Ucore Rare Metals and Metallium Collaborate on Rare Earth Refining Technology to Strengthen Western Supply Chains

Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) has announced a strategic technology collaboration with Metallium Limited (ASX: MTM; OTCQX: MTMCF) to integrate Metallium's Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology with Ucore's RapidSX separation platform. This partnership aims 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. The collaboration represents a significant step toward diversifying feedstock sources and enhancing the recovery of critical metals, which is crucial for strengthening Western-aligned rare earth supply chains and reducing dependency on foreign sources.

Initial stages of the collaboration will focus on bench-scale and pilot testing to produce mixed rare earth chlorides for processing at Ucore's facilities. The target outputs include high-value rare earth elements such as neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb), which are essential for various high-tech and defense applications. By leveraging Metallium's innovative FJH technology, which enables efficient processing of diverse materials, and Ucore's advanced separation capabilities, the partnership seeks to create a more resilient and sustainable supply chain for these critical materials. This initiative is particularly important given the growing demand for rare earth elements in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics.

The strategic importance of this collaboration lies in its potential to disrupt the current dominance of the People's Republic of China in the rare earth supply chain. Ucore's vision includes the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in Louisiana, with subsequent facilities planned in Canada and Alaska. For more details on Ucore's initiatives, visit https://ibn.fm/UURAF. The integration of these technologies could provide a reliable domestic source of rare earth elements, enhancing national security and supporting economic growth in Western nations. This effort aligns with broader industry and governmental goals to secure critical mineral supplies and reduce geopolitical risks associated with concentrated supply sources.

Executives from both companies emphasized the collaboration's ability to expand feedstock sources and improve the efficiency of metal recovery processes. By processing alternative materials like e-waste and magnet scrap, the partnership not only addresses supply chain vulnerabilities but also contributes to environmental sustainability through recycling. The modular design of the proposed refining solution allows for scalability and adaptability, making it suitable for various applications and locations. This approach could serve as a model for future innovations in the rare earth and critical metals sector, promoting technological advancement and industrial resilience. For additional information on the press release, refer to https://ibn.fm/rNhbi.