Two New FAST-41 Critical Mineral Projects to Curb Reliance on Foreign Adversaries

WASHINGTON (November 9, 2026) – The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) added two new critical mineral projects to FAST-41: the Rochester Rare Earth Separation Facility (Project Freedom Separation) and the Quinn Flurospar Project. Both projects are anticipated to produce and/or manufacture critical minerals and rare earth elements needed to develop materials vital to U.S. economic growth and security, ranging from AI semiconductor chips and electronics to aerospace and defense.

“In order to achieve energy dominance and sustained economic growth, it is crucial that we produce critical minerals and rare earth elements right here in America,” said Emily Domenech, Permitting Council Executive Director. “These two projects will help bring an end to U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries and develop a cutting-edge future for all Americans.”

Located in Rochester, NY, the Rochester Rare Earth Separation Facility (Project Freedom Separation) will process the separation of rare earth elements, including those needed for defense, energy, automotive, electronics and advanced manufacturing. The $375 million facility is part of the $1.2 billion Freedom Project, expected to be one of the largest rare earth separation operations in the world. The Rochester facility will create at least 90 new jobs at launch, growing to over 200 jobs when the facility reaches full production capabilities in 2028.

“Americans need rare earth freedom now,” said Nick Myers, CEO and Co-Founder at Phoenix Tailings. “We cannot wait a decade. American sovereignty depends on our ability to produce the materials that power modern society. FAST-41 Transparency coverage brings incredible visibility and coordination to the permitting process, ensuring we move the Freedom Separation facility in Rochester, New York, forward with the speed, safety and environmental responsibility the American people deserve.”

Located in Nevada’s Quinn Canyon Range, the Quinn Fluorspar Project is set to cut American dependence on foreign adversaries by bringing fluorspar production back to the United States for the first time since the 1990s. This U.S. government-designated critical mineral is essential for increasing American manufacturing of AI semiconductor chips and batteries, processing uranium fuel, and smelting aluminum.

“We are extremely pleased that the Quinn Fluorspar Project has been selected for FAST-41 Transparency coverage and appreciate the support and engagement of the Permitting Council and US Government agencies," said Brett Hazelden, OD6 Metals CEO. “Fluorspar is a critical mineral essential to US manufacturing, defence and industrial supply chains, yet the United States remains heavily reliant on imports. Quinn represents an exciting opportunity to help rebuild a secure domestic supply of this strategically important mineral. With extensive high-grade fluorspar mineralisation already identified at surface, our immediate priority is to secure the necessary approvals to commence drilling and establish the scale of this largely untested mineral system. FAST-41 Transparency coverage is an important milestone for Quinn, providing greater visibility and coordination as we progress the permitting process and advance our exploration and development plans. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Permitting Council, the US Forest Service and other stakeholders to responsibly advance Quinn towards becoming a potential new source of US-produced fluorspar.”

The Quinn Fluorspar Project is sponsored by U.S. Fluorspar, LLC (subsidiary of OD6 Metals, Limited) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead federal permitting. The Rochester Rare Earth Separation Facility (Project Freedom Separation) is sponsored by Phoenix Tailings, Inc., and the Department of War (DoW) will lead federal permitting. Find out more about both projects on the Federal Permitting Dashboard.