The mining sector is abuzz with the inauguration of Aclara Resources Inc.’s semi-industrial heavy rare earths pilot plant in Aparecida de Goiania, Brazil. This development is not just a milestone for Aclara but a potential game-changer for the global rare earths market and the broader mining industry. The plant, a cornerstone of Aclara’s Carina Project, is set to produce dysprosium and terbium, critical components in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other advanced technologies.
The ceremony, attended by a plethora of government officials and international representatives, underscored the strategic importance of the project. Daniel Vilela, Vice Governor of the State of Goiás, hailed Goiás as the future epicenter of rare earth mining, emphasizing the project’s potential to create jobs and position the state as a leader in clean technology. “Goiás will become the epicenter of rare earth mining for the world,” Vilela declared, highlighting the R$2.8 billion (∼US$500M) investment and the thousands of jobs it is expected to generate.
Aclara’s CEO, Ramón Barúa, echoed this sentiment, stressing the company’s commitment to responsible mining. “Our operations are driven by principles of responsible mining,” Barúa stated, outlining the innovative and sustainable features of Aclara’s Circular Mineral Harvesting technology. This process, which involves simple, shallow excavation and eliminates energy-intensive processes like crushing or milling, is set to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of rare earth mining.
The pilot plant’s optimizations, built on previous efforts in Chile, aim to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product purity. Aclara expects to process approximately 200 tons of clays, resulting in an estimated production of 150 kilograms of heavy rare earth carbonates. This output, while modest in scale, is a significant step towards establishing a reliable and alternative supply chain for the permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines.
The project’s potential to drive the future of clean technology is immense. Barúa highlighted Aclara’s vision to become the leading partner for Western customers, delivering high-quality, sustainable mine-to-magnet solutions. This vision is backed by Aclara’s rapid advancement of a separation facility in the United States and a joint venture with Chilean partner CAP S.A. to convert individual oxides into the alloys needed for permanent magnets.
The inauguration has sparked debate and thought-provoking discussions within the industry. Some analysts question whether Aclara can scale up production to meet the growing demand for rare earths. Others, however, see this as a significant step towards reducing dependence on Chinese rare earth supplies, which currently dominate the market. The project’s success could also set a new standard for sustainable mining practices, challenging the industry to adopt more environmentally friendly methods.
Moreover, the project’s potential to drive economic growth and social development in the local communities and the State of Goiás cannot be overlooked. The support from government officials and the community underscores the project’s strategic potential to position Goiás as a global center for sustainable production of heavy rare earths.
As Aclara moves forward with its plans to submit the Environmental Impact Assessment in Q2 2025, the Pre-feasibility Study in Q3 2025, and the Feasibility Study in Q1 2026, the industry will be watching closely. The success of this project could reshape the global rare earths market, drive the future of clean technology, and set a new benchmark for sustainable mining practices. The stage is set for Aclara to make a significant impact, and the industry is eager to see how this story unfolds.
