Ares Strategic Mining Advances Construction of First US Fluorspar Processing Plant in Utah

Ares Strategic Mining Inc. has reached advanced construction stages for its Lumps Plant at the Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project in Utah, positioning the facility to become the first domestic fluorspar processing operation in the United States. The project represents a significant development in securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals essential to multiple industries.

Construction progress includes completed concrete foundations and pads, erected steel frame structures across multiple plant areas, and installation of major fabricated vessels that form the core processing infrastructure. Conveyor systems are being assembled and mounted with visible segments installed across the site, while additional structural supports are being bolted into position to accommodate heavy mechanical systems.

CEO James Walker stated, "This is a pivotal moment in our construction timeline. With the plant now physically taking shape, we are progressing from concept to reality. Every welded beam and poured foundation brings us one step closer to production. We remain firmly on track to become the first fluorspar producer in the country." The company's progress can be followed through official updates on https://www.newmediawire.com.

The Lumps Plant is designed to produce high-purity fluorspar for North American markets, serving critical industries including steel and aluminum manufacturing, refrigerants and fluoropolymers, and supplying critical minerals for nuclear fuel and semiconductors. Ares is building modular, scalable infrastructure that will allow for increased throughput and processing control as market demand grows.

Looking ahead, construction efforts are expected to lead to completion of structural assembly, installation of conveyors, initiation of equipment fit-out and wiring, testing and commissioning of plant systems, and on-site ore stockpiling with initial feed into processing systems. The company maintains its commitment to achieving production and revenue targets aligned with market demand for critical minerals.

The Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project, located in the Spor Mountain area of Juab County, Utah, comprises 5,982 acres with 353 claims and is fully permitted for mining operations. A NI 43-101 Technical Report has identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low levels of impurities, supporting the company's development strategy. The project's mining plan received approval from the Bureau of Land Management, with initial approval dating to August 24, 1992, and renewal on December 12, 2016.

This development matters because fluorspar is essential for numerous industrial applications and technological advancements, yet the United States currently relies entirely on imports. The successful commissioning of this plant would mark the first domestic production capability, reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and supporting domestic manufacturing sectors that depend on this critical mineral.