What Aclara Resources does

Aclara Resources Inc. is a Canadian-domiciled, TSX-listed junior mining developer (TSX:ARA, OTCMKTS:ARAAF) building a vertically integrated, Western-aligned heavy rare earth (HREE) supply chain anchored on two ionic clay deposits — the Penco Module in Chile's Biobío Region (targeting 2027 production, 811 t/yr TREO) and the Carina Project in Goiás, Brazil (targeting 2028 production, 4,378 t/yr TREO including 156 t Dy and 27 t Tb annually). Its core technology is the patented Circular Mineral Harvesting (CMH) process, granted in Chile, Brazil, the US and China, which recirculates 95% of water and 99% of the main reagent (ammonium sulphate), produces zero liquid discharge, no tailings, and operates without explosives. Downstream integration is achieved through a US$277M heavy rare earth separation facility (Project Dynamo) at Port of Vinton, Louisiana — the first of its kind in the United States, with operations targeted for mid-2028 — and a 50/50 metals and alloys joint venture (Aclara Metals SpA) with Chilean conglomerate CAP S.A. producing NdPr metal, FeDy metal, Tb metal, and NdFeB alloys.

Aclara is pre-revenue with all commercial production scheduled for 2027–2028. Future revenue will be generated through the sale of high-purity mixed rare earth carbonates (MREC), separated rare earth oxides (>99.5% purity NdPr, Dy, Tb), and magnet-grade metals/alloys via long-term take-or-pay offtake agreements to permanent magnet manufacturers and EV OEMs. Strategic customers and partners include Vacuumschmelze (VAC) and eVAC Magnetics for the mine-to-magnet value chain, with commercial inquiries routed through both the corporate CFO and the Aclara Technologies CFO. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales, the CAP S.A. joint venture for Chilean metallurgy, and onsite industrial delivery from Louisiana via the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. To date, Aclara has funded development through approximately US$80M+ from CAP S.A., US$25M (2025) and US$50M (2026) non-brokered private placements, a US$5M US DFC convertible loan, BNDES-FINEP and CORFO grants, and US$46.4M in Louisiana state incentives.

Name

Aclara Resources

Legal name

Aclara Resources Inc.

Website

https://aclara-re.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Aclara Resources is a Canadian-listed junior mining developer building a vertically integrated, Western-aligned heavy rare earth supply chain from two ionic clay deposits in Chile and Brazil, through a US separation facility and metals/alloys joint venture with CAP S.A., serving permanent magnet manufacturers and EV OEMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) Mining and Processing

NAICS

Other Metal Ore Mining (212290)

SIC

Miscellaneous Metal Ores (1090), Primary Smelting & Refining Of Nonferrous Metals (3330)

akta.pro primary industry

Rare Earths Mining & Concentrates (REE Ores) (IMAKAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Rare Earths Separation & Refining (Oxides/Metals) (IMAKAFAH)

Keywords

• Heavy rare earths
• Ionic clay mining
• Rare earth separation
• Rare earth alloys
• Permanent magnet materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Condes

HQ country

Chile

HQ region

Latin America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) Sales: Future revenue from sales of high-purity mixed rare earth carbonates produced at the Carina Project (Brazil) and Penco Module (Chile). Commercial production targeted for 2027 (Penco) and 2028 (Carina); pre-revenue at present.
2. Separated Rare Earth Oxide Sales: Future revenue from Project Dynamo (Louisiana separation plant, mid-2028 startup) selling NdPr oxide, Dy oxide, Tb oxide, plus by-products (SEG carbonate, super heavy carbonate) at >99.5% purity to magnet and advanced materials manufacturers.
3. Rare Earth Metals and Alloys Sales: Future revenue from Aclara Metals JV (50/50 with CAP S.A.) selling NdPr metal, FeDy metal, Tb metal, NdFeB alloys, and prospective Y/Gd metals and SmCo alloys from a demonstration plant (2026) and commercial facility at the Louisiana site.
4. Long-Term Offtake Agreements: Strategic intent to secure take-or-pay offtake contracts with EV automakers and magnet manufacturers; CFO has identified offtake as critical to project financing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Core offering

Aclara Resources is a vertically integrated heavy rare earth mining developer producing high-purity mixed rare earth carbonates (MREC), separated rare earth oxides (NdPr, Dy, Tb), and rare earth metals and alloys (FeDy, Tb, NdPr, NdFeB) from ionic clay deposits in Chile (Penco Module) and Brazil (Carina Project), using its patented Circular Mineral Harvesting (CMH) extraction technology, with downstream separation at the Louisiana Project Dynamo facility and metals/alloys production through the Aclara Metals JV with CAP S.A.

