Aclara and Virginia Tech Partnership Bolsters Rare Earths Separation Pilot Plant, Enhancing Innovation and Talent Access.

Aclara Resources Inc. has partnered with Virginia Tech to operate a rare earths separation pilot plant, showcasing Aclara's solvent extraction technology for producing high-purity light and heavy rare earth elements. The facility will utilize Aclara's Carina Project mixed rare earth carbonate production, with a focus on securing a sustainable domestic supply chain for critical heavy rare earths. The partnership will strengthen access to technology, innovation, and talent, marking a strategic milestone in Aclara's mission to address the vulnerability in the supply of heavy rare earths outside of China.

Title: Aclara Resources Inc. and Virginia Tech Collaborate on Rare Earths Separation Pilot Plant

Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) has announced a strategic partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) to operate a rare earths (REE) separation pilot plant. The facility will showcase Aclara's solvent extraction technology for producing high-purity light and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The partnership, initiated through a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to secure a sustainable domestic supply chain for critical heavy rare earths.

The separation pilot plant, currently under implementation at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, has been designed to utilize Aclara's Carina Project mixed rare earth carbonate production. This facility will produce over 99.5% pure didymium (NdPr), terbium (Tb), and dysprosium (Dy), demonstrating the seamless integration of Aclara's Brazil and U.S. operations. The partnership underscores Aclara's and Virginia Tech's shared commitment to addressing the critical vulnerability in the supply of heavy rare earths outside of China.

The MoU lays the groundwork for a long-term academic and scientific alliance, which will be formalized through definitive agreements between the parties. This collaboration will strengthen access to technology, innovation, and talent, marking a strategic milestone in Aclara's mission to address the vulnerability in the supply of heavy rare earths.

Virginia Tech, recognized for its excellence in mining, minerals, and materials science engineering, has led several U.S. Department of Energy-funded projects focused on various aspects of the REE supply chain. Over the last decade, the department has completed over 64 federally sponsored REE R&D projects, totaling research funding exceeding $32 million.

This partnership not only represents a significant step in advancing rare earth technology but also provides a unique platform for hands-on training and experiential learning for the next-generation REE workforce. The collaboration aligns research, education, and innovation to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the mining industry.

References
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/accesswire/1058625msn/virginia-tech-bolsters-aclaras-rare-earths-separation-pilot-plant-strengthening-access-to-technology-innovation-and-talent