Energy Fuels Reaches First U.S. Heavy Rare Earth Output With 99.9% Pure Terbium Oxide
Energy Fuels produced its first kilogram of 99.9% pure terbium oxide at its White Mesa Mill, marking the first U.S. primary heavy rare earth oxide output in decades. The company plans commercial-level production by 2027 targeting 12 tonnes of Tb oxide and 35 tonnes of dysprosium annually.
1. First U.S. Terbium Oxide Production
Energy Fuels produced its first kilogram of 99.9% pure terbium oxide at the White Mesa Mill in Utah using U.S.-sourced monazite ore, representing the first domestic primary heavy rare earth oxide output in decades and meeting the specifications required by global permanent magnet manufacturers.
2. Expansion Roadmap and Volume Targets
The existing pilot circuit will maintain production at approximately one kilogram of Tb oxide per week, while planned commercial circuits aim to recover up to 12 tonnes of terbium and 35 tonnes of dysprosium annually by 2027; a Phase 2 expansion is slated for 2029 to boost capacity to over 80 tonnes of Tb, 288 tonnes of Dy, and more than 6,000 tonnes per annum of NdPr oxide.
3. Implications for U.S. Critical Materials Security
By establishing a reliable western supply of heavy rare earth oxides, Energy Fuels seeks to mitigate Chinese export control risks and ensure availability of high-performance magnet materials for electric vehicles, defense systems, robotics, and other advanced technologies.