Reelement Tech investment by US to expand rare earth refining

ReElement Technologies, a subsidiary of American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:AREC), is expanding its rare earth refining capabilities in the United States to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals. The company has significantly scaled up its Marion, Indiana Supersite, with Phase 1 capacity now reaching 2,500–3,500 metric tons per year of magnet-grade rare earths, battery materials, and antimony. This expansion complements the recently upgraded Noblesville facility, which now produces over 250 metric tons annually of ultra-pure rare earth oxides and defense elements.

The Marion Supersite is being developed as ReElement’s first large-scale refining hub, with modular infrastructure designed to support rapid capacity increases. The facility’s use of larger 5-foot diameter refining columns—compared to the 18-inch columns in Noblesville—demonstrates the scalability of ReElement’s refining platform. Over 60% of the equipment required for the initial growth phase has already been ordered or installed, with plans to expand further within the 400,000+ square foot facility.

ReElement’s expansion efforts are supported by a $20 million equipment leasing facility secured with Maxus Capital Group, which will accelerate the procurement of processing equipment for both Marion and Noblesville [3]. The company has also signed a long-term offtake agreement with POSCO International America and is collaborating on a vertically integrated rare earth and magnet production facility in the U.S. [4].

These developments align with broader U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on foreign sources for rare earth elements, particularly in defense and clean energy sectors. ReElement’s progress underscores the potential for domestic production to meet growing demand for high-purity rare earths and critical minerals.