Located at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the pilot plant is designed to process mixed rare earth carbonate from Aclara’s Carina Project, with feedstock supplied from its pilot plant in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. This setup ensures a sustainable HREE supply chain, integrating operations across Brazil and the U.S.
Hugh Broadhurst, Aclara’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Our partnership with Virginia Tech marks a strategic milestone in Aclara’s mission to address the critical vulnerability in the supply of heavy rare earths outside of China. By combining our HREE-rich feedstock and proprietary separation technology with Virginia Tech’s academic excellence, we’re delivering a concrete, integrated, independent and resilient solution to address a critical vulnerability for the United States and other countries.”
Dr. Aaron Noble, Professor and Department Head of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech, stated: “I am incredibly excited about this groundbreaking partnership between Aclara and Virginia Tech, as it represents a strategic alignment of values and vision. Aclara’s leadership in rare earth extraction and processing complements our department’s commitment to advancing technology and preparing future leaders in the mining industry.” The collaboration will provide access to Aclara’s facilities for research, training, and job opportunities.
Virginia Tech, under Dr. Noble’s leadership, has completed over 64 U.S. Department of Energy-funded REE projects, securing over $32 million in funding. The partnership will drive innovation, attract industry stakeholders, and enhance education in REE separation technology.
