About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...

Core Viewpoint - American Resources Corp is making significant advancements in rare earth refining operations and expansion plans, particularly through its 19% stake in ReElement Technologies Corporation, which is refining critical and rare earth elements at competitive costs compared to Chinese producers [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - American Resources Corp took the company public several years ago and established ReElement Technologies Corporation, which is now a key player in the industry [2]. - The company is focused on refining critical and rare earth elements for both defense supply chains and commercial markets, sourcing raw materials from its own mines [3]. Group 2: Cost Competitiveness - ReElement Technologies is able to refine rare earth elements at costs between $25 to $35 per kilogram, significantly lower than the $110 per kilogram cost associated with traditional solvent extraction methods used by competitors [5]. - The refined products are sold at prices ranging from $65 to $500 per kilogram, with high-purity materials exceeding $5,000 per kilogram [5]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The technology used by ReElement, originally developed in the 1960s, has been enhanced with modern computing power, allowing for efficient production without toxic processes [4][8]. - The company has achieved remarkable purity levels, recently shipping 99.999% pure gallium and terbium, which are among the most challenging heavy rare earth elements to purify [8]. Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - The launch of a rare magnet supply chain is significant as it addresses a gap in the U.S. market, with no other company able to produce these elements domestically at the same scale [6]. - American Resources Corp is committed to breaking the reliance on China for the defense supply chain, aiming to provide these materials domestically at competitive costs [7]. Group 5: Future Plans - The company has a $100 million commitment for a facility in Africa and is collaborating with an Australian company on direct lithium extraction, indicating plans for international expansion [9]. - Upcoming announcements are expected to showcase the company's capabilities and scale in the critical minerals space [10].

About this content About Ian Lyall Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business outpu ...

Core Viewpoint - The rare earth sector is gaining attention due to the global demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy, defense, and high-tech industries, with several companies emerging as key players in this space [1]. Company Summaries MP Materials - MP Materials Corp. has entered a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, involving a multi-billion dollar investment package and long-term commitments [2]. - The company plans to build a second U.S. magnet manufacturing facility, named the "10X Facility," expected to be operational by 2028 [2]. - MP Materials has secured a $500 million deal with Apple to supply rare earth magnets made from 100% recycled materials, manufactured in the U.S. [3]. - As the second-largest producer of rare earths globally, MP Materials operates the Mountain Pass facility, which is crucial for supplying materials for electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and defense [4]. - The company's stock has surged nearly 100% in the past week due to the announcements regarding the DoD and Apple deals [4]. USA Rare Earth - USA Rare Earth, Inc. is focused on mining, processing, and supplying rare earth elements and critical minerals, aiming to develop a vertically integrated domestic supply chain for rare earth magnet production [5]. - The company holds mining rights to the Round Top Mountain deposit in West Texas, which contains essential minerals like neodymium and lithium [6]. - USA Rare Earth’s stock has increased by over 50% in the past five days, reflecting market trends alongside MP Materials [6]. NioCorp - NioCorp Developments, Ltd. is developing the Elk Creek project, which is one of the largest potential sources of niobium and scandium, both important for advanced alloys and clean technologies [7]. - The company has received strong analyst support, with a recent price target increase from $4 to $5 by Maxim Group [11]. The Metals Company - The Metals Company, Inc. is engaged in deep-sea mining, targeting polymetallic nodules rich in battery metals, with operations in the Clarion Clipperton Zone [11]. - TMC has seen significant stock performance, gaining over 550% in 2025 due to its unique approach and strong technical ratings [12]. American Resources - American Resources Corp. specializes in producing high-purity rare earths from both recycled and virgin sources, with its ReElements segment supplying separated rare earths for U.S. commercial and defense needs [13]. - The stock of American Resources has also increased by more than 50% in the past five days, driven by heightened interest in the rare earth sector [13].

Key Takeaways AREC and ReElement extended their antimony refining agreement to a 10-year term with auto-renewals. The revised deal will generate more than $29M annually from purified antimony for defense and commercial use. ReElement begins processing 500 metric tons/month of stibnite ore, with capacity set to grow with demand.American Resources Corporation (AREC) , and its portfolio company, ReElement Technologies Corporation, recently announced an expansion of their existing antimony tolling agreement. ...

