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Business Details
6 Years
experience
Leading US Fluorspar Mining Solutions
ARES Strategic Mining is a pioneering force in the North American mining industry, dedicated to reestablishing domestic fluorspar production. As the sole owner of the only permitted fluorspar mine in the United States, we are positioned to become a critical supplier of this essential mineral, which underpins key industrial sectors. Our operations in Utah represent a strategic response to the U.S. government's designation of fluorspar as vital to national security and economic stability. Backed by federal and state support, we combine advanced infrastructure, strategic partnerships with international producers, and a team of seasoned professionals to deliver reliable, high-quality fluorspar.

Our dual focus on metallurgical and acid-grade fluorspar production aligns with growing global demand, while our exploration of rare earth elements like gallium and germanium underscores our commitment to innovation. With decades of collective experience in mining engineering, geology, and corporate leadership, our team has transformed a historically fragmented resource into a vertically integrated operation poised for scalable growth. Our financial backing from U.S. government loans and institutional investors provides the foundation for sustainable development, ensuring we meet both shareholder expectations and national supply chain needs.
Services
Fluorspar mining Metallurgical processing Acid-grade production Rare earth recovery Mineral exploration Plant construction Industrial logistics Government partnerships Technical research Shareholder reporting
Details
  • Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
  • We own the only permitted fluorspar mine in the United States
  • Our operations are backed by U.S. federal and state government financing
  • We maintain strategic partnerships with international fluorspar producers
  • Our team includes Chartered Engineers and geologists with decades of mining experience
  • We control the full production chain from extraction to processing
Services
Fluorspar mining
Our Utah operations focus on extracting high-grade fluorspar from the Lost Sheep Mine, the only permitted facility of its kind in the United States. The 5,982-acre site contains extensive deposits with low impurities, supporting both metallurgical and acid-grade production. With mine ramp and tunnel systems complete, we're preparing for full-scale extraction to meet growing industrial demand.
Metallurgical processing
Our metallurgical lumps plant in Delta, Utah produces fluorspar briquettes for steel manufacturing applications. This facility processes ore into 60-96% CaF2 grade material that acts as a flux in steel production, helping remove impurities. The plant's 50,000+ ton annual capacity addresses critical supply chain needs for North American manufacturers.
Acid-grade production
The flotation plant at our Utah industrial site produces acid-grade fluorspar with 97%+ CaF2 purity. This high-purity product supports hydrofluoric acid production, a key input for aluminum manufacturing and fluorochemicals. Our processing technology ensures optimal recovery rates while maintaining strict quality standards for industrial applications.
Rare earth recovery
Beyond fluorspar, we're developing extraction capabilities for associated rare earth elements like gallium and germanium. These high-value materials have critical applications in electronics and renewable energy technologies. Our partnership with Iowa State University enables advanced materials analysis to optimize recovery processes.
Mineral exploration
Our geological team conducts ongoing exploration across 353 claims in Utah's Spor Mountain region. Using modern geophysical techniques, we're expanding resource estimates while maintaining environmental compliance. This work supports long-term production planning and potential discovery of additional mineral deposits beyond our current fluorspar focus.
People
James Walker
CEO
Mechanical, mining, and nuclear engineer with expertise in project management and industrial design. Chartered Engineer with IMechE and certified Project Management Professional overseeing mine development and processing operations.
Raul Sanabria
Fluorspar Expert
Geologist with 20+ years in fluorspar exploration, including leadership roles at MINERSA Group. Directs geological strategy and exploration programs with extensive international mining industry experience across multiple continents.
Viktoriya Griffin
CFO
Chartered Accountant with Deloitte and Grant Thornton experience, managing financial operations for public companies. Oversees financial reporting, audit compliance, and strategic financial planning for the organization's mining and manufacturing initiatives.
Paul Sargeant
VP of Exploration
Professional geologist with 25 years of global mineral exploration experience. Qualified Person under NI 43-101 standards, directing exploration programs and technical assessments across the company's Utah properties.
Tom Klaimanee
Corporate Secretary
MBA holder with 15+ years of corporate administration experience. Manages regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and administrative operations for the publicly traded company.
Questions
What is fluorspar used for?
Fluorspar serves critical roles in steel production, aluminum manufacturing, and hydrofluoric acid production. It's also essential for lithium-ion battery components and various chemical processes.
Why is ARES Strategic Mining unique?
We own the only permitted fluorspar mine in the United States, providing domestic supply for this strategically important mineral with full government backing and processing infrastructure.
Where are your mining operations located?
Our primary operations are in Utah's Spor Mountain region, with processing facilities in Delta and corporate offices in Vancouver, BC.
What production capacity do you have?
Our facilities support 50,000+ tons annual production capacity across both metallurgical and acid-grade fluorspar products when fully operational.
Are you exploring other minerals?
Yes, we're developing recovery programs for gallium and germanium, valuable rare earth elements found in our fluorspar ore.
How is your company funded?
We have secured $10M in manufacturing bonds and USDA loans, with additional support from institutional investors and government financing programs.