News Summary
Aclara Resources Inc. has announced plans to construct a $277 million rare earth metals refining facility in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. This facility will be the company’s first heavy rare earth separation plant in the U.S. and aims to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies. The site will create 140 jobs and utilize sustainable mining practices. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with operations starting in South America by 2027. The investment will bolster local economic growth and enhance capabilities in rare earth processing.
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Aclara Resources Inc., a Canadian mining company, has unveiled plans to establish a rare earth metals refining facility in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, with an investment of $277 million. This facility will be the company’s first heavy rare earth separation plant in the United States and is set to be located at the Port of Vinton.
The new facility aims to process rare earth metals essential in manufacturing motors and electronics across various sectors, including consumer goods, technology, and defense industries. Aclara will source its rare earth deposits from South America, notably Chile and Brazil, and then transport them to the Louisiana facility for processing.
Details of the Refining Process
The refining operation at the facility will utilize hydrochloric acid to extract and separate metals from clay mineral deposits. The key rare earth elements involved in this project include dysprosium, neodymium, praseodymium, and terbium. These elements play a vital role in the production of high-powered magnets that are commonly used in wind turbine motors, vehicle alternators, heat-seeking missiles, aircraft engines, nuclear reactors, and signal amplifiers for fiber optic cables.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The facility is projected to create 140 direct jobs for the local economy. It will occupy a site at the Port of Vinton that has been certified by the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) for industrial development. The state has committed a $3 million grant to aid Aclara in infrastructure improvements and a job-creation grant that could cover up to 22% of the wages paid to new employees.
Program Participation and Tax Benefits
Aclara will benefit from Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which provides exemptions on property taxes in Calcasieu Parish. The support from the state highlights Louisiana’s efforts to foster a conducive environment for North American investments in rare earth separation and processing facilities.
Timeline for Development
Construction of the rare earth metals refining facility is anticipated to commence in 2026, with completion projected for 2027. Aclara also has plans to begin mining operations in Chile by 2027 and in Brazil by 2028.
Sustainable Practices
Aclara is committed to promoting sustainable mining practices. The company’s operations will avoid traditional practices such as blasting, milling, or utilizing wastewater ponds, which are typically associated with mining activities. Instead, Aclara plans to recycle 95% of the water used during the mining process and has committed to replanting trees following land clearing.
Strategic Importance of the Facility
This facility is expected to play a crucial role in reducing Western dependence on China for heavy rare earth elements supplies. Given the increasing global demand for rare earth metals, the establishment of Aclara’s plant in Louisiana marks a significant step toward enhancing the region’s capabilities in this strategic resource.
Overall, Aclara Resources’ initiative to create a rare earth metals refining facility in Calcasieu Parish represents not only a considerable financial investment but also a vital contribution to workforce development and sustainable mining practices in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- La Illuminator
- Wikipedia: Rare Earth Elements
- New Orleans CityBusiness
- Google Search: Rare Earth Metals Refinery
- BIC Magazine
- Bloomberg
- Access Newswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rare Earth Element
- Hoodline
- Google News: Aclara Rare Earth Facility
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