Following initial reports of a major critical minerals discovery at Utah's Silicon Ridge, Ionic Minerals Technology reveals specifics on 16 key minerals, zero-waste extraction plans, and strong state backing, positioning the site as a U.S. alternative to Chinese supplies.
Building on earlier coverage of Ionic Minerals Technology's (Ionic MT) breakthrough at Silicon Ridge—potentially the largest U.S. critical minerals deposit—the company has shared detailed findings from its Utah County site, west of Utah Lake.
Exploration for halloysite unexpectedly uncovered consistent high-grade concentrations of 16 minerals, including gallium, germanium, and halloysite, confirmed by third-party tests. These support electronics, batteries, fiber optics, and EVs. The clay-hosted deposit mirrors ancient volcanic formations in China, Brazil, and Australia, making it the only known U.S. equivalent.
Founded in 2020, Ionic MT already mines halloysite in Juab County and processes it in Provo. It plans explosives-free, chemical-free extraction. CEO Andre Zeitoun emphasized halloysite's fast-charging battery potential: "You can charge a vehicle as quickly as it takes to fill up a tank of gas."
The firm leased 4,053 acres from Utah State Trust Lands in 2023 and eyes 3,700 more after promising boreholes. Royalties ($13/acre yearly, $1.60/ton or 10% gross) fund schools. State Director Mick Thomas and geologist Katie Potter (Utah State University) predict a regional boom.
Utah leaders are enthusiastic: Senate President Stuart Adams said the state can "lead the transition to cleaner energy"; Gov. Spencer Cox called it "a huge win for Utah and the nation," linking to Operation Gigawatt. The project promises hundreds of jobs and draws federal interest amid supply diversification efforts.
