Ares Strategic Mining Inc. has provided a major construction update on its Lumps Plant at the Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project in Utah, representing a critical milestone in developing the only domestic fluorspar processing operation in the United States. The project's advancement addresses growing concerns about supply chain security for essential industrial minerals. Construction has progressed significantly with all concrete foundations and pads completed, steel frame structures being erected across multiple plant areas, and major vessels fabricated and welded into place as part of 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 that this represents a pivotal moment in the construction timeline, with the plant physically taking shape and progressing from concept to reality. The company remains on track to become the first fluorspar producer in the country, bringing domestic production capability to a mineral critical for multiple industries.
The Lumps Plant is designed to produce high-purity fluorspar for North American markets, serving vital sectors including steel and aluminum manufacturing, refrigerants and fluoropolymers, and critical minerals supply for nuclear fuel and semiconductors. The modular, scalable infrastructure being constructed will allow for increased throughput and processing control as market demand grows. Current 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 continues to work with engineering partners and construction contractors to achieve 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. The ANI 43-101 Technical Report identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low impurity levels, supporting the development of this strategically important domestic resource. This development matters because it reduces U.S. dependence on foreign fluorspar sources at a time when supply chain vulnerabilities have become apparent across multiple industrial sectors.
