Pilot plant

Aclara inaugurated its semi-industrial heavy rare earths pilot plant facility in Aparecida de Goiania, Goias, Brazil on April 28^th 2025. The ceremony was attended by key government authorities from the State of Goias, the Municipality of Nova Roma, and representatives from federal agencies and international embassies.
‍
The main products from this pilot plant are Dysprosium and Terbium, which, along with other heavy and light rare earths, will be contained in the carbonate produced by the facility. Aclara expects to process approximately 200 tons of clays, resulting in an estimated production of 150 kilograms of heavy rare earth carbonates.

Government officials have expressed their full support for the Project’s streamlined development, recognizing its strategic potential to position Goias as a global center for sustainable production of heavy rare earths:

‍Daniel Vilela, Vice Governor of the State of Goiás, commented: “Goiás will become the epicenter of rare earth mining for the world. With an estimated investment of R$2.8 billion (∼US$500M), the project will create thousands of jobs and position our state as a leader in the production of rare earths — strategic minerals for the future of clean technologies such as electric vehicles and wind energy. We continue working toward development that creates opportunities while respecting the environment. Goiás has a future and a clear direction!"

‍Eleuses Gonzaga, Major of Nova Roma, commented: "I extend my sincere thanks for this investment in the city of Nova Roma. I am grateful to Aclara for this plant, which I am confident will generate employment opportunities not only for Nova Roma but also for Aparecida and will contribute to the broader development of our State of Goias."

Learn more‍

Government relations

This agreement, signed on August 16th, 2024, underscores the strategic importance of the Carina Project, aligning it with the best interests of both the State and Nova Roma. The partnership aims to expedite the permitting process and support the execution, implementation, and operation of the project, highlighting its significance for the social and economic development of Nova Roma and Goiás. This initiative also strengthens Brazil's position as a key player in the sustainable supply of critical minerals.

Key Responsibilities:

• State of Goiás and Municipality of Nova Roma: To work to efficiently evaluate the environmental and other permits required for the Project, support critical infrastructure enhancements and partner with Aclara to assist in the development of the local workforce.

• Aclara: To invest $582.3 million (expected CAPEX outlined on the preliminary economic assessment of the Carina Project previously announced by the Company on January 22, 2024), creating 3,200 direct jobs and prioritizing local work force and suppliers.

Meetings

Aclara regularly engages with key government and industry representatives in Goiânia to strengthen partnerships and advance the Carina Project. In January 2025, Vice President José Palma and Country Manager Murilo Nagato provided updates on project milestones. That same month, meetings with the Governor of Goiás and state officials focused on economic benefits, licensing, and infrastructure, while discussions with the Federation of Industries of Goiás (FIEG) underscored the project's role in driving sustainable development.

Permitting

Aclara submitted an application for the Environmental Impact Assessment (the “EIA”) for its Carina Project with the Secretariat of the Environment and Sustainable Development (“SEMAD”) in the State of Goiás, Brazil in May 2025. The submission, consistent with the Carina Project’s schedule and prior announcements, marks a key step towards the Company achieving commercial production of rare earths in 2028, expecting to receive approval by December 2025.