What's Happening?
Lodestar Minerals has announced significant findings from its Virgin Mountain Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in Arizona, USA. The company reported assays showing up to 3.73% total rare earth oxide (TREO) from surface sampling. This project is focused
on exploring the potential of REE mineralization along a 5km structural trend. The recent reconnaissance sampling revealed high levels of heavy rare earth oxides (HREO), with notable concentrations of dysprosium, terbium, and lutetium. These findings suggest a promising potential for a strategically significant heavy rare earth system. Lodestar plans to continue its exploration efforts by compiling geophysical data and conducting further fieldwork to test potential extensions and investigate the structure.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of high-grade rare earth elements at Virgin Mountain is significant for the U.S. as it could contribute to a reliable domestic supply chain for these critical materials. Rare earth elements are essential for various high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems. The U.S. currently relies heavily on imports for these materials, making domestic sources like Virgin Mountain strategically important. The elevated levels of HREO, particularly dysprosium, terbium, and lutetium, are highly sought after and could reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, enhancing national security and economic stability.
What's Next?
Lodestar Minerals plans to advance its exploration activities at the Virgin Mountain REE Project. The company expects to receive results from ongoing mineralogical studies by March 2026, which will provide further insights into the project's potential. The exploration will focus on defining the scale of the mineralized system and identifying additional targets for development. The outcomes of these studies and subsequent exploration efforts could attract interest from investors and stakeholders in the rare earth industry, potentially leading to partnerships or further investment in the project.
