Energy Fuels Produces ‘Heavy’ Rare Earth Metal at Utah Mill

Energy Fuels Inc. successfully produced terbium oxide—a heavy rare earth element—at its Utah mill, marking the first such U.S. output. The milestone supports domestic supply chains for critical minerals essential in quantum computing, defense, and advanced electronics. The White Mesa Mill, primarily a uranium processing facility, achieved this through a pilot project aimed at scaling heavy rare earth production. The 1-kilogram recovery demonstrates progress in diversifying the plant’s output beyond uranium. Shares surged 9% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s expansion into rare earths. The market response underscores the strategic value of reducing reliance on foreign sources for these materials. Heavy rare earths like terbium are vital for high-tech applications, including quantum devices, lasers, and military systems. Domestic production strengthens U.S. resilience against supply chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions. The breakthrough aligns with broader U.S. efforts to secure critical mineral supplies, reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates global rare earth production. This move could accelerate advancements in quantum and defense technologies.