News: Suppliers
30 June 2026
US Critical Materials relocates HQ to Darby, Montana, and appoints new leadership
Private rare-earths exploration and process development company US Critical Materials Corp (USCM) of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA (which is dedicated to advancing high-grade domestic sources of rare-earth elements and critical minerals essential to US national security, supply chain independence, and advanced manufacturing) has announced several major milestones: the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Darby, Montana; key leadership appointments; and the launch of a new public information website for the Sheep Creek Project in Montana.
Approved by the board of directors, these actions reinforce USCM’s long-term commitment to the Bitterroot Valley and the continued advancement of the Sheep Creek Project through exploration, scientific research, and community engagement.
The Sheep Creek Project in Ravalli County, Montana, is reported to be one of the highest-grade rare-earth deposits in the USA, containing rare-earth elements, gallium, and other strategically important minerals.
Leadership appointments
The board has appointed Scott Osterman as chief executive officer. Osterman has been instrumental in advancing the Sheep Creek Project, strengthening scientific partnerships, and engaging with stakeholders across Montana. In addition, James McCubbin has been appointed chief financial officer. McCubbin has over 40 years’ experience in public and private companies in related market segments.
Additional appointments include:
- Chad Miller — chief technology officer;
- Peter Mejstrik — chief geologist;
- Eric Levy-Myers — director of government affairs;
- Chris Whaling — director of Ai integration.
This leadership team will oversee scientific research, project development, technology innovation, and stakeholder engagement as the project moves through exploration, evaluation and development phases.
Commitment to the Bitterroot Valley
USCM will move its principal operations from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Darby, making the Bitterroot Valley the company’s permanent corporate home.
“We are investing in Montana, establishing a local presence, and creating opportunities for people to engage directly with our team,” says Osterman. “Our goal is to be present, accessible, and engaged,” he adds. “By locating our headquarters and project office in Darby, we’re demonstrating our commitment to ongoing dialogue with community members.”
Opening of the Darby Project Office
The new Darby office will serve as a local information center where residents, business owners, community leaders and visitors can learn about the project and speak directly with project representatives.
“People want access to information and opportunities for direct conversations,” says Osterman. “Opening an office in Darby reflects our commitment to being available throughout the exploration and evaluation process.”
The office will coordinate public outreach activities, community meetings, educational presentations, and guided project tours.
Scientific Research and Strategic Partnerships
The Sheep Creek Project remains in the exploration and evaluation phase and continues to undergo state and federal review. Any future development would be subject to all applicable environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and public participation opportunities. USCM is advancing the project with a strong focus on scientific research, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. Through collaborations with Idaho National Laboratory, Montana Tech, Columbia University, the University of Illinois, SRI International, REAlloys, VerAI Discoveries, and other research institutions, the firm is working to better understand the project’s critical mineral potential and advance technologies that could strengthen domestic supply chains for rare-earth elements, gallium, and other strategic minerals.
US Critical Materials and Bayan Mining and Minerals sign MoU
