USA Rare Earth's Round Top Project to Start Production 2 Years Early in H2 2028

Published: Dec 12, 2025 13:25

Save

USA Rare Earth (USAR) announced that its Round Top project in Texas will commence production two years ahead of schedule, with the first batch of rare earths expected to be produced in H2 2028.

Round Top is a heavy rare earth deposit, which is critical for producing high-performance magnets required for EVs, wind turbines, and national defense systems. It is also the largest gallium and beryllium mine in the US.

USAR stated that the decision to accelerate the construction of Round Top was due to favorable solvent-extraction (SX) test results, enabling its hydrometallurgical pilot facility in Colorado to begin operations earlier in 2026.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

8 hours ago

China Northern Rare Earth: H1 net profit expected to increase 112.74%-121.33%, rare earth prices strengthened overall and consolidated

8 hours ago

13 hours ago

Secondary Pr-Nd Oxide Output Surges in H1 2026, Driven by Policy and Supply Factors【SMM Analysis】

In H1 2026, China's secondary RE oxide output jumped 144% YoY and 28% from H2 2025. Secondary Pr-Nd share rose from 31% to 43.5%, peaking at 46% in Q1 due to tight supply, pricing changes, and higher Pr-Nd in scrap. Q2 share eased to 41% on recovering ore output and weaker demand; tax compliance issues cut June output ~20%. With new standards and tax rectification, H2 share is forecast at 37%, full-year ~40%.

13 hours ago

15 hours ago

Rare Earth Prices Show Divergence, Tug-of-War Between Upstream and Downstream Continues [SMM Rare Earth Daily Review]

[SMM Rare Earth Daily Review: Rare Earth Prices Diverge, Tug-of-War Between Upstream and Downstream Continues] Overall, affected by the intense tug-of-war between upstream and downstream, oxide market prices exhibited notable fluctuations, while the metal market, due to slightly sluggish inquiries, saw suppliers’ quotes remain relatively firm without obvious adjustments. In the short term, production cuts or shutdowns at some raw ore separation and scrap recycling plants are expected to weaken oxide suppliers' willingness to sell at low prices, which may push Pr-Nd product prices to drift higher amid consolidation.

15 hours ago