American Rare Earths Defines Wyoming-Led Pilot Plant Pathway to Accelerate Pre-Production Rare Earth Oxide

Rhea-AI Summary

American Rare Earths (AMRRY) has defined a three-stage pilot plant pathway to accelerate production of pre-production rare earth oxide from the Halleck Creek Project.

Front-end milling and mineral concentration will occur in Wyoming (Western Research Institute, DISA) and final hydrometallurgical refining at SRC in Saskatoon, Canada, using the PFS flowsheet and experienced engineering leadership.

Positive

• Three-stage pilot plant with defined Wyoming and Saskatoon locations
• Pilot pathway aims to produce pre-production rare earth oxide within months
• Engaged Jaye T. Pickarts, a metallurgical engineer with 40+ years

Negative

• Final hydrometallurgical refining performed in Canada, adding cross-border logistics

News Market Reaction – ARRNF

+0.04%

+0.04% Session close to close

In the Apr 9 session, ARRNF gained 0.04%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement details a three-stage pilot plant pathway for the Halleck Creek project, combining...

Analysis

This announcement details a three-stage pilot plant pathway for the Halleck Creek project, combining Wyoming-based front-end processing with downstream refining at SRC to generate high-purity rare earth oxide. It follows recent engineering, study, and leadership moves aimed at de-risking metallurgy and project design. Investors may watch for pilot plant data, timelines from initial processing to oxide output, and how these results feed into future commercial plant and mine design decisions.

Key Figures

Pilot plant stages: three stages Experience length: more than four decades

2 metrics

Pilot plant stages three stages Pilot plant program structure

Experience length more than four decades Experience of Jaye T. Pickarts in mine development and processing

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: 2026-04-07 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
2026-04-07	Project assessment award	Positive	-2.2%	Awarded Whole of Property Development Assessment for Halleck Creek project.
2026-04-01	Pilot plant acceleration	Positive	+2.6%	Accelerated Halleck Creek pilot plant to produce pre-production concentrate.
2026-03-30	Metallurgical study mandate	Positive	-0.2%	Commissioned Oxides to Metals study for heavy rare earths stream.
2026-03-25	VP appointment	Positive	+8.6%	Appointed former Newmont executive as VP Corporate Development and Strategy.
2026-03-24	Exploration review	Positive	-2.4%	Started multi-metal target review at La Paz project in Arizona.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent operational and strategic updates have generally been positive, but price reactions have been mixed, with several instances of weakness following constructive project news.

Recent Company History

Over the past weeks, American Rare Earths has issued a series of Halleck Creek–focused updates, including a Whole of Property Development Assessment on Apr 7, 2026, pilot plant acceleration on Apr 1, 2026, and an Oxides to Metals study mandate on Mar 30, 2026. Management also strengthened corporate development leadership and advanced La Paz exploration. Today’s defined pilot plant pathway and Wyoming-led execution fit this pattern of steadily de-risking metallurgy and project design while moving toward potential commercial development.

Key Terms

hydrometallurgical processing, high-pressure slurry ablation, reflux classifier, induced roll magnetic separators, +3 more

7 terms

hydrometallurgical processing technical

"final stage hydrometallurgical processing and oxide separation at the Saskatchewan"

Hydrometallurgical processing uses liquids and chemical reactions to dissolve, separate and recover metals from ore or recycled material, much like brewing coffee pulls flavor from grounds. It matters to investors because it determines how much metal can be profitably extracted, the costs, environmental permits and cleanup needs, and the speed at which production can scale—factors that directly affect a mining or recycling project's profitability and risk.

high-pressure slurry ablation technical

"utilize DISA’s patented High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) technology to enhance"

A high-pressure slurry ablation is a medical procedure that removes unwanted tissue by directing a fast-flowing mix of fluid and tiny particles at the target, similar to using a power washer to strip away material from a surface. For investors, it matters because this technique can offer a less invasive alternative to surgery, potentially shortening recovery, lowering costs, and creating demand for specialized devices and regulatory approvals that affect company value.

reflux classifier technical

"followed by the use of the GradePro reflux classifier and Induced Roll"