Coal Production and Operations - The company has not mined or sold thermal coal since mid-2019, with all mining operations currently idled due to adverse market conditions [196]. - In 2023, the Carnegie 1 Mine produced approximately 67,000 tons of coal, selling at an average price of $180 per ton [200]. - The Carnegie 2 Mine produced approximately 13,000 tons of coal in 2023, with an average selling price of $237 per ton [201]. - The McCoy Elkhorn subsidiary has an estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 40,000 tons of coal per month from Mine 15 when operational [199]. - The company holds 11 additional coal mining permits that are idled or in various stages of reclamation, with no current plans to bring them into production [208]. - Wyoming County Coal holds approximately 5,668,000 tons of coal deposits, with no current production from its mining permits [224]. - The E4-2 mine in Perry County has an estimated production capacity of 80,000 tons per month, but produced only 106,000 tons in 2022 due to adverse market conditions [235]. - The Davidson Branch Preparation Plant has a capacity of 1,300 tons per hour but is currently not operating due to idled mining operations [236]. - The company has approximately 200 mineral and surface leases required for its coal mining operations [245]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $31,927, a decrease of $62,092 compared to $94,019 in 2024, primarily due to a reduction of $64,667 in royalty income [258]. - Total operating expenses decreased by $1,808,844 to $5,015,360 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, driven by lower coal production costs and reduced professional fees [259]. - Net loss attributable to AREC shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $6,652,763, a decrease of $288,600 compared to a net loss of $6,941,363 in 2024 [258]. - Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $1,434,850, a decrease from $4,726,617 in 2024 [264]. - Cash provided by investing activities was $741,401 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to cash used of $432,642 in 2024 [265]. - Cash provided by financing activities was $76,799 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a significant decrease from $148,262,883 in 2024 due to the absence of bond issuances [266]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had a cash balance of $24,623 and a working deficit of $75,839,150, indicating liquidity challenges [263]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - The company has expended approximately $32,500,000 of the $36,500,000 initial project fund for Wyoming County Coal as of December 31, 2024 [228]. - The purchase price allocated to the Wyoming County Coal property was approximately $22,300,000, primarily settled with shares of the Company's Class A Common stock [230]. - The company had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2025 [268]. Business Diversification - The company has diversified its revenue streams by establishing subsidiaries focused on metal recovery and rare earth elements, with ReElement Technologies LLC being one of them [194]. - The company anticipates increasing revenues from its new ReElement and Electrified Materials businesses in 2025, but will require cash flows from financing activities to support operations [262]. Operational Capacity - The Supreme Energy Preparation Plant, a 400 ton-per-hour facility, is currently idled and would require significant capital to bring back into operation [215]. - The Bevins 1 Preparation Plant has a raw coal stockpile storage capacity of approximately 25,000 tons and clean coal stockpile storage of 100,000 tons [203]. - The Mill Creek Preparation Plant has an operational capacity of 800 tons per hour, but currently utilizes less than 10% of this capacity [220]. Other Financial Metrics - The increase in net other expense was primarily due to a decrease in interest income of $485,630 and an increase in interest expense of $1,089,817 compared to the same period in 2024 [261]. - The company employs approximately 23 direct employees and is headquartered in Fishers, Indiana [256].

Coal Production and Operations - American Resources Corporation has not mined or sold coal into thermal coal markets since mid-2019, with all mining operations currently idled due to adverse market conditions[20]. - In 2023, the Carnegie 1 Mine produced approximately 67,000 tons of coal, selling at an average price of $180 per ton[27]. - The Carnegie 2 Mine produced approximately 13,000 tons in 2023, with an average selling price of $237 per ton[28]. - The Wayland Surface Mine has an estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 15,000 tons per month of coal but has been idle since 2022[38]. - Deane Mining LLC operates one active underground mine (Access Energy) and one active surface mine (Razorblade Surface), with a total estimated coal production capacity of approximately 28,000 tons per month[47][48]. - Access Energy has not produced any coal since its acquisition, focusing instead on metallurgical and industrial markets[47]. - Razorblade Surface began production in mid-2018, with an estimated capacity of 8,000 tons per month, but has also seen nominal coal extraction[48]. - Coal sales for the company were primarily from the Carnegie 1 and 2 mines in 2023, with no meaningful sales from coal production in 2024[82]. Coal Deposits and Mining Permits - As of December 31, 2024, approximate coal deposits owned are 0 tons and leased are 11,108,724 tons, with minimum annual lease payments of $20,000[25]. - Knott County Coal holds 22 idled mining permits, with approximate coal deposits owned at 0 tons and leased at 3,207,000 tons[37]. - Wyoming County Coal LLC holds approximately 5,668,000 tons of coal deposits, with no current production and two idled underground mining permits[55]. - ERC Mining Indiana Corporation holds 4,383,298 tons of coal deposits in reclamation, with no current plans to mine the property[76][77]. Preparation Plants and Processing Capacity - The Bevins 1 Preparation Plant has a processing capacity of 800 tons per hour and can store approximately 100,000 tons of clean coal[30]. - The Bevins 2 Preparation Plant has a processing capacity of 500 tons per hour and can store approximately 45,000 tons of clean coal[31]. - The Supreme Energy Preparation Plant has a processing capacity of 400 tons per hour and is currently idled, requiring significant capital to bring back into operation[40]. - The Mill Creek Preparation Plant has an 800 ton-per-hour capacity, but currently utilizes less than 10% of its processing capacity[50]. - The Davidson Branch Preparation Plant has a capacity of 1,300 tons per hour but is currently not operating due to the idled status of mining operations[70]. Financial and Compliance Considerations - The purchase price allocated to the McCoy Elkhorn properties was approximately $95,000, while the Knott County Coal property was approximately $286,000[33][42]. - In June 2023, Wyoming County Coal closed on an Industrial Development Bond for $45 million to finance permit and infrastructure development, with $32.5 million already expended by December 31, 2024[60]. - The company retains exposure for the first $10,000 per accident for workers' compensation liabilities, which could significantly impact operating costs[112]. - The complexity and evolving nature of mining regulations may delay the commencement or expansion of operations, affecting cash flow[99]. - The company is subject to stringent health and safety standards under the Mine Act and MINER Act, which may increase compliance costs[110]. - The company incurs costs related to blasting activities, including pre-blast surveys and monitoring, which may impact operational costs[136]. Environmental Regulations and Impact - Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may lead to increased capital, operating, and compliance costs, potentially adversely affecting operations[89]. - Changes in applicable laws regarding energy production and emissions could make coal a less attractive energy source, adversely affecting demand[92]. - The Clean Air Act and related state laws impose emission control requirements that could materially affect coal mining operations and financial results[114]. - The EPA's Clean Power Plan (CPP) aims to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants, which could adversely impact coal demand if upheld[120]. - Several states have adopted measures requiring GHG emissions reductions, which may lead to increased operational costs for coal mining companies[121]. - The uncertainty surrounding GHG regulations may inhibit utilities from investing in new coal-fired plants, potentially reducing coal demand and revenues[122]. - The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) establishes standards for hazardous waste management, which could significantly increase coal mining costs if exemptions are reclassified[131]. - The EPA's regulation of coal ash as solid waste may increase operational costs for customers, potentially reducing coal demand[132]. - The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) imposes cleanup requirements for hazardous substance releases, which could significantly impact the company's financial results[134]. - The company is subject to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which may delay or prohibit mining permits due to compliance requirements[135]. - Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) can be time-consuming and may impose mitigation measures affecting coal production from federal lands[137]. - Recent guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality may lead to additional delays and costs in NEPA evaluations due to increased scrutiny on greenhouse gas emissions[138]. - The company must comply with various federal, state, and local environmental laws, which can result in operational delays and additional costs[139]. Workforce and Company Structure - The company employs approximately 23 direct employees and is continually evaluating the optimal mix of company employees and contract labor[140]. - The company qualifies as a smaller reporting company and is not required to provide certain market risk disclosures[217].

