The Round Top Heavy Rare Earth Mine Will Reach Full Production Capacity in 2028.

HOUSTON, May 4 (Argus) - US rare earth producer USA Rare Earth (USAR) expects its Round Top heavy rare earth project in Texas to reach full production by the end of 2028.
The company's chief executive Barbara Humpton said in a TV interview on May 3: "Our plan for Round Top is to complete all feasibility studies this year, build the mine next year and reach full production by the end of 2028."
USAR is advancing the development of the Round Top project under its accelerated mining plan, using a four-step process that includes extracting rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium. The company said its process eliminates capital and energy-intensive steps such as grinding, flotation, magnetic separation, roasting and acid roasting.
Compared with the final feasibility study target disclosed to investors in February to be completed in 2027, the company has adopted a parallel development approach and shortened the schedule to be completed in 2026.
To save time, USAR uses quantum computing, artificial intelligence and digital twins to optimize material research and upstream operations. Digital twins are virtual representations of real-world systems used to advance rare earth element separation technology.
"People can't believe how fast we are developing," Humpton said.
USAR's magnet factory in Stillwater, Oklahoma, started production after completing commissioning as planned in the first quarter.