Graphite Creek Rare Earth Elements Confirmed at Alaska Deposit

Graphite Creek Rare Earth Elements Strengthen U.S. Critical Minerals Strategy

Graphite One advances its long-term supply chain goals as new testing confirms significant Graphite Creek rare earth elements within the deposit in northern Alaska. Activation Laboratories identified REEs in drill core samples taken from garnet-rich ore inside the planned pit zone defined in the 2025 feasibility study. As a result, the discovery expands the strategic value of Graphite Creek at a time of rising demand for critical materials.

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes Graphite Creek as the nation’s largest natural graphite deposit. The 2025 resource estimate tripled previous projections and highlighted the scale of the 15.3-kilometre mineralized trend. Meanwhile, the proposed pit covers only 12% of the mineralized corridor, which hosts both graphite and garnet. These results reinforce the opportunity for integrated extraction of graphite and Graphite Creek rare earth elements across the mine’s 20-year plan.

Graphite One president Anthony Huston notes that graphite and REEs are both Defense Production Act Title III materials. Therefore, their presence in one deposit strengthens the economics of a domestic supply chain for advanced graphite products. Moreover, REEs such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium and samarium support key technologies, including EV motors, wind turbines, radar systems and fibre-optics. This confirms why Graphite Creek rare earth elements carry major strategic importance.

New REE Findings Increase Urgency for U.S. Supply Development

China tightened exports of magnet REEs in early 2024 and restricted graphite shipments later that year. These actions increased global pressure on downstream manufacturers. Consequently, U.S. policymakers and investors now push for secure domestic sources like Graphite Creek.

Federal Support Accelerates Graphite Creek Development

A $37.5 million Defense Production Act Title III grant helped Graphite One complete its feasibility study one year early. In addition, the company received a $570 million non-binding letter of interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for mine financing. EXIM also issued a $325 million LoI for the company’s Ohio advanced graphite materials facility. Together, these steps demonstrate growing federal alignment with Graphite One’s end-to-end supply chain strategy.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Graphite Creek stands out as one of North America’s most strategically important critical minerals assets. The confirmation of REEs strengthens its economic profile and deepens its geopolitical relevance as U.S. industries seek insulation from global supply disruptions. SuperMetalPrice expects stronger institutional backing for integrated graphite-REE projects, especially as EV, defence and renewable sectors accelerate raw material demand.