Test Mining Completed at the Cowboy State Mine, Comminution Optimization Tests Underway
MWN-AI** Summary
American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) announced the successful test mining of approximately 3,080 tonnes of rare earth ore at its Cowboy State Mine, part of the Halleck Creek deposit, located in Wyoming. This process involved blasting, excavation, and primary crushing of weathered and underlying non-weathered ore, with the mined material now stockpiled for future processing. Notably, four bulk samples, totaling around 13.7 tonnes, were sent to various comminution vendors aimed at optimizing milling methods. These tests are designed to identify low-effort, high-yield strategies to improve rare earth element recoveries and enhance the project's economic viability.
The upcoming comminution tests focus on minimizing the volume of fines produced during the milling process, which is crucial for upgrading ore and maximizing recoveries in mineral processing. Such improvements are expected to bolster overall project economics, specifically benefiting the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) validation. This test mining operation not only provides essential data for validating technical assumptions regarding drilling and excavation efficiency but also supports the establishment of a demonstration plant that will play a vital role in refining processing methods.
With operations based in a mining-friendly environment, American Rare Earths is positioned to significantly contribute to U.S. domestic supply chains for critical minerals, reducing dependence on imports, particularly from China. Their commitment to environmentally sound practices and innovative extraction technologies aligns with U.S. strategies for economic security and sustainability in the rare earth elements sector. Overall, these initiatives highlight ARR's ambition to pave the way for a robust domestic rare earth industry, particularly in the rapidly growing permanent magnet market.
MWN-AI** Analysis
American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) has made significant strides with the Halleck Creek Project, specifically through the completion of test mining at the Cowboy State Mine (CSM). The recent excavation and crushing of approximately 3,080 tonnes of ore, along with the dispatch of 13.7 tonnes of samples for optimization testing, positions the company favorably in the burgeoning rare earths market.
Investors should take note of the focus on comminution optimization—targeting low-effort, high-yield opportunities to enhance rare earth recoveries. This approach not only aims to improve project economics but also serves to de-risk technical assumptions crucial for the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). The anticipated enhancement in recoveries will directly translate to better financial outcomes for the company.
The stockpiling of the remaining ore for a demonstration plant underscores ARR's strategic vision. This facility will validate processing methods, crucially producing samples to attract potential investors and strategic partners. As the demand for rare earth elements, especially for applications in technology and defense, continues to soar, ARR's efforts in fortifying domestic supply chains are increasingly relevant.
With the testing expected to yield results that could affirm the technical viability of the PFS, interested investors may want to consider the potential upside. ARR is positioned to capitalize on supply chain reconfigurations away from reliance on imports, primarily from China. Thus, the company's commitment to environmentally responsible practices and collaboration with U.S. Government-supported R&D enhances its credibility and attractiveness as an investment.
In summary, as ARR navigates these pivotal milestones, its strategic initiatives could yield significant returns in a high-demand sector, making it a compelling opportunity for market investors. Monitoring the outcomes of the comminution tests and subsequent phases will be crucial for informed investment decisions.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Highlights
- ~3,080 tonnes of Halleck Creek ore mined and crushed
- ~13.7 tonnes of ore samples sent to comminution vendors for optimization testing
- Tests will target low-effort, but high-yield opportunities to increase overall rare earth magnet element recoveries and strengthen project economics
- Remaining ore will be stockpiled as feedstock for a demonstration plant
DENVER, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or the “Company” ), through its subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. (“ WRI ”), has successfully completed excavation and primary crushing of approximately 3,080 tonnes of rare earth ore from a test mine at the Cowboy State Mine ( “CSM” ), part of the Halleck Creek deposit, under its License to Explore by Dozing 1 (see Figures 1 to 4).
Weathered surface material was blasted, excavated and stockpiled adjacent to the test pit. The underlying non-weathered Halleck Creek ore was then blasted, excavated, crushed and stockpiled. Four bulk samples of ore, totaling approximately 13.7 tonnes (see Table 1), were collected and dispatched for comminution testing and additional process optimization work 2 . The remainder of the extracted ore will be stockpiled at the CSM site and the Western Research Institute in Laramie, Wyoming. This ore stockpile will be used as the feedstock for a demonstration plant.
