$60M Wyoming Rare Earth Plant to Challenge China Nears Full Operation
6 days ago
- #rare earth elements
- #Wyoming
- #mining innovation
- Completion of a $60 million rare earth processing plant in Upton, Wyoming, positioning the state as a competitor to China.
- The plant uses proprietary technology for cleaner, more efficient processing than China's conventional methods.
- Bear Lodge Mining District is a key source of rare earth elements, critical for high-strength permanent magnets.
- Full operations expected to start in early 2026, creating significant employment opportunities in northeast Wyoming.
- The project has received funding from the Wyoming Energy Authority ($4.4 million) and the U.S. Department of Energy ($24.2 million).
- The plant will initially focus on producing neodymium-praseodymium oxide (NdPr oxide) for magnets used in EVs and wind turbines.
- Federal permitting for the mining arm has restarted under the FAST-41 Program to streamline the process.
- The town of Upton anticipates economic benefits but faces challenges like housing shortages for new workers.
- RER plans to employ around 30 workers once the plant is fully operational.