A reflux classifier is a medical tool—often software or an algorithm paired with sensors—that analyzes swallowing and throat/stomach signals to decide whether a patient is experiencing gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux. Like a spam filter that sorts messages by patterns, it helps clinicians distinguish normal from problematic reflux; for investors, accuracy and regulatory approval of such classifiers can determine a device’s clinical adoption, reimbursement potential, and market value.

induced roll magnetic separators technical

"GradePro reflux classifier and Induced Roll Magnetic Separators to perform"

An induced roll magnetic separator is a rotating drum or roll with a powerful, focused magnetic field that pulls and holds small pieces of iron and other magnetic particles out of a moving stream of material, like a magnetic broom turning on a conveyor belt. Investors should care because this equipment protects product quality, reduces damage to downstream machinery, lowers waste and recall risks, and affects operating costs and regulatory compliance for manufacturers and processors.

leaching technical

"will be processed through leaching, impurity removal and oxide refining to"

Leaching is the process by which chemicals or contaminants are washed or seep out of a material—like heavy metals leaching from old pipes or additives bleeding from plastic—into surrounding water, soil, or products. Investors should care because leaching can trigger regulatory fines, costly cleanup, product recalls or liability claims and damage a company’s reputation, much like a slow leak can silently flood a house and force expensive repairs.

flowsheet technical

"Tetra Tech, will engineer this stage of the pilot plant based on the PFS flowsheet."

A flowsheet is a structured table that records a series of clinical or operational data points—such as vital signs, lab results, medication doses, procedures or milestone dates—so each patient or case can be tracked over time. For investors, a flowsheet turns detailed trial or operational activity into a clear timeline that highlights progress, gaps or problems, helping assess development speed, regulatory readiness and potential delays much like a trip log shows a journey’s pace and hiccups.

metallurgical technical

"SRC has extensive rare earth metallurgical experience and has the facilities"

Metallurgical describes the processes and techniques used to extract, separate, refine and test metals from ore or recycled material, including crushing, melting, chemical separation and quality assays. For investors, metallurgical performance determines how much saleable metal a project yields, how costly and risky production will be, and whether a mine or plant can meet product and environmental standards—like the recipe and kitchen that turn raw ingredients into a marketable product.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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DENVER, April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the next stage in its accelerated pilot plant program for the American Rare Earths Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming, with initial processing to be undertaken in Wyoming through DISA Technologies (“DISA”) and Western Research Institute followed by final stage hydrometallurgical processing and oxide separation at the Saskatchewan Research Council (“SRC”) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has executed agreements with Western Research Institute, DISA and SRC to provide mineral processing activities at their respective locations.

Building on the pilot plant pathway announced on April 1, 2026¹, the Company has now further defined an execution plan that keeps the front end of the pilot plant processing in Wyoming, close to the Halleck Creek ore source and the Company’s operating base, while leveraging a proven downstream facility at SRC to accelerate the production of high purity separated rare earth oxide.

The pilot plant program has been structured in three stages: milling and sizing; mineral separation and concentration; and leaching, impurity removal and oxide refining. The first two stages will be undertaken in Wyoming, with milling and sizing at Western Research Institute in Laramie, Wyoming and mineral separation and concentration at DISA’s facilities in Casper, Wyoming.

The Company will process ore which has already been extracted from the American Rare Earths Halleck Creek site and stockpiled in Laramie.

At DISA’s Casper facility, the pilot plant will utilize DISA’s patented High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) technology to enhance mineral liberation at coarser particle sizes, followed by the use of the GradePro reflux classifier and Induced Roll Magnetic Separators to perform primary mineral separation and secondary concentration, producing an allanite-rich mineral concentrate for final treatment.

The final stage of the pilot plant program will be undertaken by SRC in Saskatoon, where the mineral concentrate generated in Wyoming will be processed through leaching, impurity removal and oxide refining to produce high purity separated rare earth oxide. SRC and the Company’s engineering consultants, Tetra Tech, will engineer this stage of the pilot plant based on the PFS flowsheet.

