ReElement, ASEDA launch deep sea nodule refining collaboration

American Resources (AREC)’ ReElement Technologies Corporation announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, a leading force in community-based economic collaboration and development to create opportunities in the Territory for new infrastructure, industrial, commercial and residential development. The MOU outlines strategic goals of jointly investigating the development and deployment of a critical mineral refinery with a focus on deep sea nodules found in the American Samoa region. The initiative will be consistent with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s process for managing the environmentally-sustainable development of this region. The major outcome is focusing on unlocking a vertically integrated critical mineral supply chain solution, combining ReElement’s initial relationship with Impossible Metals’ proprietary nodule collection technology with ReElement’s innovative and industry-leading critical mineral refining platform to create a globally competitive, sustainable, and independent rare earth supply chain in the United States. Key highlights of the MOU include: Focus on essential elements: Copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements which are prevalent in the local nodules. Joint commitment to explore a sustainable, non-China critical mineral supply chain to meet growing global demand. Military base installation: Explore options to leverage existing Defense Department infrastructure. Strategic collaboration to enhance and secure the global critical mineral value chain and identify further joint opportunities. Integration of ReElement’s platform, delivering high-throughput, low-waste, cost-effective refining of ultra-pure critical minerals. End-to-end U.S. supply chain: From seabed mining in federal waters near American Samoa and refine locally.