US critical minerals producer Atlantic Strategic Minerals (ASM) has started commercial production at its mining and mineral processing operations in Virginia.

ASM is producing ilmenite and zircon – both designated as critical minerals by the US government – from its high-grade mineral sands project, which hosts the largest mineral separation plant in North America. Ilmenite is a titanium feedstock used in pigments and aerospace components, while zircon is essential in ceramics, electronics and other industrial applications.

The company has already delivered its first shipments of both minerals to US industrial customers under long-term offtake agreements.

“We are proud to officially commence production in Virginia, a project that not only strengthens the domestic supply of critical minerals but also plays a vital role in bolstering US economic and national security. It is a case study of how to responsibly and successfully bring a strategically important project into production, while also ensuring lasting benefits to local communities,” said ASM CEO Chris Wyatt.

“ASM is committed to building our capacity and capabilities to further support critical minerals and rare earths supply chain resilience in the US.”

ASM acquired the idled Virginia assets from Iluka Resources in late 2023 and has since invested in the refurbishment of the concentrator plant and construction of integrated processing infrastructure. More than $200-million has been invested in the project to date, including the recent restart.

The company’s next development phase includes the production of monazite, a mineral rich in praseodymium and neodymium – rare earth elements vital to electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence systems. With China currently dominating global rare earths processing, ASM’s planned monazite output could strengthen US supply chain independence.

ASM is majority owned by Appian Capital Advisory, a global private equity firm focused on metals and mining. The Virginia project is the twelfth mine Appian has brought into production since 2016.

“This is an important milestone, demonstrating how Appian’s technical, operational and financial expertise helps projects realize their potential and build value for stakeholders,” said Appian CEO Michael Scherb.

“ASM’s high-quality mineral deposits and processing facilities have decades of opportunities for growth and expansion, which will be crucial for the future of clean energy, industrial and defence technologies in the US. The project underlines the strategic alignment of Appian’s portfolio to core global thematics.”

ASM is one of only two heavy mineral sands operators in the US. Its operations have created more than 100 skilled jobs in Virginia and employ progressive land rehabilitation methods that return mined land to local owners after closure.

The company is celebrating the production milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by community leaders and representatives from local, state and federal government agencies.