by Greg Klein | August 31, 2020

Buoyed by encouraging drill results, this company advances plans to open what would be the only fluorspar mine in the U.S. On August 31 Ares Strategic Mining TSXV:ARS released assays from 12 RC holes at its Lost Sheep project in Utah. With some grades high enough for direct shipping to customers, the results validate historic reports from the property, the company stated.

Among the highest grades were:

• 56.33% calcium fluoride over 42.67 metres, starting at 7.62 metres
• (including 72.87% over 21.34 metres)

• 54.3% over 28.95 metres, starting at 12.19 metres
• (including 68.47% over 21.34 metres)

• 69.19% over 9.7 metres, starting at surface

• 58.91% over 30.48 metres, starting at surface
• (including 68.15% over 25.91 metres)

True widths weren’t available.

“The results have been a great validation of our project assessment and its potential,” commented president/CEO James Walker. “Not only do we have the only permitted and producing fluorspar mine in the U.S., but we can now confirm high grades of naturally occurring fluorspar at our mine.”

Declared a critical mineral by the U.S., that country currently has no significant domestic supply. Metallurgical tests on Lost Sheep material have reached over 97% CaF₂, the higher-priced acidspar grade used in refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, electronics, aluminum production and lithium-ion batteries. Metspar, grading under 97%, finds uses in steel and cement production.

P&E Mining Consultants will use the drilling data to compile a resource estimate, economic models and mine design, Ares stated. With seasoned mine-builder Keith Minty acting as VP/project manager, the company plans to begin operations without de-risking at the PEA or feasibility stage. “Ares is advancing with its mine construction plans with the anticipation to supply to U.S. industry in the near future,” Walker said.

Read more about Ares Strategic Mining.