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Published: November 11, 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. These two projects will help bring an end to U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries and develop a cutting-edge future for all Americans,” said Emily Domenech, Permitting Council Executive Director.
Located in Rochester, New York, 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 more than 200 jobs when the facility reaches full production capabilities in 2028.
“Americans need rare earth freedom now. We cannot wait a decade. American sovereignty depends on our ability to produce the materials that power modern society,” said Nick Myers, CEO and co-founder at Phoenix Tailings.
“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,” added Myers.
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 U.S. Government agencies,” said Brett Hazelden, OD6 Metals CEO.
“Fluorspar is a critical mineral essential to U.S. manufacturing, defense, 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,” added Hazelden.
“With extensive high-grade fluorspar mineralization 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,” concluded Hazelden.
The Rochester Rare Earth Separation Facility (Project Freedom Separation) is sponsored by Phoenix Tailings, and the Department of War (DoW) will lead federal permitting.
Find out more about the Rochester Rare Earth Separation Facility on the Federal Permitting Dashboard HERE.
The Quinn Fluorspar Project is sponsored by U.S. Fluorspar, a subsidiary of OD6 Metals, Limited, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead federal permitting.
Find out more about the Quinn Fluorspar Project on the Federal Permitting Dashboard HERE.
Established in 2015 by Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41), the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) is a federal agency charged with improving the transparency and predictability of the federal environmental review and authorization process for certain critical infrastructure projects. The Permitting Council is composed of the Permitting Council Executive Director, who serves as the Council Chair; 13 federal agency Council members; and the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The office of the executive director coordinates federal environmental reviews and authorizations for projects that seek and qualify for FAST-41 coverage, which are in turn entitled to comprehensive permitting timetables and transparent, collaborative management of those timetables on the Federal Permitting Dashboard.
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