Highlights
- Relevant Gold Corp is reviving the historic Carissa Gold Mine, using advanced geophysical techniques to explore potential gold reserves in Wyoming's South Pass City.
- American Rare Earths Inc has discovered over 2.3 billion tons of rare earth minerals at Halleck Creek, potentially challenging China's global mineral supply dominance.
- These mining projects represent a strategic effort to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign mineral sources and unlock Wyoming's untapped mineral wealth.
A forgotten mining frontier is roaring back to life. Canadian firm Relevant Gold is reigniting interest in Wyoming’s long-abandoned Carissa Gold Mine at South Pass City—an 1860s relic left idle not due to resource depletion, but economic constraints. With new geophysical data and magnetic surveys conducted alongside the U.S. Geological Survey, the company now believes the site may rival Canada’s famed Abitibi gold belt. This summer, deep drilling begins—not just at Carissa but across five large-scale targets in Wyoming, including the untapped Seminoe Mountains, signaling a deliberate push to unlock subsurface wealth with 21st-century precision.
But the gold narrative is only half the story. Recent discoveries confirm over 2.3 billion tons of rare earth minerals beneath Wyoming’s soil—potentially eclipsing China’s current 44-million-ton stranglehold. American Rare Earths Inc (opens in a new tab)., leading development at the massive Halleck Creek deposit (now Cowboy State Mine), reports early drilling results “exceeded our wildest dreams”—and they’ve only touched 25% of the property. These resources power everything from smartphones to fighter jets, and their emergence in the American heartland could dramatically alter global supply chains. The U.S. has long relied on foreign rare earth element (REE) dominance; Wyoming may now be the front line in reclaiming industrial independence.
Deeper Dive
Wyoming is witnessing a resurgence in its mining sector through two significant projects: the Carissa Gold Project led by Relevant Gold Corp. and the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project spearheaded by American Rare Earths Inc. These initiatives aim to revitalize the state's historical mining legacy and position the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals.
Relevant Gold Corp.'s Carissa Gold Project, situated near South Pass City, is in the exploration phase. The company has secured multiple drilling permits and has initiated core drilling programs, notably at the Burr target. Surface sampling has revealed promising gold and silver assays, suggesting the presence of significant mineralization. However, the project's remote location lacks essential infrastructure, such as power and water supply, which will require substantial investment for any future production activities. Financially, Relevant Gold has bolstered its position through strategic investments, including a notable stake acquired by Kinross Gold, providing the necessary capital for ongoing exploration efforts.
In contrast, American Rare Earths Inc.'s Halleck Creek Project has advanced, delineating a substantial rare earth element (REE) resource. With a JORC-compliant estimate of 2.63 billion tonnes at 3,926 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides, the project stands as one of the largest REE deposits in North America. The project's location on state-owned land in Wyoming facilitates a more streamlined permitting process, and it has garnered strong support from both state and federal entities, including a $7.1 million grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority (opens in a new tab). Infrastructure development is underway, with plans for a pilot processing facility in collaboration with the Western Research Institute, aiming for initial production by 2029 according to a company press release (opens in a new tab) at the start of the year.
While both projects underscore Wyoming's mineral wealth and potential to contribute to U.S. mineral independence, they are at different stages of development. The Carissa Gold Project remains in early exploration, requiring further drilling and infrastructure development. Conversely, the Halleck Creek Project is progressing towards production, backed by significant resource estimates, supportive regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships, positioning it as a critical component in the domestic supply chain for rare earth elements.
Bottomline for ARR in WY is will the Trump Admin’ follow though with the Biden Admins’ strategic LOI? Or, will issues surrounding both permitting and potential legal obstacles presently used for delaying anything Trump backed, lead to US strategic support for RE feedstock from farther field, as has already happened? Without US gov’ concrete support it is unlikely that major private financing (re., equity input and offtakes) will find the courage to get involved. GLTA- REI