Critical Minerals

GEM Critical Minerals Program

Independent laboratory analysis of selected rock samples from GEM’s Utah holdings identified multiple U.S.-listed critical minerals and rare-earth elements.

Selected rock samples from GEM’s Utah holdings identified multiple U.S.-listed critical minerals and rare-earth elements.

A deliberate, data-driven program

GEM’s Critical Minerals Program integrates historical remote-sensing information, USGS regional geology, targeted sampling¹ and independent laboratory analyses. Independent laboratory analysis of 15 selected rock samples identified multiple U.S.-listed critical minerals and rare-earth elements, with every sample containing multiple critical minerals and rare-earth elements. Current work, including an expanded soil-sampling program, is focused on evaluating their distribution and continuity, mineral form and recoverability.

An integrated technical process supported by independent geological experts

  • Independent geological and exploration guidance provided by Rangefront Mining Services
  • Remote-sensing and Earth MRI data establish regional geologic context
  • Targeted sampling and independent laboratory analysis confirm mineral occurrences
  • Expanded soil-sampling grids are designed to evaluate mineral distribution and identify priority targets
  • Mapping, drilling and metallurgical studies will advance priority targets

The Minerals Powering America’s High-Tech Economy

Critical minerals enable technologies essential to economic competitiveness, national security and everyday life.

Independent laboratory analysis of selected samples from GEM’s Utah holdings identified these six minerals, each classified “High”—the highest supply-risk category in the latest USGS assessment—and each with documented U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) relevance. ★ indicates DOD relevance.

Mineral2025 USGS Supply-Risk CategoryRepresentative uses
Samarium ★HighDefense magnets, missiles, precision electronics and aerospace systems
Dysprosium ★HighDefense magnets, aerospace systems, electric motors and wind turbines
Gallium ★HighSemiconductors, radar/RF systems, integrated circuits and defense electronics
Germanium ★HighInfrared and night-vision optics, sensors, chips and fiber-optic systems
Gadolinium ★HighSpecialty magnets and alloys, imaging, neutron detection and electronics
Niobium ★HighJet engines, superalloys, high-strength steel and aerospace systems

★ DOD STRATEGIC RELEVANCE — Included in published Department of Defense strategic-material or critical-mineral initiatives. “High” is the highest USGS supply-risk category and measures national supply-chain exposure—not mineral grade or project economics. The 2025 List is the latest USGS U.S. List of Critical Minerals.

Project Vault and U.S. supply-chain security

America’s dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals presents economic and national-security concerns. Project Vault is a separate federal initiative intended to strengthen access to critical minerals for U.S. manufacturers. GEM is not affiliated with, endorsed by or currently participating in Project Vault. GEM’s early-stage technical program is independently evaluating domestic mineral occurrences that may be relevant to the broader national objective of strengthening secure U.S. supply chains. Source: White House Project Vault announcement, February 2, 2026.

Independent laboratory analysis of selected rock samples from GEM’s Utah holdings identified these six minerals. Results are sample-specific and do not establish mineral grade, distribution, continuity, recoverability or economic significance. 

Planned Evaluation Activities

GEM is advancing a phased evaluation program to better understand the distribution, continuity and potential significance of mineral occurrences identified through independent laboratory analysis of selected samples from its Utah holdings.¹

What comes next

Subject to technical results, required approvals and available financing, GEM’s evaluation activities may include:

  • Expanded geological and hyperspectral mapping;
  • Systematic sampling and additional laboratory analysis;
  • Targeted drilling; mineralogical and metallurgical studies; and,
  • If supported by the results, resource definition and economic evaluation.
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Evaluating long-term potential
without changing today’s commercial strategy.

The Critical Minerals Program does not change GEM’s current operating strategy or financing priorities. No economic value from the identified critical-mineral or rare-earth elements is included in GEM’s current projections or project valuations. GEM intends to evaluate the technical and possible commercial significance of the results through stage-gated decisions while continuing to develop its core industrial-mineral businesses.

Our perspective – GEM believes responsibly developed domestic mineral resources can strengthen supply chains, defense readiness and advanced manufacturing. The program broadens the long-term potential of the Company’s Utah holdings.

Forward-Looking Statement

This website contains forward-looking statements concerning GEM’s planned exploration, mapping, sampling, drilling, testing and evaluation of its critical-mineral opportunities. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to geological, technical, metallurgical, regulatory, financing and market risks. Laboratory identification of an element in selected samples does not establish its distribution across GEM’s properties, continuity, concentration, recoverability, classification as a mineral resource or reserve, or economic viability. Additional exploration, drilling, testing, engineering, permitting and economic analysis will be required. Actual results may differ materially, and there can be no assurance that GEM’s critical-mineral program will result in a commercially recoverable resource or mining operation.