The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has selected Mariana Minerals to lead a phased redevelopment and restart of mineral extraction at the former US Magnesium site on the southwest shore of the Great Salt Lake, according to a Nov. 5, 2026, announcement from the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
Modernizing Mineral Extraction
Following a competitive lease offering process, the state aims to use the selection to modernize operations and prioritize environmental stewardship. The redevelopment strategy focuses on introducing non-evaporative extraction technologies to replace massive industrial solar evaporation diversions, a move intended to conserve water for the Great Salt Lake.
Focus on Critical Minerals
Under the framework established with the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Mariana Minerals will initially focus on mineral resources already located on-site. The company intends to pursue a phased restart of both lithium and magnesium production, minerals described as essential to national security and modern energy needs.
State Control and Remediation
The state acquired certain assets through federal bankruptcy court, including US Magnesium's water rights and real property interests, with support from the Utah Legislature and Gov. Spencer J. Cox. This acquisition provides the state with on-site control, allowing officials to halt lake diversions and partner with state and federal environmental regulators to facilitate on-site remediation. The water rights acquired by the state will remain with the state and were not offered as part of the selection for Mariana Minerals.
Funding Site Cleanup
A primary goal of the redevelopment is to generate significant royalty revenue to fund the cleanup of the site, which is a Superfund site. Gov. Spencer J. Cox said the selection is a significant win for the state and the lake, noting that the new operator will bring technology that is protective of water resources and generate revenue to clean up the site rather than passing costs to taxpayers.
Legacy of US Magnesium
The site has faced long-standing environmental concerns. Historically, US Magnesium produced the nation's primary magnesium metal and recently attempted to commercialize battery-grade lithium. However, primary magnesium production has sat idle for over four years following major operational and equipment breakdowns. During the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, creditors identified over $300 million in secured and unsecured debt. The state noted that previous commitments found in the US Magnesium Consent Decree were not adhered to, leaving a need for remedial activities.
Next Steps for Redevelopment
Mariana Minerals, which currently operates Copper One in San Juan County, Utah, and is developing Lithium One in East Texas, will work to finalize specific redevelopment terms, milestones, and regulatory frameworks with the state. Turner Caldwell, co-founder and CEO of Mariana Minerals, said the restart represents a historic opportunity to demonstrate responsible mineral development with the protection of the Great Salt Lake as a priority.
