American Rare Earths Announces: Test Mining Commences To Extract Feedstock for Demonstration Plant at The Cowboy State Mine
Rhea-AI Summary
American Rare Earths (OTCQX: AMRRY) has initiated test mining operations at its Cowboy State Mine, part of the Halleck Creek deposit in Wyoming. The company successfully completed its first blast, targeting the extraction of 3,200 tonnes of ore to serve as feedstock for a demonstration plant.
The mining process involves two phases: first, extracting weathered material from 3.6 meters below surface, followed by accessing and crushing underlying non-weathered ore to approximately 5-centimeter pieces. The extracted material will support metallurgical testing, process optimization, demonstration plant operations, and sample production for potential offtake partners.
This milestone represents a crucial step in de-risking full-scale development, validating processing flowsheets, and refining engineering and cost models for future plant construction.
Positive
- Successful initiation of test mining operations with first blast completed safely
- Planned extraction of 3,200 tonnes of ore for demonstration plant validation
- Test mining provides valuable data for future mine design and operations
- Project advances toward commercial validation and potential offtake partnerships
Negative
- Project still in early testing phase, far from commercial production
- Additional blasts and processing steps required before demonstration plant operation
Highlights
- First Blast Successfully and Safely Completed
- Excavation of Weathered Material & Construction of Test Mine Underway
- Bulk sample collection initiated for processing optimization & demonstration plant ore stockpile
DENVER, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or the “Company”), through its subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. (“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 metres below the surface. This material will be excavated and stockpiled over the next week (see Figure 1 & 2). 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; and
- 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.
Why it matters? 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.
Figure 1 – Aerial view of excavating the blasted, weathered material at the CSM Test Mine
Figure 2 – Excavation of the blasted, weathered material at the CSM Test Mine
This release was authorized by the Board of American Rare Earths.
About American Rare Earths Limited:
American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) is a critical minerals company at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. rare earths industry. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. (“WRI”), 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—predominantly from China—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.
Investors can follow the Company’s progress at www.americanree.com
For further information contact:
| Susan Assadi Media Relations US sassadi@americanree.com 347 977 7125 | Beverly Jedynak Investor Relations US Beverly.jedynak@viriathus.com 312 943 1123 |
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7f38902-7b0f-454c-820a-8bf43005340a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/870368b1-6262-4433-9e86-673b17d91411
FAQ
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