Aclara Resources signs MOU with Virginia Tech

Executive Summary

• Aclara Resources Inc. entered a strategic, non‑binding MOU with Virginia Tech to operate a rare‑earths (REE) separation pilot plant at the university’s Corporate Research Center.
• The pilot will showcase Aclara’s solvent‑extraction technology and process mixed REE carbonates from its Carina project in Brazil into >99.5 % pure didymium (NdPr), terbium (Tb) and dysprosium (Dy).
• The collaboration creates a domestic supply chain for heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), provides hands‑on training for students, and establishes a framework for joint research, talent development, and future workforce pipelines.

Key Details

• Partnership Structure: Non‑binding memorandum of understanding between Aclara Technologies Inc. (U.S. subsidiary) and Virginia Tech; definitive agreements to follow.
• Pilot Plant Location & Design: Situated at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center; engineered around the composition of mixed REE carbonates produced at Aclara’s pilot plant in Goiania, Goiás, Brazil (Carina project feedstock).
• Target Products & Purity: Expected output includes >99.5 % pure didymium (NdPr), terbium (Tb) and dysprosium (Dy).
• Strategic Objectives:
• Secure a sustainable domestic supply of critical HREEs for the United States and allied markets.
• Leverage Virginia Tech’s expertise in mining, minerals, and materials engineering to accelerate R&D on REE separations.
• Provide students and faculty access to Aclara’s pilot facilities for research, training, and potential employment pipelines.
• Quotes:
• Hugh Broadhurst, COO, Aclara: “Our partnership with Virginia Tech marks a strategic milestone… delivering a concrete, integrated, independent and resilient solution to address a critical vulnerability for the United States.”
• Dr. Aaron Noble, Dept. Head, Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech: “This collaboration is a bold step that aligns research, education and innovation to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the mining industry.”
• Virginia Tech Background: Over 64 DOE‑funded REE projects in the past decade with >$32 M total funding; recognized national leader in REE research.
• Future Framework: Collaborative access for Virginia Tech students/faculty to Aclara’s piloting facilities; joint research initiatives; networking opportunities expected to attract investors, journalists, government officials, and industry partners.

Notable Quotes

• “This is just the beginning of something truly meaningful and a game‑changer in the supply of HREE.” – Hugh Broadhurst, COO, Aclara
• “I am incredibly excited about this groundbreaking partnership… it will provide a unique platform for hands‑on training and experiential learning.” – Dr. Aaron Noble, Virginia Tech