American Rare Earths Limited has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with U.S. rare earth metallurgy specialist Novex, LLC to convert separated oxides from the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming into permanent magnet precursors.

The arrangement establishes a framework for process optimization, metallization of demonstration plant output, and the joint design of a domestic rare earth metal production facility to be built by the company. The partnership follows an oxide-to-metal technology review that screened several workable routes and identified high-temperature molten salt electrolysis as the cleanest metallization option. Molten salt electrolysis reduces dependence on anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and avoids consuming a saleable rare earth metal as a reductant, keeping lanthanothermic reduction in reserve for volatile target metals.

Novex operates an advanced technology development center in Bellingham, Washington, and brings a track record of oxide-to-metal technology development under programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of War. Under the terms of the MoU, Novex will receive neodymium-praseodymium oxide produced by the company’s demonstration plant for conversion into a metal product suitable as a magnet precursor.

“This MoU is a critical step in advancing our stated intention of building the only fully U.S. domestic vertically integrated mine-to-magnet supply chain. Our technology review demonstrated that molten salt electrolysis is the cleanest path from oxide to metal, and Novex has been developing that capability in the United States for years while working with various areas of the United States Government and leading consulting companies. Putting our massive Wyoming resource alongside their technical capability is an important step in developing the cornerstone of U.S. domestic rare earth and magnet production, in Wyoming.”

— Mark Wall, Chief Executive Officer

The two parties will also explore heavy rare earth oxide samples for metallurgical testing, including samarium, dysprosium, and terbium. The collaboration aims to establish a fully domestic U.S. mine-to-magnet supply chain running from Wyoming feedstock through Novex’s metal production to permanent magnet applications, with a definitive long-term agreement targeted within 12 months.

Read the full announcement: American Rare Earths Signs MoU with Novex to Advance U.S. Oxide-To-Metal Production