Aclara Resources, a heavy rare earths company with mining projects in Chile and Brazil, has won two awards in the 2024 Mining Technology Excellence Awards in the Innovation and Environmental categories for its innovative technology to extract heavy rare earth elements (REE) in an environmentally friendly way.
The Mining Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the mining industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
Innovation: Sustainable Components Award
Aclara Resources won the Innovation award for its pioneering efforts in sustainable rare earth extraction and its commitment to environmental responsibility. The company made significant advancements by developing an innovative technology called Circular Mineral Harvesting (“CMH”), which enables the sustainable extraction of heavy rare earths (more information below under the Sustainability Award). The successful operation of its pilot plant demonstrated that CMH can produce high-purity heavy rare earth oxides at a semi-industrial scale. The award also recognized the establishment of Aclara Technologies Inc. in the U.S., a metals and alloys company that represents a crucial step in Aclara’s strategic vision to vertically integrate its heavy rare earths mixed carbonate production toward the manufacturing of permanent magnets. Additionally, Aclara’s strategic alliance with VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH & Co. KG (“VAC”), the largest producer of rare earth magnets outside of Asia, focuses on developing a supply chain for environmentally friendly permanent magnets, supporting the growing demand in clean technology sectors. Finally, the company has also entered into a joint venture with CAP, one of the leading high-grade iron ore producers in the world, to develop metal and alloy capabilities. As a result, Aclara is positioned to become the first vertically integrated heavy rare earths company outside of Asia.
Environmental Sustainability Award
Aclara was selected as a winner of the Environmental Sustainability Award for achieving several milestones that are transforming the mining industry:
Revolutionizing the heavy rare earths sector: Circular Mineral Harvesting
Aclara Resources has set a new industry standard with its patented Circular Mineral Harvesting (CMH) process, a technology that has redefined the extraction of heavy rare earths in an environmentally friendly manner. This innovative method is characterized by its minimal environmental impact, as it requires no explosives, crushing, or milling, and produces no tailings, thus eliminating the need for tailings dams. The sustainability of the CMH process is further emphasized by its water and reagent recirculation system. Aclara’s technology recycles 95% of the water used and 99% of its main reagent, which is a common fertilizer, back into the process, conserving resources and significantly reducing the potential for environmental impact. Additionally, the company has committed to reforesting all impacted areas at both project sites.
Commitment to environmental excellence
In addition to water conservation and a minimal carbon footprint, Aclara has already contributed to local reforestation efforts in Chile in a significant way by executing a plan that includes donating over 8,000 endangered trees including naranjillo, queules, and pitaos. The initiative demonstrates Aclara’s dedication to biodiversity and ecological balance.
Leading the charge in corporate responsibility and global sustainability
Aclara’s recent commitment to the United Nations Global Compact highlights its dedication to sustainable development and corporate responsibility. By aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Aclara is integrating sustainability principles into its strategy and operations. The company’s focus on environmental responsibility is exemplified by its CMH process, which emphasizes a low carbon footprint and circular economy principles, setting a new standard for the mining industry.
“We are incredibly honored to receive these awards, which reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship. Our patented Circular Mineral Harvesting process exemplifies our dedication to creating a positive impact on both our industry and the planet. The Innovation Award highlights our distinctive approach to vertical integration, which focuses on creating a robust supply chain for ESG-compliant permanent magnets, essential to supporting the increasing demand for a reliable, transparent source in clean technology sectors.” – Ramon Barua, CEO at Aclara Resources
Company Profile
Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company’s rare earth mineral resource development projects include the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile and the Carina Module in the State of Goiás, Brazil.
Aclara’s rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. Circular mineral harvesting does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings and eliminates the need for a tailing’s storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a common fertilizer main reagent, ammonium sulfate. In addition to the development of the Penco Module and the Carina Module, the Company will continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to increase future production of heavy rare earths through greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional projects within the Company’s current concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
Links
Website: https://www.aclara-re.com/
