A Utah-based mining company has confirmed the discovery of a significant concentration of critical minerals and rare earth elements in Utah County, marking one of the most important domestic mineral finds in recent years. The discovery was made at Silicon Ridge, located in the Lake Mountains near Saratoga Springs.
Ionic Mineral Technologies announced that testing has identified 16 critical minerals, including several that are essential for advanced technology, clean energy systems, and national defense infrastructure. The find positions Utah as a growing player in strengthening America’s mineral supply chain at a time of heightened global competition.
Why the Silicon Ridge Discovery Matters
Independent laboratory testing confirmed the deposit is a halloysite-hosted ion-adsorption clay, a geological formation that is rare outside Asia. This same type of formation accounts for a large share of global rare earth production, particularly in China.
According to the company, the deposit contains gallium, germanium, scandium, lithium, vanadium, tungsten, niobium, and a full range of light and heavy rare earth elements. These materials are critical for AI semiconductor chips, permanent magnets, defense surveillance systems, batteries, and clean energy technologies.
The discovery has been validated by third-party analysis from ALS Chemex and publicly disclosed through a release carried by Business Wire.
Supply Chain Pressure Raises Strategic Value
The timing of the discovery is especially notable. China imposed export bans on gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States in late 2024 and expanded licensing controls on other rare earths in 2025. These restrictions have increased concern over U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers for essential materials.
Federal agencies have repeatedly warned about vulnerabilities in the critical minerals supply chain. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has identified shortages exceeding $18.5 billion, while the Department of Defense has moved to secure emergency stockpiles of strategic materials.
How the Minerals Were Found
Ionic Mineral Technologies CEO Andre Zeitoun said the discovery emerged during exploration across a 600-acre area within the company’s larger 8,000-acre lease from Utah’s school trust lands. The halloysite clay was found to act as a binding host for the entire suite of minerals.
The company already operates downstream processing focused on alumina and nano-silicone and plans to complete a preliminary economic assessment by next year. Zeitoun emphasized that the extraction process is designed to generate minimal waste and low emissions, making the project environmentally competitive.
Utah’s Expanding Role in Critical Minerals
Utah has long been recognized for its mineral diversity. According to the Utah Geological Survey, the state produces or has the capacity to produce 40 of the 50 minerals classified as critical by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Utah is currently the nation’s only source of magnesium production, one of just two states producing lithium, and the world’s leading producer of beryllium. State leaders say discoveries like Silicon Ridge reinforce Utah’s importance to national security and energy independence.
More data on federally recognized critical minerals is available through the U.S. Department of Energy.
Support From State Leaders
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams praised the discovery, calling it an example of responsible development that strengthens domestic supply chains and supports high-tech manufacturing. He said Utah is uniquely positioned to lead in next-generation resource development while reducing reliance on foreign nations.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz echoed those sentiments, noting that projects like Silicon Ridge help secure long-term economic stability for Utah families while addressing national security concerns tied to mineral access.
Path Toward Commercial Production
The Silicon Ridge project is located on state-leased land with active mining permits and is supported by Ionic’s existing 74,000-square-foot processing facility in Provo. Company officials say this infrastructure allows for a faster transition from exploration to commercial production compared to undeveloped sites.
Final Takeaway
The discovery of 16 critical minerals and rare earth elements at Silicon Ridge represents a major step forward for domestic mineral production. As global supply chains face increasing pressure, Utah’s expanding role could help secure essential resources for technology, defense, and clean energy while creating long-term economic benefits within the state.
