Energy Fuels begins expansion of Utah mill to process heavy rare earths

Energy Fuels announced that construction has started on an expansion of its White Mesa Mill in San Juan County, Utah, to enable commercial processing of heavy rare earth elements. After six years of circuit development, the mill will join a trio of U.S. facilities capable of rare earth processing, a market largely controlled by China. The new capability targets heavy rare earths needed for high-tech sectors including automotive, robotics, data-center cooling, energy systems and defense equipment.

CEO Ross Bhappu highlighted the strategic advantage of coupling uranium and rare earth processing, noting the expansion will require choosing between the two streams. Funding includes a conditional $725 million loan from the Department of War, with the plant expected to be operational by July 2027 and a further phase planned for 2029. Critics have raised environmental concerns due to the mill’s proximity to Bears Ears National Monument, but the company argues the project will reduce carbon emissions and bolster U.S. supply security.