Product overview

Aclara Resources offers a vertically integrated, mine-to-magnet heavy rare earth supply chain platform organized around three business areas — Mineral Development, Separation, and Metals & Alloys — anchored by two ionic clay deposits (the Carina Project in Goiás, Brazil, and the Penco Module in Chile's Biobío Region), all processed using its patented Circular Mineral Harvesting extraction technology. The mineral development segment produces Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) as the primary upstream product. The separation segment — represented by Project Dynamo, a US$277M heavy rare earth separation facility at Port of Vinton, Louisiana (supported by a Virginia Tech pilot plant) — converts MREC into individual rare earth oxides (NdPr, Dy, Tb, plus Y, Gd, Sm by-products) at >99.5% purity. The downstream metals & alloys segment — Aclara Metals, a 50/50 joint venture with CAP S.A. — upgrades those oxides into magnet-grade products (FeDy metal, Tb metal, NdPr metal, NdFeB alloys) at Huachipato, Chile. AI-enabled digital twins (developed with Argonne National Laboratory) and AI-driven REE exploration targeting (developed with Stanford Mineral-X) form the digital backbone supporting the entire value chain. The strategic commercial alliance with Vacuumschmelze (VAC) ties Aclara's feedstock into a Western-aligned mine-to-magnet supply chain outside Chinese control.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Project Dynamo: Aclara's rare earth separation facility in the United States (Louisiana), designed to transform mixed rare earth carbonates from Brazil and Chile into individual rare earth oxides for permanent magnets.
• Aclara Metals SpA
• Carina Project
• Penco Module
• Circular Mineral Harvesting

Products and services

• Penco Module Advanced-stage heavy rare earth ionic clay deposit in Chile's Biobío Region; planned annual average production of 811 tonnes of total rare earth oxides. One of 25 large projects in Chile's Industrial Strengthening Plan. Targets magnet manufacturers and EV OEMs through the integrated mine-to-magnet platform.
• Carina Project (Carina Module) Flagship advanced-stage heavy rare earth ionic clay deposit in Goiás, Brazil (Nova Roma); 18-year Life of Mine, planned annual production of 156 t Dy, 27 t Tb, and 1,191 t NdPr. Carina Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) purity 97.7%. Targeted at permanent magnet manufacturers, particularly in the EV sector.
• Project Dynamo — Rare Earth Separation Facility (Louisiana) Planned US$277M first-of-its-kind US heavy rare earth separation facility at Port of Vinton, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana on an 82-acre LED-certified site. Designed to transform mixed rare earth carbonates from Carina and Penco into separated individual rare earth oxides (>99.5% purity) including 148 t/yr Dy oxide, 25 t/yr Tb oxide, 1,131 t/yr NdPr oxide, plus Sm, Eu, Gd, Y and other HREE by-products. Designed to supply >75% of US DyTb demand for EVs by 2028. Separation after-tax NPV US$470M, IRR 25.2%, payback 3.3 years.
• Aclara Metals & Alloys (Aclara Metals SpA) Joint venture (50% Aclara / 50% CAP S.A.) for rare earth metals and alloys production, including a demonstration plant at Huachipato, Chile. Planned annual production includes 154 t FeDy metal, 19 t Tb metal, 811 t NdPr metal, and 2,681 t NdFeB alloys. Process uses fluorination, molten salt electrolysis, vacuum induction melting (VIM), and strip casting. Metals & Alloys after-tax NPV US$203M, payback 3.7 years. Targets permanent magnet manufacturers, especially in the EV sector.
• Circular Mineral Harvesting (CMH) Patented clean extraction technology for heavy rare earths from ionic clay deposits. Recirculates 95% of water and 99% of main reagent (ammonium sulphate), generates no tailings, and operates without explosives. Protected by two patents.
• Virginia Tech Separation Pilot Plant Pilot plant at Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Blacksburg, Virginia, using solvent extraction to validate Aclara's proprietary separation technology with high-purity mixed rare earth carbonates from Brazilian and Chilean ionic clay deposits. Supports engineering and ramp-up of Project Dynamo.
• Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) Primary upstream product from the Carina and Penco ionic clay deposits, produced via Circular Mineral Harvesting. Carina MREC purity 97.7%. Serves as feedstock for the Project Dynamo separation facility and for customer offtake agreements with downstream magnet manufacturers such as VAC.
• Rare Earth Oxides (NdPr, Dy, Tb, Y, Gd, Sm) Individual separated rare earth oxides (>99.5% purity) produced at the Louisiana Project Dynamo separation facility, including Dy oxide (148 t/yr), Tb oxide (25 t/yr), NdPr oxide (1,131 t/yr), and by-product Sm, Eu, Gd, and Y mixed carbonates. Inputs for permanent magnets used in EVs, robotics, wind turbines, and defense applications.
• AI-Enabled Digital Twin (Separation) High-fidelity digital twin of Aclara's heavy rare earth solvent extraction process, developed in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. Simulates, optimizes, and predicts separation performance across operating conditions to improve recovery rates, accelerate industrial ramp-up, and reduce scale-up risk.
• AI-Driven REE Exploration System AI system that analyzes high-resolution satellite spectral images and uses vegetation as a natural bioindicator to detect REE mineralization patterns in ionic clays. Combines geospatial data processing with AI-driven predictive models to optimize exploration targeting, reduce drilling, and minimize environmental impact. Developed in collaboration with Stanford University's Mineral-X.

