As the global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) intensifies—driven by the surge in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defense applications—2025 emerges as a pivotal year for the development of critical mineral supply chains. The following 15 projects are at the forefront of this transformation, each playing a significant role in reshaping the global rare earth landscape.
🇺🇸 United States
Mountain Pass Mine (California) – MP Materials The only operational rare earth mine in the U.S., Mountain Pass has ramped up production of separated neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide and is constructing a magnet manufacturing facility in Texas to establish a fully domestic supply chain. Halleck Creek Project (Wyoming) – American Rare Earths With a JORC-compliant resource of 2.63 billion tonnes, Halleck Creek is among the largest rare earth deposits in the U.S. The project benefits from favorable permitting conditions in Wyoming. Bear Lodge Project (Wyoming) – Rare Element Resources This project has secured a non-binding letter of interest for up to $553 million in funding from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, aiming to commence operations at a demonstration plant producing NdPr oxide by mid-2025. White Mesa Mill (Utah) – Energy Fuels Energy Fuels has achieved commercial-scale production of separated NdPr at its White Mesa Mill, marking a significant milestone in U.S. rare earth processing capabilities. Idaho Strategic Projects (Idaho) – Idaho Strategic Resources The company is advancing exploration at its Lemhi Pass, Mineral Hill, and Diamond Creek projects, all located within Idaho’s REE-Thorium Belt and included in the U.S. National REE Inventory.
🌍 International Projects
ERG Rare Earth Expansion (Kazakhstan) – Eurasian Resources Group ERG is exploring significant rare earth deposits in Kazakhstan, with recent discoveries estimated at over 20 million metric tons, potentially positioning the country among the top global reserves. Longonjo Project (Angola) – Pensana Pensana’s Longonjo project is expected to supply 5% of the world’s magnet metal rare earths demand. The company has secured an $80 million loan to expedite development. Lofdal Project (Namibia) – Namibia Critical Metals One of only two xenotime-type heavy rare earth deposits under development globally, Lofdal has completed a production pilot, attracting international investment interest. Donald Project (Australia) – Energy Fuels & Astron Joint Venture This joint venture aims to supply the White Mesa Mill with monazite sand concentrate, with production expected to begin as early as 2026. Toliara Project (Madagascar) – Base Resources Acquired by Energy Fuels, the Toliara project is part of a strategic move to secure diverse sources of monazite for rare earth production. Bahia Project (Brazil) – Energy Fuels Energy Fuels’ acquisition of the Bahia project adds to its portfolio of monazite sources, enhancing its feedstock diversity for rare earth processing. Saltend Refinery (United Kingdom) – Pensana Pensana’s Saltend facility in Yorkshire aims to produce 5% of global demand for NdPr oxide, marking Europe’s first rare earth processing plant of its kind. Greenland Rare Earth Initiatives – Various Companies Greenland’s vast mineral resources have attracted interest from companies like Critical Metals Corp, with investments focusing on rare earth extraction and processing. Phoenix Tailings Facility (New Hampshire, USA) – Phoenix Tailings Backed by BMW and Yamaha, Phoenix Tailings is constructing a $13 million facility to produce rare earths with minimal emissions, aiming for a 200 metric ton annual capacity. Makuutu Project (Uganda) – Ionic Rare Earths The Makuutu project is advancing as a significant source of heavy rare earths, with plans to develop a processing facility to supply global markets.
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