# Caldera Holdings Advances Pea Ridge Mine Development

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) restrictions on rare earth magnet supply chains will take full effect on January 1, 2027, mandating increased reliance on domestic sources for critical heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium. Caldera Holdings LLC operates the Pea Ridge Mine in Missouri, which holds significant proven reserves and active permits for mining and separation technologies essential to meeting these requirements. However, the project currently lacks federal financing to commence production. Accelerating the development of Pea Ridge Mine represents a strategic procurement opportunity to close critical supply gaps in the U.S. defense industrial base ahead of the DFARS deadline.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should prioritize engagement with domestic rare earth suppliers like Caldera Holdings to ensure compliance with DFARS 2027 mandates and mitigate supply chain risks.
- The Pea Ridge Mine's location in Missouri offers a geographically strategic source of dysprosium and terbium, critical for defense magnet manufacturing.
- Federal agencies may consider financing or contracting support to expedite production capabilities at Pea Ridge, addressing the looming supply gap.
- Contractors and suppliers in the defense materials sector should evaluate partnerships or subcontracting opportunities related to rare earth element extraction and processing at Pea Ridge.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

### Vendors
- Caldera Holdings LLC (prime contractor)

### Sources
- [Pea Ridge Mine Dysprosium Terbium DFARS 2027 Supply Gap](https://rareearthexchanges.com/news/pea-ridge-mine-dfars-heavy-rare-earth) - Rare Earth Exchanges