The goal of the comminution testing is to assess different milling methods to minimize the volume of fines generated. Reducing the proportion of fines entering the beneficiation process (i.e., ore upgrading) will enhance overall rare earths recoveries across the entire mineral processing circuit, thereby improving the economic outcomes of the Pre-Feasibility Study ( “PFS” ).
Local contractors are now backfilling the excavated area with the altered surface material from the first blast. They will then replace the stockpiled topsoil and perform preliminary seeding to reclaim the area.
The test mining will also provide data to validate technical assumptions in the PFS, including drill penetration rates, blast fragmentation profiles and excavation efficiency.
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1 See ASX release dated January 8, 2025
2 See ASX release dated July 18, 2025
Table 1 – Summary of dispatched samples for comminution and optimization testing
| Vendor | Location | Approximate sample size (t) | Testing |
| Fl Smidth | Midvale, Utah | 7.0 | High pressure grinding roll (“HPGR”) |
| Loesche GmbH | Düsseldorf, Germany | 4.7 | Vertical roller mill |
| Corem | Quebec, Canada | 1.0 | Alternate HPGR |
| DISA Technologies | Casper, Wyoming | 1.0 | High pressure slurry ablation |
Why it matters? The bulk samples extracted will underpin comminution and beneficiation optimization work 3 , which will identify low-effort, high-impact opportunities to improve overall rare earth magnet element recoveries, enhancing the PFS project economics and further validating underlying technical assumptions. The comminution tests will occur over the remainder of the calendar year, followed by the optimized beneficiation testing.
The demonstration plant, enabled by this test mining campaign, will play a critical role in validating processing methods, generating end-product samples, and supporting future technical studies. It will also serve to technically de-risk the Halleck Creek Project and increase confidence among stakeholders, potential investors, and strategic partners.
Together, these initiatives reinforce ARR’s position as a cornerstone of the emerging domestic permanent magnet industry and advance the Company’s commitment to building a 100% domestic, end-to-end supply chain for critical minerals.
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3 For additional details see the ASX release dated July 18, 2025
Figure 1 - Preparing the CSM Test Pit for the Second Blast
Figure 2 – Aerial view of excavating and crushing at the CSM test pit
Figure 3 - Side view of excavating and crushing at the CSM test pit
Figure 4 – Ore samples to be sent to vendors for comminution tests
This release was authorized by the Board of American Rare Earths.
Investors can follow the Company’s progress at www.americanree.com
About American Rare Earths Limited:
American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) is a critical minerals company at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. rare earths industry. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. (“WRI”), the company is advancing the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming—a world-class rare earth deposit with the potential to secure America’s critical mineral independence for generations. Located on Wyoming State land, the Cowboy State Mine within Halleck Creek offers cost-efficient open-pit mining methods and benefits from streamlined permitting processes in this mining-friendly state.
With plans for onsite mineral processing and separation facilities, Halleck Creek is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on imports—predominantly from China—while meeting the growing demand for rare earth elements essential to defense, advanced technologies, and economic security. As exploration progresses, the project’s untapped potential on both State and Federal lands further reinforces its significance as a cornerstone of U.S. supply chain security. In addition to its resource potential, American Rare Earths is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices and continues to collaborate with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to develop innovative extraction and processing technologies for rare earth elements.
For further information contact:
| Susan Assadi Media Relations US sassadi@americanree.com 347 977 7125 | Beverly Jedynak Investor Relations US Beverly.jedynak@viriathus.com 312 943 1123 |
Figures accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/693550a0-af2d-4d72-8c34-f4c9b7979854
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8cd4b08c-ade6-42f5-87ed-54fa2c382fff
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76a7dd22-303d-4421-98ef-17e60dfe207c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1394ea0b-3fda-49d4-9087-57c65a41ed0b
FAQ**
How does American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR) plan to leverage the comminution and optimization testing results from the Halleck Creek ore to enhance its competitive positioning against similarly structured companies like ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc. ARR?
Considering the commitment to 100% domestic supply chains, how does ARR envision its role in the U.S. rare earth market aligning with the broader investment strategies of firms like ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc. ARR?
With the potential shifts in the rare earths industry, how might American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR) attract investors who are also looking at sectors like real estate, using ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc. ARR as a comparative benchmark?
What strategies is American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR) considering to ensure project economics remain robust, and how does that compare to similar calls for financial stability in companies like ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc. ARR?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about American Rare Earths Limited (OTC: ARRNF).
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