Energy Fuels Achieves First U.S. Production of High-Purity Dysprosium Oxide, Establishing Domestic Rare Earth Supply Chain
Energy Fuels Inc. has successfully produced the first kilogram of high-purity dysprosium oxide in the United States, marking a significant step toward reducing reliance on Chinese rare earth supplies and strengthening domestic critical mineral production.
Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) has completed production of its first kilogram of dysprosium oxide at pilot scale at the company's White Mesa Mill in Utah, achieving a significant milestone in domestic rare earth element production. The material reached 99.9% purity, exceeding the 99.5% commercial specification, demonstrating the viability of establishing a fully non-Chinese rare earth oxide supply chain within the United States.
The production of dysprosium oxide, sourced from monazite mined in Florida and Georgia, represents a critical advancement in reducing American dependence on foreign rare earth supplies. The White Mesa Mill expects to continue producing Dy oxide at a rate of two kilograms per week, positioning Energy Fuels as what the company believes to be the first U.S. entity to both produce high-purity Dy oxide and publicly disclose actual production volumes and purities.
This development has already generated substantial interest from multiple magnet manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers who have expressed strong desire to obtain samples to accelerate their validation processes. The successful production of high-purity dysprosium oxide supports the growing demand for rare earth elements essential for various high-tech applications, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies.
Energy Fuels, based in Lakewood, Colorado, operates as a leading U.S.-based critical minerals company focused on uranium, rare earth elements, heavy mineral sands, vanadium and medical isotopes. The company owns and operates several conventional and in-situ recovery uranium projects in the western United States and has been the leading U.S. producer of natural uranium concentrate for the past several years. For more information about the company's operations, visit http://www.energyfuels.com.
The achievement at White Mesa Mill underscores the strategic importance of developing domestic capabilities in critical mineral processing, particularly as global supply chain vulnerabilities continue to pose risks to various industries. The successful pilot-scale production demonstrates the technical feasibility and commercial potential of establishing a complete rare earth supply chain within the United States, reducing reliance on foreign sources for these essential materials.