Ucore Rare Metals has received an $18.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a commercial-scale rare earth separation system in Alexandria, Louisiana. The project represents a significant step toward establishing a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and reducing dependence on foreign sources.
The facility, located in a Foreign Trade Zone, will feature the company's proprietary RapidSX™ technology capable of processing individual rare earth oxides. Construction is scheduled to begin, with operational readiness expected in the second half of 2026. The award brings Ucore's total non-repayable funding to $22.4 million under its existing agreement.
This strategic infrastructure development addresses critical national security concerns by potentially reducing reliance on international rare earth mineral suppliers, particularly from China. The project could significantly impact the United States' technological and manufacturing capabilities by securing a more stable domestic source of rare earth elements essential for advanced electronics, defense systems, and renewable energy technologies.
The Louisiana facility represents the first of potentially multiple Strategic Metals Complexes planned by Ucore in the United States and Canada. By investing in domestic rare earth processing capabilities, the company aims to create a robust, independent mineral supply chain that can support emerging technologies and national strategic interests.
