Ares Strategic Mining Inc. has initiated active mining operations at its Lost Sheep Fluorspar Mine in Utah, with several thousand tons of fluorspar ore already extracted and stockpiled at surface in preparation for processing. This development marks a decisive shift from project development to production build-up, representing tangible progress toward sustained acidspar output.
Underground operations are advancing steadily, with ore being extracted, transported to surface, and organized into structured stockpiles to support upcoming processing runs. The current stockpiling phase allows Ares to build strategic ore inventory ahead of flotation plant commissioning, optimize blending and grade control for consistent processing performance, ensure uninterrupted feedstock supply once processing begins, and demonstrate visible and measurable production momentum.
James Walker, President and CEO of Ares Strategic Mining, stated that seeing hundreds of tons of ore at surface validates the team's work in bringing the Lost Sheep back into production. The stockpiling initiative is part of Ares' broader strategy to ensure smooth ramp-up into full acidspar production, with underground development advancing and surface infrastructure in place as the company positions itself for consistent throughput once the flotation plant becomes operational.
Fluorspar is designated as a U.S. critical mineral essential for steel and aluminum manufacturing, fluorochemicals and refrigerants, semiconductor and electronics production, clean energy technologies, and defense and national security applications. As the only permitted and operating fluorspar mine in the United States, Ares reinforces its position as a cornerstone of domestic supply through this operational milestone.
The company's technical foundation is supported by an NI 43-101 Technical Report that identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low levels of impurities at the Lost Sheep project. The mining plan was first approved by the Bureau of Land Management in 1992 and renewed in 2016, as documented in filings available through securities regulatory channels.
Over the coming weeks, Ares expects to continue expanding surface stockpiles, advance flotation plant readiness, prepare for initial processing runs, and move closer to steady-state production. The company remains focused on delivering sustainable growth, operational excellence, and shareholder value as it advances toward full production capacity.
This development occurs as global supply chains face increasing pressure, making domestic production of critical minerals like fluorspar strategically important for multiple industries. The successful commencement of mining operations at Lost Sheep represents not just operational readiness but demonstrates the company's commitment to disciplined execution and long-term value creation in the critical minerals sector.
