Aclara Resources talks project visit by EU delegation

Executive Summary

• Aclara Resources hosted a high-level European Union delegation, including Ambassador Claudia Gintersdorfer and representatives from 11 EU member states, for a site visit to its rare earths project in Penco, Chile.
• The visit focused on showcasing Aclara’s "circular mineral harvesting" technology, which utilizes 100% recycled water, generates zero tailings, and employs robust ecological restoration plans.
• The delegation expressed strong interest in establishing strategic partnerships with Chile for the sustainable production of critical minerals, specifically dysprosium and terbium, to support the EU’s green and digital transition and supply security.

Key Details

• Delegation Composition: The visit included over 50 participants, led by EU Ambassador Claudia Gintersdorfer, with ambassadors from Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Sweden, alongside commercial councillors and representatives from Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Ireland.
• Technology Showcase: Visitors observed the geology of the Penco deposit and Aclara’s patented circular mineral harvesting technology, characterized by:
  • Use of 100% recycled water without drawing from natural sources.
  • Zero generation of tailings or liquid industrial waste.
  • Robust ecological restoration plan.
• Strategic Partnerships: Aclara highlighted technological advances developed with partners including Grupo Cap, Virginia Tech, Stanford University, and German company VAC. These partnerships cover key stages such as separation, metallization, and permanent magnet development.
• Product Focus: The delegation learned about production stages for strategic rare earths, specifically dysprosium and terbium, which are essential for manufacturing permanent magnets used in electric mobility, renewable energy, and clean technologies.
• EU Strategic Alignment: The visit reinforced the EU’s interest in diversifying supply chains and securing critical raw materials. The EU views Chile as a strategic partner with shared values regarding sustainable economic development and minimization of socio-environmental impacts.

Notable Quotes

• Claudia Gintersdorfer, European Union Ambassador to Chile: "Rare earths are strategic and indispensable for the EU's dual green and digital transition as well as for its security and industrial autonomy... This visit fulfilled the objective of bringing European companies, technology partners and offtakers closer to this highly innovative project."
• Ramon Barua, CEO of Aclara Resources: "This visit underscores the strong alignment between Aclara's commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices and the European Union's strategic priorities for critical minerals... we look forward to becoming a trusted partner in the EU's supply chain for these critical elements that are essential to the global energy transition and decarbonization goals we all share."