Ucore Applauds White House Executive Action to Strengthen Critical Mineral Production

The recent executive order from the White House, issued on March 20, 2025, has sent a clear signal to the critical minerals sector: the United States is serious about securing its domestic supply chain. For Ucore Rare Metals Inc., this order couldn't have come at a better time. The company, which has been at the forefront of developing a domestic rare earth supply chain, stands to benefit significantly from the White House's new directives.

The executive order emphasizes the importance of domestic mineral production, a goal that aligns perfectly with Ucore's strategic objectives. The order mandates that federal agencies expedite the permitting process for mineral projects, a move that could accelerate Ucore's plans to commission its Strategic Metals Complex (SMC) in Louisiana. This facility is a key component of Ucore's strategy to disrupt China's dominance in the rare earth supply chain, a goal that has become even more urgent with the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act's ban on the import of rare earth products from China and other covered countries for use in the National Defense Industry starting January 1, 2027.



The order also directs the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) to solicit industry feedback on regulatory bottlenecks and other recommended strategies for expediting domestic mineral production. This feedback could help Ucore navigate regulatory challenges more efficiently, ensuring that its projects stay on track and meet their milestones.

Ucore has already taken several steps to expedite its mineral production projects in response to the executive order. The company has strengthened its executive and management team with industry veterans, including Mr. Geoff Atkins as Vice President of Business Development and Mr. Jaan Hurditch, CEng, as Engineering Director. These appointments bring a wealth of experience in rare earth projects and mineral processing, which will be crucial for Ucore's success.

In addition to strengthening its team, Ucore has secured significant federal support. The company has received a $4 million award from the US Department of Defense and a $4.28 million funding agreement from the Government of Canada. These funds are being used to demonstrate the commercial efficacy of Ucore's RapidSX™ separation technology, a critical step in the development of a domestic rare earth supply chain.

The executive order's focus on expediting domestic mineral production is directly supported by these initiatives. Ucore's actions in response to the order include strengthening its management team with industry veterans, securing federal funding, and advancing its RapidSX™ technology. These initiatives are aimed at expediting the development of a domestic rare earth supply chain, aligning with the goals of the executive order.

The order also addresses the Mining Act of 1872, recommending clarifications on the treatment of waste rock, tailings, and mine waste disposal. This could streamline Ucore's operations by providing clearer guidelines on waste management, which is a critical aspect of mineral processing.

In summary, the executive order from the White House supports Ucore's strategic goals by prioritizing domestic mineral production, expediting permitting processes, and providing clearer regulatory guidelines. These measures will help Ucore establish a secure and sustainable domestic rare earth supply chain, aligning with the company's vision to become a leading advanced technology company in the critical minerals sector. With the support of the federal government and a strong management team, Ucore is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the executive order and continue its mission to disrupt China's dominance in the rare earth supply chain.