monitoring underway to support the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s permit-to-mine application.
Financial Position and Corporate Developments
ARR strengthened its financial position with a A$15 million placement in July 2025 and additional funds raised through option exercises, bringing cash reserves to A$21.2 million at quarter-end. These funds are earmarked for demonstration plant construction, drilling, and engineering programs over the next 18-24 months. The company is also progressing CEO recruitment and deepening engagement with US federal and state agencies to align with critical minerals strategies and funding initiatives.
Looking Ahead
In the coming quarter, ARR plans to integrate optimisation test results into the Pre-Feasibility Study and finalise the mineral processing flowsheet. Environmental and permitting activities will continue, aiming for submission of the permit-to-mine application. The company remains focused on advancing Halleck Creek towards becoming the next producing rare earths mine in the US, supporting the rapidly growing domestic magnetics industry and national supply chain security.
Bottom Line?
American Rare Earths is steadily transforming Halleck Creek into a strategic US rare earths hub, but final permitting and commercial production timelines remain critical to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the permit-to-mine application be approved and what conditions might it include?
- How will ARR’s processing breakthroughs impact overall project costs and timelines?
- What role will US government funding and policy play in accelerating Halleck Creek’s development?
