Colorado-headquartered Rare Element Resources has received a project continuation notice from the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for its planned rare earth processing and separation demonstration plant in Upton, Wyoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The notice comes after the DOE\u2019s recent completion of its National Environmental Policy Act review for the project and allows RER to begin construction of the plant, which it expects to commence operations for in the third quarter of 2024 after a 7- to 10-month construction period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RER said it is expecting the demonstration plant to help advance its processing and separation technology, generating the operational and economic data needed for a commercial-scale plant design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company noted that the unique characteristics of rare earths, especially their ability to enhance magnetic properties, make them essential to many hi-tech, defense and green applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe risks associated with China\u2019s current monopoly of the rare earth supply chain have led the DOE and U.S. Department of Defense to deem rare earth elements \u2018critical\u2019 when considering the nation\u2019s stated clean energy goals and strategic national defense initiatives,\u201d RER officials said. It has been working with the DOE as well as General Atomics on what it has called an innovative rare earth recovery technology as it seeks to \u201ccreate the cornerstone\u201d for a domestic rare earth supply chain that is secure with development of the company\u2019s Bear Lodge rare earth project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn anticipation of DOE budget approval, we have been working alongside our General Atomics-led project team and our contractor to prepare the site for construction,\u201d said President and CEO Brent Berg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow renovations can begin in earnest. To expedite the time frame to production, the team will be installing equipment that is already being assembled offsite on skids. Entering the active construction phase moves us one step closer to bringing our innovative rare earth recovery technology, with its inherent environmental and economic advantages, to commercial production.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Berg added the timeliness of the plant is ideal, as China recently announced its ban on the export of critical materials extraction and separation technology for rare earth metals and alloy materials as well as technology to prepare rare earth magnets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is another bold step by China to protect its dominance over the industry, and a call to action for countries like the U.S. to quickly develop domestic sources and advance innovative recovery technologies to support a secure rare earth supply chain,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In related company news, RER announced January 5 that Berg will resign his position, effective April 2 or earlier, at RER board discretion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Berg, who had held that position since Nov. 1, 2022, advised he will be moving to a new opportunity outside of the rare earth industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n