News Summary
Aclara Resources Inc. is making a significant investment of approximately $277 million to build the first U.S. rare earths separation facility in Louisiana. Located at the Port of Vinton, this facility will process materials from Aclara’s deposits in Brazil and Chile, focusing on producing essential rare earth elements for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Scheduled to begin construction in 2026, the project is expected to create around 140 jobs and promote sustainability through innovative mining practices.
Vinton, Louisiana – Aclara Resources Inc. has announced a significant investment of approximately $277 million to establish a rare earths separation facility in Louisiana, a notable development as it will be the first of its kind in the United States. This facility will be strategically located at the Port of Vinton, where it will process materials sourced from Aclara’s ionic clay deposits in Brazil and Chile.
The heavy rare earths separation facility is expected to play a crucial role in supplying essential materials necessary for manufacturing magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence in 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027. Upon completion, the facility is projected to create approximately 140 jobs in Calcasieu Parish, contributing positively to the local economy.
In support of this ambitious project, Louisiana Economic Development is providing a $3 million grant aimed at enhancing infrastructure and encouraging job creation. Additionally, this initiative may qualify for incentives that could cover up to 22% of the wages for new jobs. Aclara will also be eligible for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which grants significant property tax reductions within Calcasieu Parish, further boosting the project’s financial viability.
The facility aims to produce high-purity oxides of dysprosium, terbium, and neodymium-praseodymium, all of which are integral components in the production of electric motors and renewable energy systems. Aclara estimates that it will be able to supply over 75% of the nation’s needs for dysprosium and terbium, particularly for electric vehicle production.
As part of its operations, the facility will employ hydrochloric acid in the separation process of the rare earth metals. Aclara has emphasized its commitment to sustainability by adopting a mining process that avoids the use of explosives, milling, and wastewater ponds. Furthermore, the company has announced plans to recirculate 95% of the water utilized in mining operations and to engage in reforestation efforts after mining activities conclude.
Aclara is also collaborating with Virginia Tech to validate its proprietary separation process, with a pilot facility expected to be operational by early 2026. The engineering for the new facility will be managed by Hatch Ltd., which is already overseeing Aclara’s Carina Project in Brazil.
This investment aligns with Aclara’s broader strategy to develop a vertically integrated rare earth supply chain within the Americas. The company is also positioning itself to feed directly into a partnership with VACUUMSCHMELZE, which is in the process of constructing a permanent magnet plant in South Carolina. This collaborative approach underscores Aclara’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive and sustainable rare earth supply chain across North America.
Overall, Aclara Resources’ initiative to build the first U.S. rare earths separation facility represents a significant stride toward enhancing domestic production and sustainability in the crucial sector of rare earth elements, vital for future technologies related to renewable energy and electric mobility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- New Orleans CityBusiness
- Wikipedia: Rare earth element
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- Google Search: Aclara Resources rare earths separation facility
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rare earth element
- Mining Journal
- Google News: Rare earths facility in Louisiana
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