First U.S.-based production of the heavy rare earth element in decades.
Energy Fuels has produced the first high-purity terbium oxide at the White Mesa Mill in Utah as the first U.S.-based company in decades. The pilot-scale output follows earlier production of dysprosium oxide, with commercial-scale recovery of both materials targeted in the coming months.
Heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium are essential for high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, robotics, aerospace, and defense systems, but global supply remains highly concentrated in China. Energy Fuels used U.S.-sourced feedstock for its pilot project but added that it aims to also use feedstock from projects in allied nations.
The milestone comes as Chinese export controls introduced in 2025 continue to limit overseas shipments of heavy rare earths. Recent trade data show sharply lower exports of dysprosium and terbium at the start of the year, further tightening supply for international markets.
Meanwhile, across the Pacific, Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths is also pushing to diversify its rare earth portfolio. The company recently announced the expansion of production in its Malaysian separation facility, adding samarium oxide to its output.
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