Atlantic Strategic Minerals (ASM), an American producer of critical minerals, has commenced commercial production at its mining and processing facilities in Virginia. Initial operations at the Virginia site include the production of ilmenite and zircon, which are designated as critical minerals by the US Government. Titanium derived from ilmenite can support lightweight vehicle components, while zirconium from zircon has applications in electronics and advanced coatings.
The company’s next development phase will include monazite production, a key feedstock for rare earth elements such as praseodymium and neodymium. These materials are essential for permanent magnets used in electric vehicles (EVs) and defense systems.
With China currently processing the majority of global rare earths, ASM’s domestic production may help diversify and strengthen US supply chains.
ASM operates one of only two heavy mineral sands mining and processing facilities in the United States. Its Mineral Separation Plant is currently the largest in North America, with the capacity to process both domestic and imported materials. The company has already delivered its first shipments of ilmenite and zircon to U.S. industrial customers under long-term offtake agreements.
ASM is majority owned by Appian Capital Advisory LLP, a private equity firm focused on metals and mining. The company acquired the Virginia site from Iluka Resources in 2023 and has since completed refurbishment of the concentrator plant and associated infrastructure to fully integrate operations.
Total investment in the project exceeds $200 million, covering original construction and recent upgrades. The restart has created more than 100 skilled jobs in Virginia, with additional employment and training expected as monazite production advances. The project uses a progressive rehabilitation mining method that restores mined land in stages and returns it to landowners after use.
ASM will commemorate the launch of commercial operations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members and representatives from local, state, and federal agencies.
Filed Under: Technology News