Aclara develops a vertically integrated supply chain for heavy rare earths, focusing on extracting resources from ionic clay deposits. The company utilizes patented Circular Mineral Harvesting technology to sustainably extract these elements while minimizing water and reagent use. This process supports the fabrication of alloys for permanent magnets essential in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
Funding
$25M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing demand for high-performance magnets in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies relies on a limited and geographically concentrated supply of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), particularly Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb). Traditional extraction methods for these elements often involve environmentally damaging practices. This creates a need for sustainable and diversified sources of these critical materials.
Solution
Aclara Resources is developing a sustainable and vertically integrated supply chain for heavy rare earth elements, focusing on the extraction and processing of Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) from ionic clay deposits. The company utilizes a proprietary Circular Mineral Harvesting™ process that minimizes environmental impact through high rates of water and reagent recirculation, the elimination of tailings dams, and a commitment to reforestation. Aclara is also developing rare earth separation facilities and metals & alloys production capabilities to supply high-purity materials for permanent magnet manufacturing, aiming to establish a secure and environmentally responsible source of heavy rare earths outside of Asia. The company leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance exploration and optimize resource discovery.
Target Audience
Aclara's primary customers are manufacturers of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other green energy and defense applications, as well as governments seeking to secure a diversified and sustainable supply of critical minerals.
Features
- Patented Circular Mineral Harvesting™ technology achieving 95% water recirculation and 99% reagent recirculation
- Development of ionic clay deposits in South America as a source of heavy rare earth elements
- Production of mixed rare earth carbonates (MREC) containing Dysprosium and Terbium
- Development of rare earth separation facilities using solvent extraction to produce high-purity rare earth oxides (REOs)
- Production of rare earth metals and alloys tailored for permanent magnet manufacturing
- AI-driven exploration system analyzing spectral images and vegetation response to identify high-potential mineralogical areas
- Digital twin technology for optimizing rare earth processing chain
- Commitment to full reforestation of impacted areas