Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) has achieved a significant milestone by producing its first kilogram of 99.9% pure terbium oxide at its White Mesa Mill in Utah, using U.S.-sourced monazite ore. The company stated that this product meets specifications for global rare earth permanent magnet manufacturers, marking a critical step in establishing a secure domestic supply chain for heavy rare earth materials. This development follows the recent production of nearly 30 kilograms of 99.9% dysprosium oxide at the same facility.
The White Mesa Mill is the only fully licensed and operating conventional uranium processing facility in the United States. Energy Fuels is leveraging its existing infrastructure to produce advanced rare earth element products, including terbium and dysprosium oxides, which are vital components in permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems. The company noted that pilot-scale production will continue at roughly one kilogram per week, with plans to expand to commercial-scale output as early as 2027. Target annual production includes up to 12 tonnes of terbium and 35 tonnes of dysprosium, alongside broader rare earth oxide capacity growth tied to future circuit expansions.
The importance of this achievement extends beyond Energy Fuels. The United States currently relies heavily on imports for rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earths like terbium and dysprosium, which are dominated by China. By producing these materials domestically, Energy Fuels aims to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and support the growth of clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Chalmers, emphasized that this production demonstrates the technical capability to process U.S.-sourced monazite into high-purity separated rare earth oxides, a critical step in strengthening national security and economic competitiveness.
Energy Fuels is also exploring the recovery of vanadium oxide when market conditions warrant and evaluating the potential recovery of medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams for targeted alpha therapy cancer treatments. Additionally, the company is developing three heavy mineral sands projects: the Toliara Project in Madagascar, the Bahia Project in Brazil, and the Donald Project in Australia, where it has the right to earn up to a 49% interest in a joint venture with Astron Corporation Limited.
The announcement has drawn attention from investors and industry observers, as Energy Fuels positions itself as a leading U.S.-based critical minerals company focused on uranium, rare earth elements, heavy mineral sands, vanadium, and medical isotopes. The company’s common shares trade on the NYSE American under the symbol “UUUU” and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under “EFR.” For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/UUUU.
This development underscores the broader trend of reshoring critical mineral supply chains and the strategic importance of domestic processing capabilities. As the global demand for rare earth elements continues to grow, driven by the transition to clean energy and advanced technologies, Energy Fuels’ progress at the White Mesa Mill represents a tangible step toward a more resilient and self-sufficient U.S. supply chain.
