Ucore Advances North American Rare Earth Processing Capabilities with Key Demonstration Plant

Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is advancing toward establishing a domestic rare earth element processing capability in North America, with the imminent commissioning of its RapidSX™ Commercial Demonstration Plant in Kingston, Ontario representing a critical milestone. This facility serves as a pivotal step in commercializing advanced REE separation technology that could transform North America's position in the critical minerals sector. The demonstration plant's success is essential for validating the technology before full-scale implementation at planned commercial facilities.

The company's strategic development includes constructing its first Strategic Metals Complex in Louisiana, targeting an initial processing capacity of 2,000 tons of total rare earth oxides by the end of 2024. This ambitious timeline demonstrates Ucore's commitment to rapidly scaling North American REE processing capabilities. The company plans to expand this capacity to 5,000 tons by 2026, establishing a robust growth trajectory that could significantly impact the continent's critical minerals independence.

Beyond the Louisiana facility, Ucore has outlined long-term plans for additional Strategic Metals Complexes in Alaska and Canada, creating a distributed network of processing capabilities across North America. These initiatives are supported by the company's 100%-owned Bokan-Dotson Ridge heavy rare earth element resource in Alaska, which provides a strategic feedstock source for future operations. This integrated approach positions Ucore as a potential key player in establishing a comprehensive North American REE supply chain.

The company's efforts receive strong support from both U.S. and Canadian governments, reflecting the strategic importance of developing domestic rare earth processing capabilities. Strategic partnerships with Kingston Process Metallurgy and Mech-Chem Associates provide crucial technical expertise and engineering support for developing and scaling the RapidSX™ technology. These collaborations are essential for establishing a complete North American REE supply chain that can potentially reduce dependence on Chinese rare earth element production, which currently dominates global markets.

By developing independent REE processing capabilities, Ucore aims to address critical supply chain vulnerabilities that have concerned Western nations for years. The initiative supports emerging technologies that heavily rely on rare earth elements, including renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, electric vehicles, and modern manufacturing processes. Success in these endeavors could significantly enhance North America's strategic position in global technology markets while ensuring reliable access to materials essential for national security and economic competitiveness.