Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS | OTCQX: ARSMF | FRA: N811) officially opened its Fluorspar Lumps Plant in Delta, Utah on October 9, 2026, in a state ceremony attended by federal and state representatives. The plant processes raw fluorspar from the company's fully permitted Lost Sheep Mine into metallurgical-grade lumps for steel and aluminum production. The opening marks the first commercial fluorspar production in the United States since 1995, positioning Ares as the only active commercial fluorspar operation in the country and signalling its transition toward revenue generation.

Key Points

  • Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS | OTCQX: ARSMF | FRA: N811)
  • Fluorspar Lumps Plant officially opened October 9, 2026 in Delta, Utah, restoring U.S. commercial fluorspar production after a 31-year absence
  • Plant capacity of 165,347 tons annually; potential gross product value exceeds $25M per year at current metspar prices of $350–$520 per metric ton; company holds a $168.9M U.S. Department of Defense contract for future acidspar product
  • Investors may be watching progress on the complementary Acidspar Flotation Plant, construction of which has commenced on site

Lost Sheep Mine Feeds North America's Only Commercial Fluorspar Operation

The Lumps Plant processes ore from the Lost Sheep Mine, one of 353 claims spanning 5,982 acres in the Spor Mountain district of Juab County, Utah. Ares describes itself as vertically integrated, owning and controlling fluorspar from extraction through to market-ready product. The plant sits on a fully owned 50-acre site off Highway 6 in Delta, with a footprint of approximately 7 acres. Recent geophysical surveys confirmed 49 preliminary fluorspar targets near existing Lost Sheep Mine infrastructure, which the company states will support longer-term supply for both plants.

State and Federal Backing Underscores Critical Mineral Significance

The opening ceremony featured keynote remarks from U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy, who referenced a combined state and federal commitment to re-domesticating strategic industries. The State of Utah provided Ares with an $11 million loan to support development. The ceremony was also attended by Utah State Senator David P. Hinkins, Utah State Representative Rob Bishop, and representatives from the offices of the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and the U.S. Senator John Curtis, reflecting the broad governmental recognition of fluorspar as a critical mineral supply-chain priority.

DoD Contract and MOU Position Ares for Revenue Generation

Beyond metallurgical-grade lumps, Ares holds a $168.9 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for its future acidspar product, used in EV batteries, semiconductors, and technology applications. The company also maintains a signed Memorandum of Understanding with global commodities trader Cremer Erzkontor Inc. to distribute its metspar product across North America. Machinery for the Acidspar Flotation Plant is already on site and construction has commenced, with the company intending to operate both facilities in parallel once complete.

Critical Metals Recovery Program Adds Strategic Dimension

Ares disclosed a program developed in collaboration with Found Industries targeting the recovery of gallium, germanium, and other strategic critical materials from feedstocks associated with the Lost Sheep Mine. The company states these metals are essential to energy, communications, space, and defence industries. No production timeline or financial projections for the critical metals recovery program were disclosed in the announcement. The immediate share price impact was not clear from available public information.