Core Viewpoint - American Resources Corporation (AREC) is expanding its operational equipment through its stake in ReElement Technologies Corporation to meet the increasing demand for domestically sourced rare earth oxides [1] Group 1: Expansion and Production Capacity - ReElement's latest equipment expansion showcases the modular and scalable nature of its refining technology, effectively doubling the facility's output of finished rare earth oxides in less than three weeks [2] - A third phase of expansion is underway, expected to triple production compared to Phase 2, significantly increasing daily output of essential rare earth elements such as neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb) [2] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The Noblesville facility utilizes cutting-edge refining technology to rapidly scale operations, addressing the exceptional demand from a growing customer base [3] - ReElement is committed to advancing innovation and operational excellence in refining critical minerals [3] Group 3: Stock Performance - AREC stock has declined by 3.9% over the past year, while the industry has seen a larger decline of 13.2% [5]

Core Viewpoint - American Resources Corporation (AREC) is developing a modular, mobile, and scalable leaching solution for extracting rare earth concentrates from coal and mining waste, addressing environmental concerns while creating potential revenue streams [1][2]. Group 1: Technology and Process - The new leaching solution allows for the extraction of rare earth concentrates from materials typically viewed as environmental burdens [1]. - ReElement Technologies will refine the leachate produced into high-purity rare earth products for domestic and allied-nation magnet manufacturers [2]. - ReElement has successfully produced high-purity rare earth oxides from various feedstocks, including coal waste, and is expanding its supply chain for critical minerals [3][4]. Group 2: Market Potential and Strategy - American Resources' properties contain millions of tons of coal waste, with early tests showing rare earth concentrations exceeding 500 ppm, indicating strong potential for domestic supply [5]. - The company is launching a platform to secure additional funding for scaling up production and is exploring financing options, including a Form D offering and a tokenized platform [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance - AREC stock has increased by 0.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 13.1% decline in the industry [7].

Group 1 - American Resources Corporation (AREC) has launched a new preparative scale sequential simulated moving bed (SSMB) production unit through its stake in ReElement Technologies Corporation, enhancing its capabilities in refining rare earth elements and critical materials [1] - The new technology represents a significant advancement for AREC in refining critical minerals, positioning the company as a leader in the domestic market for efficient refining solutions for vital materials [2] - The addition of a third dedicated chromatography line at AREC's Noblesville, IN facility will increase the daily refining capacity for essential rare earth elements such as neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb), while also expanding the range of minerals processed [3] Group 2 - AREC's investment in advanced technology highlights its commitment to scientific progress and scalable refining solutions, with plans to leverage this new capability for innovation in critical materials refining [4] - Over the past year, AREC's stock has declined by 73.1%, contrasting with a 6.1% decline in the industry [4] - AREC currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while other companies in the basic materials sector, such as Carpenter Technology Corporation, ArcelorMittal, and Axalta Coating Systems, have better rankings and performance [5][6][7]