USA Rare Earth Commissions Hydromet Demonstration Plant, Seeks Q3 2026 Oxide Output
USAR•USA Rare Earth is commissioning a hydromet demonstration facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado to produce heavy rare earth oxides—dysprosium, terbium and yttrium—from feedstock at Serra Verde, Round Top and other sites. The integrated platform aims first separated oxide output in Q3 2026 with a 10% US government stake.
1. Company Commissions Hydromet Plant
USA Rare Earth has begun commissioning its hydrometallurgical demonstration facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The plant is designed to demonstrate the company’s proprietary hydromet process for separating heavy rare earth oxides at commercial grade.
2. Feedstock Sourcing and Integration
Feedstock for the facility will come from the April acquisition of Serra Verde—which controls the Pela Ema mine and processing plant in Goiás, Brazil—alongside material from the Round Top deposit and third-party suppliers. Separated oxides will then be supplied to the company’s permanent magnet subsidiary, Less Common Metals.
3. Production Timeline and Government Stake
USA Rare Earth targets first separated oxide production in Q3 2026, marking a milestone toward a fully integrated domestic rare earth supply chain. The US government’s 10% equity stake underscores strategic importance for electric vehicles, electronics and defense applications.
