Ucore Rare Metals Inc. achieves second milestone in U.S. Department of Defense agreement
As China tightens its grip over rare earth exports, investors are seeking some unique and local companies making impressive partnerships.
One of those is Ucore Rare Metals (TSXV:UCU), which recently reached a significant milestone in its working relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), advancing its position in the rare earth elements (REE) market.
The company successfully completed the second phase of its US$4 million transaction agreement at its commercialization and demonstration facility in Kingston, Ontario. This achievement marks a critical step forward in the development of Ucore’s innovative separation technology.
At the heart of this milestone is Ucore’s 52-Stage RapidSX demonstration plant. The company utilized its 52-Stage RapidSX demonstration plant at its commercialization and demonstration facility and successfully separated mixed heavy and light REE chemical concentrate feedstocks, including mixed rare earth oxides and carbonates.
By utilizing this plant, Ucore is positioned as a key player in the rare earth supply chain, providing vital materials for various industries, including defence, technology and clean energy.
The partnership was announced back in June 2023 through its wholly owned subsidiary, Innovation Metals Corp., with two objectives to present to the U.S. DoD:
- The capability to commercially source a sustainable domestic (i.e., the U.S. and Canada) processing facility for converting heavy and light REEs feedstock sources to salable individual rare earth products.
- A new innovative separation process that increases the ability to create domestic REE processing plants.
Dysprosium: A crucial element
One of the notable elements separated by Ucore’s technology is dysprosium.
Dysprosium is a highly sought-after rare earth metal that plays a crucial role in modern technologies. Notably, dysprosium enables the production of rare earth permanent magnets capable of operating in high-temperature environments. These magnets are essential components in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and other clean energy applications.
Traditionally, the processing of dysprosium has been heavily concentrated in China, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. Ucore’s ability to efficiently extract dysprosium and other REEs outside of China enhances supply chain resilience and strengthens strategic partnerships with the U.S. DoD and other key stakeholders.
In addition to controlling 85 per cent of rare-earth processing, according to Politco, Reuters reported that China has also banned the export of technology to make rare earth magnets and technology to extract and separate critical materials.
This is worth a look for national security and economic reasons. By reducing reliance on foreign sources for these critical materials, Ucore is helping to ensure a stable and secure supply chain for the United States and its allies.
REEs are critical to many defence and commercial technologies, including those relying on rare earth permanent magnets to convert electrical to mechanical energy. Demand for these unique elements is expected to grow as the electrification of the worldwide vehicle fleet continues.
About Ucore
Halifax-based Ucore is focused on critical metals extraction, beneficiation and separation technologies and holds total control over the Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.
Investment corner
The completion of the second milestone in Ucore’s agreement with the U.S. DoD underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships. By successfully demonstrating its advanced separation technology, Ucore is in a solid position to capture a sizeable share of the growing rare earth market, particularly in the United States.
Investors seeking exposure to the rare earth sector should consider Ucore Rare Metals Inc. as a compelling investment opportunity. With its cutting-edge technology, strong government support, and focus on critical elements such as dysprosium, Ucore is well-positioned for long-term growth and success.
For investors looking to capitalize on the growing demand for REEs, Ucore Rare Metals Inc. presents a compelling opportunity. The company’s innovative RapidSX technology, demonstrated at its Kingston facility, has the potential to revolutionize the rare earth separation process and establish Ucore as a leader in the industry.
As Ucore continues to advance its partnership with the U.S. DoD and expand its operations, investors are encouraged to conduct their due diligence and consider the potential for long-term growth and profitability.
Ucore stock has risen more than 12 per cent over the past three months.
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