Aclara Resources enters partnership with Virginia Tech

Aclara Resources (ARAAF) announced a strategic partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (“Virginia Tech”) for the operation of its rare earths separation pilot plant. The facility will showcase Aclara’s solvent extraction technology for producing individual high-purity light and heavy rare earth elements. The partnership has been initiated through a non-binding memorandum of understanding between Aclara Technologies Inc., Aclara’s U.S.-based subsidiary, and Virginia Tech, a public nonprofit institution of higher education recognized for its excellence in mining, minerals and materials science engineering. The MoU lays the groundwork for a long-term academic and scientific alliance, which will be formalized through definitive agreements between the parties. The separation pilot plant, currently under implementation at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, has been specifically designed based on the characteristics of Aclara’s Carina Project mixed rare earth carbonate production. This will be a unique facility, distinguished by its access to a sustainable source of heavy rare earth feedstock, supplied by Aclara’s pilot plant for mixed rare earth carbonates, currently operating in Goiania, Goias, Brazil. The facility is expected to produce over 99.5% pure didymium, terbium, and dysprosium, demonstrating the seamless integration of Aclara’s Brazil and U.S. operations.This partnership underscores Aclara and Virginia Tech’s shared commitment to securing a robust and sustainable domestic supply chain for critical HREE.