Aclara Brazil Rare Earths Pilot Plant Launches to Bolster Global Supply Chain

Aclara Resources

The Aclara Brazil rare earths pilot plant has officially started operations, marking a strategic milestone for critical mineral development in South America. Aclara Resources, a Canadian-based mining firm, invested R30mn ($5.3mn) to develop the pilot facility in Nova Roma, located in Brazil’s Goias state. The semi-industrial scale plant will process 250 metric tonnes per year of ionic clays, producing concentrate with over 95% purity.

Supplying Rare Earths for the EV Revolution

Aclara’s plant will extract both heavy and light rare earth elements, including dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium. These metals are essential to electric vehicle (EV) production, wind turbines, and high-performance magnets. Aclara stated the plant could support the manufacturing of up to 5 million EVs annually. The company emphasized its environmentally responsible extraction process as part of its commitment to sustainable mining.

Brazil Emerges as a Rare Earths Powerhouse

Brazil continues to attract investment in rare earth and critical mineral projects. Production at Mineracao Serra Verde’s Goias facility, with a 5,000t/year rare earth oxide capacity, began in late 2023. With the Aclara Brazil rare earths pilot plant now operational, Brazil strengthens its position as an emerging alternative to China in the global rare earth supply chain.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The launch of the Aclara Brazil rare earths pilot plant highlights Brazil’s increasing relevance in the global critical mineral landscape. As countries seek diversified rare earth sources, Brazil’s sustainable projects will play a key strategic role in decarbonization and supply security.