A strategic partnership between Virginia Tech and Alcara Technologies, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Aclara Resources, aims to strengthen a sustainable domestic supply chain for critical heavy rare earth elements.
Aclara’s rare earths separation pilot plant is expected to open this fall at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Va., where it will benefit from the research park’s amenities and programming as well as its proximity to campus. The new facility will showcase Aclara’s solvent extraction technology for producing individual high-purity light and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs).
“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,” said Aclara COO Hugh Broadhurst.
“We are thankful for Virginia Tech’s partnership and support and look forward to a long-term alliance that advances innovation, talent development, sustainable technology, and scientific leadership. This is just the beginning of something truly meaningful and a game-changer in the supply of HREE.”
A memorandum of understanding establishes a collaborative framework to provide Virginia Tech’s students and faculty with access to Aclara’s piloting facilities, to foster research and job opportunities in rare earths separation technology, and to provide Aclara with access to those research ideas and potential professionals for its future workforce.
Sources: Aclara Resources and Virginia Tech