SRC has extensive rare earth metallurgical experience and has the facilities to process the mineral concentrate from Halleck Creek. The Company notes that the SRC facility selected for this work is almost identical in process configuration, albeit on a smaller scale, to the type of downstream processing facility American Rare Earths intends to construct in Wyoming as Halleck Creek advances toward commercial development. The data generated during this pilot campaign will be used to further develop the necessary design criteria for the advancement of the commercial plant and mine.

As previously announced the Company has engaged Jaye T. Pickarts, P.E. to lead the pilot plant process, bringing deep, U.S.-based rare earth and project development experience to this critical next phase.

Mr. Pickarts is a metallurgical engineer and Registered Professional Engineer with more than four decades of experience in mine development, mineral processing and environmental compliance, including leading roles in rare earth demonstration plants and Wyoming-based permitting and operations. In prior roles, including a senior role in the engineering firm Knight Piesold, he has overseen the design, construction and commissioning of rare earth pilot and demonstration facilities, as well as multiple technical studies advancing projects from scoping through feasibility. His background in both flowsheet development and practical plant execution will be applied to integrate and de-risk the Halleck Creek pilot circuit.

Mark Wall, CEO of American Rare Earths, said:

“This is a massive step forward for the Company. The pilot plant and production of pre-production rare earth oxide were previously expected to take several years. This defined pilot pathway now materially shortens the timeline and positions the Company to deliver outcomes within months. We are laser-focused on accelerating the largest United States domestic resource of total rare earth elements towards production.”

By combining Wyoming-based front-end processing with proven downstream refining infrastructure, ARR expects to materially shorten the timeline to produce pre-production rare earth oxide, validate the broader process flowsheet and generate material for downstream evaluation and strategic engagement.

The Company believes this staged pilot approach materially de-risks execution by using available facilities, specialized operators and installed or ordered equipment, while preserving the strategic objective of developing a full Wyoming-based rare earth project over time.

This release was authorized by the Board of American Rare Earths.   

Investors can follow the Company’s progress at www.americanree.com 

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.  

For more information:

Company Contact:

Nick Lissolo, Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy 
nlissolo@americanree.com 

Media Contact:

Susan Assadi
sassadi@americanree.com
347 977 7125

Investor Relations US Contact:

Beverly Jedynak
Beverly.jedynak@viriathus.com
312 943 1123

_____________________________
¹ Refer ASX announcement dated 1 April 2026

FAQ

What pilot plant stages did American Rare Earths (AMRRY) announce on April 9, 2026?

The pilot plant is structured in three stages: milling, mineral concentration, and oxide refining. According to the company, milling and concentration will be performed in Wyoming and final leaching and oxide refining will be undertaken at SRC in Saskatoon.

Where will AMRRY process Halleck Creek ore during the pilot program?

Front-end processing will occur in Wyoming and final refining in Saskatchewan, Canada. According to the company, Western Research Institute and DISA will handle milling and concentration, with SRC performing downstream hydrometallurgy in Saskatoon.

How does the pilot plan affect AMRRY’s timeline to produce pre-production rare earth oxide?

The defined pathway is expected to materially shorten the timeline to deliver outcomes within months. According to the company, combining Wyoming front-end work with SRC downstream refining accelerates oxide production and flowsheet validation.

What specialized technologies will AMRRY use in the Wyoming pilot circuit (AMRRY)?

The pilot will use DISA’s HPSA, GradePro reflux classifier, and Induced Roll Magnetic Separators for separation. According to the company, these technologies will produce an allanite-rich concentrate for final SRC treatment.

Who is leading the pilot plant process for American Rare Earths (AMRRY)?

The company engaged Jaye T. Pickarts, P.E., to lead pilot plant process development and execution. According to the company, Pickarts brings decades of U.S.-based rare earth and project development experience.

Will the SRC facility mirror AMRRY’s planned Wyoming commercial refinery?

SRC’s selected facility is almost identical in process configuration though smaller in scale. According to the company, SRC and Tetra Tech will engineer final-stage pilot work based on the PFS flowsheet to inform commercial design.