ACLARA ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF TRANCHE 1 OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT

The most recent news (April 2, 2026) announces the closing of the first tranche of a US$50 million non-brokered private placement. Aclara raised US$41.46 million by issuing approximately 20 million shares at C$2.83 per share. This follows a flurry of activity in March 2026, including the inauguration of a rare earth separation pilot plant at Virginia Tech and the submission of the final environmental addendum (Addendum 3) for the Penco Module in Chile. The financing involves three strategic heavyweights: CAP S.A., Hochschild Mining, and New Hartsdale Capital.

The impact is Routine - Positive. While the dollar amount is significant (US$50M total), the financing was previously announced on March 19, 2026. The "Routine" designation applies because the market was already aware of the terms and the strategic participants. However, it is fundamentally positive as it provides the necessary runway to: - Complete the NI 43-101 Feasibility Study for the Carina Project (Brazil). - Advance "Project Dynamo" (U.S. separation facility) in Louisiana. - Maintain momentum on the Penco Module (Chile) as it enters the final permitting stage. The participation of CAP S.A. and Hochschild at C$2.83—a price significantly higher than historical levels suggested in the 2025 investor presentation—signals strong insider conviction in the vertical integration strategy.

Aclara is developing two primary ionic clay rare earth deposits: - Carina Project (Brazil): The flagship. A November 2025 PFS outlined a US$1.1B NPV and 22% IRR. It is unique for its "Circular Mineral Harvesting" technology, which avoids tailings dams and recycles 95% of water. - Penco Module (Chile): A secondary but advanced module currently in the final stages of environmental permitting. - Downstream: The company is vertically integrating via a separation plant in Louisiana and a metals/alloys JV with CAP S.A.