American Rare Earths Begins 2026 Drilling at Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming

[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] The US and India signed a bilateral critical minerals framework agreement in New Delhi, aiming to establish a strategic partnership for supply chain security in mining and processing. The agreement was signed by US Secretary of State Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar during the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, covering the entire chain including mining, processing, refining, recycling, and joint financing. The agreement was based on the "Forum for Resource Geostrategic Engagement" (FORGE) launched in February 2026, aiming to reduce dependence on a single source. India possesses over 13 million mt of monazite rare earth resources and is accelerating the enhancement of its processing capabilities.