What's Happening?
American Rare Earths, through its subsidiary Wyoming Rare, has been awarded a Seed Translational Acceleration of Research (STAR) Project Award. This initiative aims to further the assessment of potential byproducts from the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming. The collaboration involves the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER), which will lead the research under the guidance of SER Minerals Program Manager Tyler Brown. The project will focus on examining tailings and byproducts for potential applications, leveraging the expertise of the SER Minerals Team in critical minerals and rare earths. The University of Wyoming’s Vice President, Parag Chitnis, highlighted that the STAR Project Awards are designed to fund projects on a milestone-driven
basis, providing a platform for training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows while advancing research that impacts development projects in Wyoming.
Why It's Important?
This collaboration is significant as it represents a strategic effort to bolster the U.S. rare earths industry, reducing reliance on imports. The research could lead to innovations in the extraction and utilization of rare earth elements, which are crucial for various high-tech and clean energy applications. By fostering local expertise and industry partnerships, the project aims to enhance Wyoming's economic development, particularly in the energy sector. The initiative also supports educational opportunities, preparing a new generation of scientists and engineers in the field of critical minerals.
What's Next?
The project will proceed with a focus on achieving specific milestones, as outlined by the STAR Project Award. The outcomes of this research could influence future policy decisions and industry practices related to rare earths in the U.S. Stakeholders, including government agencies and private companies, may closely monitor the project's progress to assess its impact on the domestic rare earths supply chain. The collaboration could also pave the way for further partnerships and funding opportunities aimed at advancing the U.S. position in the global rare earths market.
