DFARS 2027 Is Coming. Why Isn't Washington Moving on Pea Ridge Mine?

Highlights

• DFARS restrictions take full effect January 1, 2027, banning NdFeB magnet supply chains tied to China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea.
• Pea Ridge Mine holds proven tailings reserves with 18% heavy REE content, including projected annual output of 35 tonnes of terbium and 190 tonnes of dysprosium.
• Caldera Holdings holds active mining and water permits plus licensed separation technology from Saskatchewan Research Council, yet federal financing has not materialized.
• Phase One combines legacy tailings reclamation with strategic mineral recovery, offering a fast-start path to domestic heavy rare earth supply.
• REEx warns that DFARS nonavailability waivers can only delay the problem—only domestic mining and separation can close the supply gap.