Highest-Grade Rare Earth Deposit to Date Identified in US

US Critical Materials Corp. has revealed that they have discovered the highest-grade rare earth deposit ever found in the United States. Analytical results from Activation Labs, a highly respected independent analytical laboratory based in Ancaster, Canada, confirm that the deposit has the highest rare earth oxide (TREO) content in the United States. This discovery could be critical to advancing the domestic rare earth supply chain, which is essential in the green transition.

(Picture credit: shutterstock/Phawat)

Jim Hedrick, president of U.S. Key Materials and former rare earth commodity specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), explained, "We have confirmed that Sheep Creek is the highest-grade rare earth deposit in the United States, with a multi-billion dollar resource value."

US Critical Materials’ Sheep Creek property in Montana includes seven square miles. Analysis shows up to 9% (89,932 ppm) of rare earths, significantly higher than any other domestic rare earth resource in the United States. In addition, the deposit shows 2.4% (23,810 ppm) of combined neodymium and praseodymium, both of which are essential materials for a green economy. The survey also confirmed carbonate mineralization with high-grade surface samples containing 17.05% TREO and 16.44% TREO.

In contrast, Sweden's state-owned mining company recently discovered Europe's largest rare earth deposit at 0.18% TREO, significantly lower than Sheep Creek's 9% TREO. Sheep Creek contains 12 of the most important key minerals needed to advance the planet's electrification goals and green economy. The mine also has low levels of radioactive thorium, which reduces the length of the permitting process.

Critical Materials America's goal is to provide consumers, industry and the U.S. government with critical minerals that meet technology, defense and manufacturing needs. This is critical because the U.S. currently relies on imports for 90 percent of its rare earths, most of which come from China.

The goal is to cultivate rare earths using friendly sources listed in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The company is currently working with a major national laboratory to design an efficient and environmentally friendly process to refine the rare earths located at Sheep Creek. The composition of this portfolio will allow the company to make the resource available for production and delivery in a rapid timeframe. Key Materials USA is also evaluating its next steps, such as financing and business development opportunities for the project.

Reference: https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/highest-grade-rare-earth-deposit-to-date-identified-in-the-us/29539/

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