Rare Element Resources Secures Final Approval for Wyoming Rare Earth Plant

Rare Element Resources

Rare Element Resources, a strategic materials company specializing in rare earth products, has received final operational approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its rare earth processing and separation plant in Upton, Wyoming. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical rare earth elements (REEs).

A Game-Changer for Rare Earth Processing

The Upton facility will process materials sourced from the Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project, a highly mineralized district known for its abundance of critical REEs essential to advanced technologies. These materials are indispensable for sectors such as technology, energy, and defense, which rely on REEs for manufacturing components like semiconductors, batteries, and magnets.

The plant is equipped with proprietary processing and separation technology aimed at delivering operational efficiency and economic insights that will serve as a blueprint for a future commercial-scale facility. Currently, the facility is undergoing pre-startup testing for its processes and a proprietary control system.

Strengthening the US Rare Earth Supply Chain

With this approval, Rare Element Resources contributes to reducing the United States reliance on foreign REE suppliers. The plant’s operations are expected to play a critical role in securing a stable and sustainable domestic supply chain.

While a production commencement date has not been disclosed, the company is focused on completing testing phases and preparing for full-scale operations.