ReElement, Principal Mineral to co-develop U.S. rare earth production capability

American Resources (AREC)’ ReElement Technologies has signed an MOU with Principal Mineral to co-develop the most advanced U.S. rare earth production capability, integrating separation, fluoride production, and metallization as a singular process under one roof. This strategic alliance will create the world’s most flexible and efficient rare earth midstream capability, boosting U.S. defense readiness, supply chain resilience, and domestic production. This strategic alliance will co-locate operations at one of several possible sites, including ReElement’s existing Marion, Indiana, supersite, Principal Mineral’s critical minerals campus in Camden, South Carolina, with other locations under review. The facility will combine the unique strengths of both companies, with ReElement producing high purity separated rare earth products from both recycled and mined sources and Principal Mineral producing rare earth fluorides and metal, with an emphasis on supplying the U.S. defense sector and broader industrial markets. ReElement Technologies will supply magnet-grade separated rare earth products refined from end-of-life magnets, manufacturing scrap, mine tailings, and mined ore concentrates, using its commercial-scale, cost-effective refining platform. Principal Mineral will apply its proprietary technologies to produce rare earth fluorides and metal, with an emphasis on developing secure, sustainable supply chains for U.S. and allied defense and commercial applications. The companies intend to establish a co-located, vertically integrated facility to streamline the production process, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. The companies will further look to collaborate with other industry partners to continue to strengthen the Western supply chain for rare earth materials.