Canada’s Aclara Resources (TSX: ARA) announced on Wednesday a collaboration with the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration find the best location for its upcoming rare earth separation facility.

This partnership, achieved through the SelectUSA program, aims to enhance operational efficiency while contributing to a resilient supply chain for critical materials essential in the US high-tech sectors.

The location study will evaluate potential sites for Aclara’s separation facility with a focus on operational efficiency, cost management, and project timelines, the rare earths developer said in the statement.

“Aclara believes that it can contribute towards securing a resilient and independent supply chain for rare earths, which are critical materials for electromobility and other key high-tech sectors of the US economy,” chief financial officer François Motte said.

The Toronto-based company, with offices in Chile and Brazil, uses an extraction process that reduces environmental impacts by eliminating the need for explosives and milling. The company says its recycles 95% of its water and uses common fertilizers, leaving no liquid waste that would require tailings dams.

With its patented technology designed to extract heavy rare earths from ionic clays, Aclara aims to produce high-purity mixed rare earth concentrate (MREC) from its Penco module in Chile and the Carina project in Brazil.

The SelectUSA scheme is dedicated to fostering business investment that promotes economic development and job creation across the nation. Since its inception, it has facilitated over $250 billion in investments, resulting in the creation or retention of more than 230,000 jobs.

Source: MINING.COM – Read More