Quantifiable outcome

• Project Dynamo designed to supply over 75% of US DyTb demand for EVs by 2028
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship ai/digital twin technology partner, flagship technology and pilot plant partner, strategic r&d alliance for ai-enabled exploration, us policy advocacy partner, us government site selection and investment support partner, critical local government and permitting partner for carina, flagship mine-to-magnet partner, core engineering and feasibility study partner, listed as network of experts partner on the corporate website, engineering services partner (network of experts), testing and inspection partner (network of experts), academic research partner (network of experts), process engineering partner for separation pilot plant, industry diversity and community partner, state government host of us separation facility, critical utility partner for penco water supply and regional government and strategic minerals partner.

• Argonne National Laboratory (U.S. Department of Energy)flagship ai/digital twin technology partnerTechnology or Integration · 15 January 2026Partnership announced January 15, 2026 to develop an AI-enabled digital twin for Aclara's heavy rare earth separation process. The digital twin enables advanced process simulation, optimization, and predictive control of heavy rare earth solvent extraction operations; aims to improve recovery rates, accelerate ramp-up, and increase resilience to feed variation. Supports the $277M Louisiana separation facility targeting operations by mid-2028 and aims to supply >75% of US demand for DyTb.
• Virginia Techflagship technology and pilot plant partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2025Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Virginia hosts Aclara's rare earth separation pilot plant. Partnership validates and optimizes Aclara's proprietary solvent extraction separation technology using mixed rare earth carbonates sourced from Aclara's ionic clay deposits. Pilot produces NdPr (H1 2026 expected) and Dy/Tb oxides (H2 2026 expected). Aclara also engages Virginia Tech students for hands-on experiential learning in critical mineral processing.
• Stanford University - Mineral-Xstrategic r&d alliance for ai-enabled explorationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2025Strategic partnership announced July 16, 2025 to pioneer AI-driven rare earths research. Joint development of AI-powered predictive models to better understand and target REE mineralization in regolith and ionic clays using spectral images and vegetation-as-bioindicator analysis. Includes academic exchange, co-authored publications, joint IP management, and a long-term strategic roadmap.
• SAFE (Securing America's Future Energy)us policy advocacy partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 May 2025Aclara joined SAFE in May 2025 to bolster supply chains of critical minerals in the United States; supports joint policy advocacy and government engagement.
• U.S. Department of Commerce (SelectUSA)us government site selection and investment support partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2024Aclara received support from the US Department of Commerce's SelectUSA program (announced November 13, 2024) to identify and evaluate site locations for its US rare earth separation facility, ultimately leading to the selection of Port of Vinton, Louisiana in October 2025.
• State of Goiás and Municipality of Nova Roma (Brazil)critical local government and permitting partner for carinaStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 August 2024MoU signed August 16, 2024 to expedite environmental permitting, support critical infrastructure, and develop the local workforce for the Carina Project. Aclara committed to invest US$582.3 million and create 3,200 direct jobs prioritizing local workforce and suppliers. State and municipality committed to efficiently evaluate environmental and other permits.
• Vacuumschmelze (VAC) / eVAC Magnetics LLCflagship mine-to-magnet partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2024Germany-based VAC (and its US subsidiary eVAC Magnetics) is Aclara's strategic alliance partner for the development of a permanent magnet supply chain. Joint MoU signed July 9, 2024. Aclara's Brazilian pilot plant produced ~150 kg of mixed rare earth carbonate via CMH, with product specifications and cost models being aligned with VAC's magnet manufacturing operations, including eVAC's South Carolina facility. eVAC and VAC representatives visited the Carina pilot plant in November 2025 to strengthen collaboration.
• Hatch Ltd.core engineering and feasibility study partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 6 May 2024Awarded the Carina Module Pre-Feasibility Study contract in May 2024 and continued engagement for the Feasibility Study (filed April 13, 2026 with after-tax NPV8 of US$1.7B and IRR 26.9%). Network of experts partner listed on the website.
• Argonne National Laboratory (general affiliation)listed as network of experts partner on the corporate websiteImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArgonne is featured as a Network of Experts partner on the Aclara corporate website in addition to the AI digital twin and US DOE partnership.
• Ausencoengineering services partner (network of experts)Implementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAusenco is listed as a Network of Experts partner on the Aclara corporate website, providing engineering and project delivery services.
• SGS SAtesting and inspection partner (network of experts)Implementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSGS is listed as a Network of Experts partner on the Aclara corporate website, providing testing, inspection, and certification services.
• University of Torontoacademic research partner (network of experts)Implementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity of Toronto is listed as a Network of Experts partner on the Aclara corporate website.
• L3 Process Developmentprocess engineering partner for separation pilot plantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerL3 Process Development collaborated on the rare earth separation pilot plant design and operations; Tommy Larochelle from L3 presented at the March 2026 pilot plant inauguration.
• Women in Mining Brasilindustry diversity and community partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerAclara joined Women in Mining Brasil, an initiative promoting respect, inclusion, and support for women at all levels of Brazil's mining industry.
• State of Louisiana / Louisiana Economic Developmentstate government host of us separation facilityStrategic or Co-development PartnerState of Louisiana is hosting Aclara's $277M separation facility at the LED-certified Port of Vinton site (Calcasieu Parish) with US$46.4M in state incentives; the project supports 75%+ of US EV DyTb demand by 2028 and creates 596 direct/indirect jobs.
• Essbio (Concepción water utility)critical utility partner for penco water supplyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEssbio, the water utility company of Concepción, Chile, will provide 100% recycled water to the Penco Module - the first fully recycled water supply project in the Biobío region. Reinforces Aclara's environmental commitments per the approved EIA.
• Government of Goiás (Brazil) / AMIC (Critical Minerals Authority)regional government and strategic minerals partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerAclara's R$2.8 billion (~US$500M) Carina Project in Nova Roma (Goiás) is supported by the State of Goiás including critical infrastructure investments, workforce development, and is projected to generate 5,700 direct and indirect jobs. Project recognized as part of Goiás's strategy to become a global center for sustainable heavy rare earth production.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• USA Rare Earth: US private/public company developing the Round Top heavy rare earth project in Texas and operating a NdFeB magnet pilot line in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Comparable in mine-to-magnet ambition and HREE focus, though at earlier development stage.
• Peak Resources: Australian-listed company developing the Ngualla rare earth project in Tanzania, one of the largest undeveloped REE deposits outside China. Comparable as a development-stage Western-aligned REE project targeting separated oxides for magnet manufacturers.
• Northern Minerals: Australian company developing the Browns Range heavy rare earth project (xenotime-hosted Dy/Tb) with pilot plant operations. Comparable as a non-China HREE developer targeting Dy/Tb, though smaller scale and at pilot stage.

