Energy Fuels Announces Breakthrough in Rare Earth Oxide Production Amid Rising U.S.-China Trade Tensions

The U.S.-based critical minerals producer unlocks scalable rare earth oxide production at its White Mesa Mill, reinforcing national supply chains as new Chinese export restrictions tighten global access to key elements.

Energy Fuels Inc., a leading U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements (REEs), and other critical minerals, has announced a major technological advancement in its ability to produce six of the seven rare earth oxides currently restricted under new Chinese export controls. This milestone positions the company as a key player in strengthening the domestic supply chain for rare earths as U.S.-China trade tensions continue to escalate.

U.S.-Based Rare Earth Production Strengthens Critical Mineral Security

Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah, the only operating conventional uranium mill in the United States, already has commercial capacity to process monazite ore concentrates into neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, a critical material used in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and defense technologies.

Through ongoing R&D, the company now believes it has the technical knowhow and infrastructure to expand production capabilities to include six of the seven REEs affected by China’s restrictions. While scandium (Sc) is not currently targeted due to its limited presence in monazite, the company is prepared to rapidly scale up production of other REEs with support from the U.S. government and appropriate market incentives.

Executive Order Highlights Need for U.S. Rare Earth and Critical Mineral Independence

On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new Executive Order: "Ensuring National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products." The order calls on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to assess the impact of critical mineral imports on national security. This includes imports of rare earth oxides, uranium, and vanadium—all products currently refined by Energy Fuels at the White Mesa Mill.

Energy Fuels Positioned to Lead U.S. Rare Earth Independence

Mark S. Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels, stated:

“Energy Fuels is uniquely positioned to help fill the gaps identified in the President’s Executive Order. We have a proven track record in uranium and vanadium production, and we’ve successfully launched commercial-scale rare earth processing. Our technology works, our infrastructure is ready, and we encourage the U.S. government to support companies like ours that are ready to deliver what the country needs.”

Since 2020, Energy Fuels has developed the capability to produce light, mid, and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) at scale—an achievement few U.S. companies can claim. Combined with its legacy uranium and vanadium operations, Energy Fuels stands as one of the most versatile and advanced critical mineral producers in North America.