According to the company, its patented circular mineral harvesting technology, designed to extract heavy rare earths from ionic clays, boasts several environmentally friendly features. These include a low carbon footprint and over 95% water recirculation. The process avoids blasting, crushing, and milling, and generates no solid or liquid waste, eliminating the need for a tailings dam.
With this technology, Aclara aims to produce high-purity mixed rare earth concentrate (MREC) from its Penco Module in Chile and the Carina project in Brazil.
“The initial results are highly encouraging and position Aclara to become the first vertically integrated heavy rare earths company outside of Asia,” the company said in a press release.
The initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) is estimated at $354 million, including $244 million for the solvent extraction plant and $110 million for waste reduction and achieving zero liquid discharge.