Direct peers

• Rare Element Resources: US-focused rare earth company developing the Bear Lodge Project in Wyoming with DOE-supported separation and processing technology. Comparable as a Western Hemisphere REE developer with US government backing and downstream processing focus.
• Lynas Rare Earths: Australia-based, largest non-Chinese rare earth miner and processor with operating Mt Weld mine (including ionic-clay-style REE) and Kalgoorlie separation facility. Closest global peer in vertically integrated REE processing outside China, with similar separation-to-oxide business model.
• MP Materials: Largest US rare earth mining and processing company, operating the Mountain Pass mine in California and building a downstream magnetics facility in Texas. Most directly comparable Western mine-to-magnet rare earth platform, although focused on light rare earths (NdPr) rather than heavy rare earths.
• Energy Fuels: US-based critical minerals company producing REE oxides (NdPr, Dy, Tb) at its White Mesa Mill in Utah from monazite sands. Competes in US REE separation and supply chain reshoring, although feedstock source differs from Aclara's ionic clay model.
• Ionic Rare Earths: Australian-listed company developing ionic clay REE projects (Makuutu in Uganda) using similar mining and processing flowsheet concepts. Closest peer by deposit type (ionic clay HREE) and downstream separation strategy, although Aclara's resource scale and Western Hemisphere location differ.

Regional players

• Rainbow Rare Earths: UK-listed company developing the Phalaborwa rare earth project in South Africa (gypsum tailings feedstock) with separation planned in the US. Comparable in US-aligned REE separation ambition, although feedstock source (gypsum tailings) differs from Aclara's ionic clay model.

Others

• Vacuumschmelze (VAC): Germany-based global leader in permanent magnet manufacturing and Aclara's flagship mine-to-magnet strategic alliance partner. Not a competitor but the downstream offtake counterparty that defines Aclara's go-to-market architecture for HREE into Western magnet supply chains.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=jbPM4kNyuEY
• Instagraminstagram.com/somosaclara
• Xx.com/AclaraResources

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aclara Resources