Integral Advances Rare Earth Projects in North America

Integral Metals

Woods Creek and Burntwood Projects Target Key REEs

Integral Metals, a Canadian critical minerals explorer, is accelerating rare earth element (REE) development in Montana and Manitoba. The company aims to support a self-reliant North American REE supply chain amid tightening Chinese export controls.

The Woods Creek project in Montana has yielded samples rich in neodymium and praseodymium, essential for permanent magnets. Meanwhile, the Burntwood property in Manitoba shows signs of carbonatite-hosted mineralization with syenite intrusions, indicating both light and heavy REE potential.

Supply Chain Strategy Amid Chinese Export Controls

Integral's efforts align with growing geopolitical urgency to diversify away from China, which dominates global REE exports. In 2024, China imposed restrictions on the export of seven REEs, including samarium, dysprosium, and scandium.

In response, Integral is focusing on domestic exploration to ensure secure and resilient REE access for future clean tech and defense demand. CEO Paul Sparkes emphasized that these projects can help “reduce North America’s reliance on foreign sources.”

The company continues to evaluate mineralization, geological data, and infrastructure requirements to advance both sites toward production-readiness.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Integral Metals joins a rising cohort of junior miners seeking to rebalance global rare earth supply. If proven viable, these projects could contribute to reshoring REE value chains in North America, though long timelines and permitting challenges remain.