Commercial production could start as soon as Q4 2026.
U.S.-based critical minerals company Energy Fuels has started pilot-scale production of heavy rare earth element (HREE) oxides at its White Mesa Mill in Utah. The initial phase focuses on producing dysprosium, with terbium and samarium expected to follow shortly. Since April, all three elements have been subject to export controls from China, the world’s leading producer. In May, no shipments of dysprosium, terbium, or samarium cleared Chinese customs.
According to the company, Energy Fuels is now the only U.S. company currently producing separated HREE oxides from mined commercial ores as opposed to using recycled feedstocks in other projects. Commercial production of the three elements could begin as early as late 2026, the company said.
In June, its co-owned Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project received the final regulatory approval (we reported). The company aims to eventually source the feedstock for its rare earth separation process at its White Mesa Mill from the project in Australia, as early as 2027, using existing feedstock in the meantime. The company is also advancing two other projects around the globe. The Toliara Project in Madagascar is expected to be completed by 2028, pending government approval. The Bahia Project in Brazil is currently in the exploration and permitting stage and is expected to commence in 2029.
Given China’s imposed export controls, Western nations are scrambling to secure supply chains. Earlier this week, we reported on the latest developments.
Photo: iStock/Michael Warren