In a significant development for domestic mineral production, Ionic Mineral Technologies (Ionic MT) has announced the discovery of a major, high-grade deposit of rare earth and critical minerals at its Provo, Utah, mining site. The find, confirmed through independent testing, is a halloysite-hosted ion-adsorption clay (IAC), a geological formation that supplies over 70% of the world’s heavy rare earth elements. These include gallium, germanium, rubidium, cesium, scandium, lithium, vanadium, and tungsten—key components in energy technologies, magnets, and semiconductor chips.
The discovery comes at a pivotal moment for the United States, which has faced increasing challenges in securing these vital materials. In December 2024, China, the world’s largest supplier of heavy metals, banned exports of key high-tech materials and metals to the U.S. in response to chip sanctions. This move has underscored the strategic importance of domestic production, as a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed that the Department of Defense has experienced material shortfalls and lacks stockpiles of minerals with either zero or one domestic supplier.
Ionic MT’s discovery could help mitigate these shortages and reduce reliance on foreign sources, which are often subject to export barriers and potential tariffs. The company’s mining site and operational processing facility in Provo are already permitted and operational, positioning them to rapidly transition to production. This could significantly bolster American resource independence and national security.
Andre Zeitoun, founder and CEO of Ionic MT, emphasized the strategic importance of the discovery. “This confirmation is a watershed moment for American resource independence,” he said. “For the first time, we have a domestic, shovel-ready source for a full spectrum of critical minerals, all extractable with a faster, cleaner process than traditional hard rock mining and extraction. With our mining permits and processing facility in place, we can now move rapidly to production, reducing a key strategic vulnerability for the United States.”
Utah’s political leadership has also highlighted the significance of the discovery. Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams noted, “Utah is once again proving we have the greatest resources, vision, and determination to power America’s future. Ionic Mineral Technologies’ work at Silicon Ridge is the prime example of how responsible development creates jobs, strengthens our national security, and builds resilient, American-made supply chains.”
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz echoed these sentiments, stating, “Our energy and national security depend on having a reliable supply of critical minerals—and Utah is uniquely positioned to lead the way. This project shows what Utah does best: using our natural resources, strong infrastructure, and innovative industry to solve big challenges and embrace big opportunities. Ionic Mineral Technologies is helping us reduce dependence on foreign adversaries while creating new opportunities and long-term stability for Utah families and our economy.”
The discovery at Ionic MT’s Provo site could have far-reaching implications for the mining sector and broader technological industries. By providing a domestic source of critical minerals, the company could help reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and support the development of advanced technologies. Additionally, the use of a cleaner extraction process could set a new standard for environmental responsibility in the mining industry.
As the U.S. seeks to strengthen its domestic production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, discoveries like this one will be crucial. The mining sector, in particular, will need to adapt to these changing dynamics, potentially leading to increased investment in domestic projects and a greater focus on sustainable and efficient extraction methods. The implications for national security and economic stability are profound, making this discovery not just a local success story, but a potential game-changer for the industry as a whole.