Test Mining Completed at the Cowboy State Mine, Comminution Optimization Tests Underway
Globenewswire·2025-09-23 12:03

Core Insights - American Rare Earths has successfully completed excavation and primary crushing of approximately 3,080 tonnes of rare earth ore from the Cowboy State Mine, part of the Halleck Creek deposit [2][7] - The company aims to optimize the milling process through comminution testing, which will enhance rare earth recoveries and improve the economic outcomes of the Pre-Feasibility Study [4][6] Company Operations - The test mining campaign involved blasting, excavating, and stockpiling both weathered and non-weathered ore, with 13.7 tonnes of bulk samples sent for comminution testing [3][7] - Local contractors are engaged in backfilling the excavated area and will perform preliminary seeding to reclaim the site [5] Technical Development - Comminution testing will assess various milling methods to minimize fines, thereby enhancing overall recoveries in the mineral processing circuit [4][6] - The demonstration plant will validate processing methods and generate end-product samples, supporting future technical studies and increasing stakeholder confidence [8] Strategic Importance - The initiatives reinforce American Rare Earths' position in the emerging domestic permanent magnet industry and its commitment to establishing a 100% domestic supply chain for critical minerals [9][12] - The Halleck Creek Project is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on rare earth imports, particularly from China, while addressing the growing demand for these essential elements [12]