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 represents a significant transition from project development to production build-up, marking 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 enables 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 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 mine 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 with essential applications in 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 includes 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 approved by the Bureau of Land Management, with initial approval documented on August 24, 1992, and renewal confirmed on December 12, 2016. Additional project details are available through the Bureau of Land Management's official resources at https://www.blm.gov.
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 within the context of increasing demand for domestically sourced critical minerals, particularly as global supply chains face ongoing challenges. The successful commencement of mining operations at Lost Sheep represents not only a corporate milestone but also contributes to strengthening America's industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign sources for essential materials.
The company has recently settled $185,199.23 CAD for services rendered by consultants and service providers by issuing 381,854 common shares, which are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Forward-looking statements in the announcement emphasize that actual results may differ from expectations due to various risks and uncertainties, though the company has determined that formal prefeasibility or feasibility studies are not required for this industrial mineral operation given its relatively simple nature with low investment and risk levels.
