American Rare Earths Begins Test Mining at Cowboy State Mine, Wyoming
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American Rare Earths, through its subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) (WRI), has commenced construction of a test mine at the Cowboy State Mine (CSM), part of the Halleck Creek deposit, under its state of Wyoming license to explore by dozing.
The test mining program will extract approximately 3,200 tonnes of ore, which will serve as feedstock for a demonstration plant. The collection of bulk samples will also support ongoing mineral processing optimization work.
The first of two scheduled blasts was safely executed, fracturing weathered material to a depth of approximately 3.6 meters below the surface. This material will be excavated and stockpiled over the next week. Once removed, the underlying non-weathered ore will be exposed, blasted, and crushed on-site to a top size of approximately 5 centimeters.
The crushed ore will be used for:
• Metallurgical testing and process optimization
• Building a stockpile for the demonstration plant
• Producing samples for potential offtake partners
The weathered material will be used to backfill the test pit upon completion.
The test mining work also provides mining-related data, such as drill penetration rates, blast fragmentation, and other information applicable to mine design.
The commencement of test mining at CSM is a critical milestone in the company’s development pathway. Demonstration plants require substantial volumes of ore to validate processing flowsheets, generate end-product samples and support future technical studies.
A demonstration plant is a proof of concept that enables the company to:
• De-risk full-scale development by proving processing performance at scale
• Produce end-product samples for potential offtake partners
• Refine engineering and cost models for future plant construction
• Strengthen investor and stakeholder confidence through a tangible process period
American Rare Earths is a critical minerals company at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. rare earths industry. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA), the company is advancing the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming — a world-class rare earth deposit with the potential to secure America’s critical mineral independence for generations. Located on Wyoming state land, the Cowboy State Mine within Halleck Creek offers cost-efficient open-pit mining methods and benefits from streamlined permitting processes in this mining-friendly state. With plans for onsite mineral processing and separation facilities, Halleck Creek is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on imports while meeting the growing demand for rare earth elements essential to defense, advanced technologies, and economic security. As exploration progresses, the project’s untapped potential on both state and federal lands further reinforces its significance as a cornerstone of U.S. supply chain security. In addition to its resource potential, American Rare Earths is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices and continues to collaborate with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to develop innovative extraction and processing technologies for rare earth elements.
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