American Critical Minerals advances Green River Project with drill preparations to unlock Utah’s vast potash, lithium, and bromine resources, strengthening US mineral security.
American Critical Minerals Corp. (ACM) has initiated the mobilization of a field crew to its Green River Project in Utah to commence drill pad construction, marking a significant step towards unlocking the region's substantial potash, lithium, and bromine potential. This development follows over a decade of preparatory work by the company, culminating in the anticipation of drilling operations beginning in July or August 2026.
The Green River Project is strategically located in Grand County, Utah, within the highly productive Paradox Basin, approximately 20-30 kilometers west of Moab. The project encompasses a vast area of approximately 32,530 acres, including State of Utah Potash and Lithium leases, Federal placer claims, and Federal potash prospecting permits. The initial drill location, Duma Point AP-S-02, is a high-priority target selected due to its proximity to a historic oil and gas well, Quintana Fed 1-1, which recorded high historical grades of potassium chloride. The company has engaged Harrison Field Services, Inc. for pad construction and SWPPP monitoring, and RESPEC Company, LLC to execute the 2026 drill programs.
The project aims to validate historical drill data and thoroughly assess potash horizons, as well as clastic zones, for lithium and bromine mineralization within the Paradox and Leadville formations. American Critical Minerals has secured all necessary permits from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the State of Utah, with a combined reclamation bond of US$549,000, fully permitting and bonding all seven planned drill holes. Seismic interpretation has indicated relatively flat-lying potash cycles, suggesting suitability for solution mining. The Paradox Basin is believed to contain up to 56 billion tonnes of lithium brines, potentially representing the largest such resource in the US.
The development of the Green River Project carries significant economic, geopolitical, and industry-specific impacts. Both potash and lithium are considered critical minerals, with the United States having a high import dependency for potash (over 90%). The project aims to enhance domestic supply chains for these essential minerals, reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly in the context of global supply chain risks and national security concerns. Lithium is crucial for electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, and military equipment, driving the need for secure and reliable domestic production. The project's success could contribute to the broader US strategy of rebuilding industrial infrastructure for critical minerals, supporting the energy transition, and creating jobs.
Market Impact: American Critical Minerals Corp.’s advancement of the Green River Project is expected to strengthen the long-term supply outlook for potash, lithium, and bromine, although the immediate impact on chemical commodity prices is likely to remain limited as the project is still in the exploration and drilling phase.
For the potash market, successful development of the project could increase domestic U.S. production and reduce dependence on imported supplies. Additional future availability of potassium chloride (MOP) may ease supply concerns and create downward pressure on prices over the long term. However, short-term prices will continue to depend on global fertilizer demand, agricultural activity, and supply dynamics from major producing regions.
In the lithium market, potential extraction of lithium-rich brines could support the U.S. electric vehicle battery and energy storage industries. Increased future supply may help stabilize lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide prices, potentially leading to a softer price trend over time.
Similarly, commercial development of bromine resources could improve market availability and moderately reduce price pressure in bromine-related products. Overall, the Green River Project is expected to have a neutral short-term impact on ChemAnalyst-tracked chemical commodities, while the long-term outlook may become slightly bearish due to potential growth in domestic supply.
