Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS) announced on November 13, 2026, that it is now producing metallurgical-grade fluorspar lumps at saleable grade from its Delta Lumps Plant in Utah, meeting targeted customer specifications for initial deliveries. The company also confirmed that director Bob Li has taken on an interim general manager role on site to oversee the transition of operations from contractor Provo Mining and Construction, Inc. to direct Ares management. With first commercial shipments expected in November, the announcement marks a significant operational milestone for the junior fluorspar miner.

Key Points

  • Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS | OTCQX: ARSMF | FRA: N811)
  • Saleable-grade metspar lumps at 80–85% fluorspar content are now being produced at the Delta Lumps Plant in Delta, Utah
  • First commercial shipments expected in November 2026, subject to final customer acceptance and shipping arrangements; site operations handover from Provo to Ares management expected to complete in mid-December 2026
  • Investors may be watching for confirmation of the first completed shipment and updates on production volumes as the company ramps toward consistent commercial output

Saleable Metspar Lumps Now Rolling Off the Delta Production Line

Throughout September and October, the Delta team increased plant feed from the Lost Sheep Mine and conducted product testing and process optimisation. That work has yielded metspar lumps grading 80–85% fluorspar coming off the Lumps Plant, meeting the customer specifications targeted for Ares' initial deliveries. The company acknowledged the ramp-up to commercial production has taken longer than originally planned, and stated its current focus is on consistently repeating product quality, increasing saleable output, and coordinating production with customer delivery requirements.

Bob Li Steps On Site to Lead Operational Transition at Lost Sheep

Ares director and Chairman of the Mujim Group, Mr. Bob Li, is now on site in Delta, Utah, serving as interim general manager during the handover period. The release states Li brings extensive experience in fluorspar mining, processing, plant design, and metallurgy through his work with the Mujim Group, which supplied Ares' processing equipment including the Lumps Plant. He has been involved in the commissioning of the Lumps Plant and product quality sign-off. Li will continue to serve on the company's board while focusing on plant performance, operator development, and mine-to-plant coordination.

Provo Mining Handover and Prior Debt Settlement Reshape Ares' Operations Structure

Ares is transitioning site operations from contractor Provo Mining and Construction, Inc. to direct Ares management, with the handover expected to complete in mid-December 2026. The release notes that Provo's Roy Durr and his team played a substantial role in developing the Lost Sheep Mine and Delta processing facility. As previously announced on October 20, 2026, the company settled US$1,000,000 in outstanding debt related to mine and facility development by issuing 5,550,588 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.255 per share, with Durr requesting settlement in shares as an investment in Ares.