American Rare Earths is deepening its partnership with engineering firm Tetra Tech as it looks to tap into new U.S. government funding opportunities for its flagship Halleck Creek rare earths project in Wyoming.

The company announced the expanded collaboration this week, noting that Tetra Tech will now help identify, advise on, and apply for federal funding programs tied to critical mineral development. The move builds off a relationship that began in 2023, when Tetra Tech started leading mineral processing test work and engineering studies for Halleck Creek.

Because the firm already has detailed technical knowledge of the project and a long track record supporting federal agencies, American Rare Earths said it was a natural step to bring Tetra Tech into the strategic side of its government engagement. The engineering firm is also expected to keep supporting technical and development activities as the project advances.

Richard Hudson, Chairman of American Rare Earths, said the expanded partnership is meant to help elevate the profile of Halleck Creek at the federal level. He noted that Tetra Tech’s experience with government funding programs will complement ongoing efforts to secure support for the project from both state and federal officials.

Why Federal Support Matters

Rare earth elements are central to defense systems, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing, and the federal government has made reshoring and expanding domestic supply chains a national priority. American Rare Earths pointed out that the U.S. currently has only one producing rare earth mine, leaving the broader magnetics industry exposed to supply chain risks.

The company says its Halleck Creek project could help fill that gap by providing a long-term domestic source of magnet metals that are widely used in defense applications. With Tetra Tech’s help, the company plans to pursue relevant grants and funding initiatives designed to strengthen the nation’s critical minerals supply chain.

American Rare Earths also voiced support for recent federal initiatives aimed at bringing more rare earth production and processing back to the United States. While significant progress has been made to rebuild a full mine-to-magnet industry domestically, the company said upstream diversification remains essential to reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

Both American Rare Earths and Tetra Tech believe Halleck Creek can play a meaningful role in that effort, offering a stable mix of light and heavy rare earth elements to support the growing magnetics sector.