FAQ: Ucore and Metallium Strategic Collaboration on Rare Earth Refining

What is the main purpose of the collaboration between Ucore and Metallium?

The collaboration aims to integrate Metallium’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology with Ucore’s RapidSX separation platform to develop a modular, U.S.-based refining solution capable of processing both conventional rare earth concentrates and alternative feedstocks such as magnet scrap, e-waste, and lighting waste.

Why is this collaboration significant for rare earth supply chains?

This partnership has the potential to expand feedstock sources, enhance recovery of critical metals, and strengthen Western-aligned rare earth supply chains by reducing dependence on the People’s Republic of China’s control of the North American REE supply chain.

How will the technologies be integrated in this collaboration?

Metallium’s Flash Joule Heating technology will be integrated with Ucore’s RapidSX separation platform to create a comprehensive refining solution that can process various feedstocks and produce high-value rare earth outputs.

What specific rare earth elements are targeted for production?

The collaboration targets high-value outputs including NdPr (neodymium-praseodymium), Dy (dysprosium), and Tb (terbium), which are critical for various advanced technologies and manufacturing applications.

Where will the initial testing and processing take place?

Initial stages will focus on bench-scale and pilot testing to produce mixed rare earth chlorides for processing at Ucore’s facilities, with the broader goal of developing U.S.-based refining solutions.

What types of alternative feedstocks can this technology process?

The technology can process alternative feedstocks such as magnet scrap, e-waste, and lighting waste, in addition to conventional rare earth concentrates, expanding the potential sources of rare earth materials.

What is Ucore’s broader vision and plan for rare earth processing?

Ucore aims to become a leading advanced technology company providing best-in-class metal separation products and services, with plans including developing rare-earth processing facilities in Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska, and the Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project in Alaska.

Where can investors find more information about Ucore Rare Metals?

The latest news and updates relating to UURAF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/UURAF, and the full press release can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/rNhbi.