Energy Fuels has produced its first kilogram of dysprosium (Dy) oxide with a purity of 99.9% at its White Mesa Mill in Utah.

This achievement exceeds the commercial specification of 99.5% purity.

The mill intends to maintain a production rate of 2kg per week, with a pilot-scale production target of approximately 15kg of Dy oxide.

Energy Fuels intends to continue further with the production of terbium (Tb), with the first samples expected to be available for end-user validation by the fourth quarter of 2025 (Q4 2025).

The company's production of high-purity Dy oxide from monazite mined in Florida and Georgia is a significant milestone in establishing a completely non-Chinese rare earth oxide supply chain, stated the company.

Energy Fuels claims to be the first US company to produce high-purity Dy oxide and disclose production volumes and purities publicly.

The company's efforts have garnered strong interest from several magnet manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) looking to ramp up their validation processes with these samples.

Energy Fuels plans to construct and commission commercial-scale Dy, Tb and other “heavy” rare earth element separation capacity at the mill, with potential production commencing as early as Q4 2026.

Last year, Energy Fuels completed the commissioning of its commercial-scale “light” rare earth oxide circuit at the mill.

The company produced “on-spec” neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, which has been tested and qualified by global magnet makers for use in various technologies. These include electric and hybrid vehicles expected to hit markets in the US, EU and Asia this year.

In October 2024, Energy Fuels expanded its operations by acquiring Australian critical mineral company Base Resources in a transaction valued at approximately $178.4m (A$260.22m).