In a move to accelerate the Halleck Creek project, American Rare Earths (ARR) has successfully filed a Licence to Explore for Minerals by Dozing with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality in the US.
This application is a critical step towards initiating test mining operations, as the company seeks approval for two test pits at the Cowboy State Mine site.
The test mining is aimed at securing the necessary ore volumes for processing at a pilot facility, setting the stage for the future scaling of an operable mine and processing unit at Halleck Creek.
American Rare Earths CEO Donald Swartz said: “The successful Placement has allowed us to accelerate work originally contemplated in FY2025 in parallel with the completion of our scoping study due for release this quarter.
“I’m encouraged with the interest shown by new and existing investors under the Placement and see it as a real demonstration of confidence and support for our vision to build the next major rare earth company and to play a key role [in] securing supply for the United States,” said Swartz.
ARR has also submitted a revised drilling notice for Halleck Creek — this submission outlines the company’s plan to drill additional core and reverse circulation holes, enhancing the project’s exploration capacity and ensuring a thorough understanding of the deposit’s potential.
In collaboration with Sepro systems, ARR has embarked on advanced analytical metallurgical test work, utilising Halleck Creek core material.
This includes separation test work employing spiral separators and Falcon concentrators, leveraging the promising results from previous gravity separation studies conducted by the University of Kentucky.
The company is in the final stages of planning for high-pressure grinding rolls and detailed spiral and concentrator test work, with execution expected to follow the release of the scoping study.
The Halleck Creek project continues to advance on schedule, with the scoping study anticipated to be released in March 2024.
This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the project’s economic potential and operational roadmap.