09:53 AM EDT, 03/11/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Aclara Resources ( ARAAF ) through its 50/50 joint venture Aclara Metals SpA with CAP S.A. on Wednesday announced the completion of the technological development and metallurgical processes for its rare earth metals and alloys project, designed to supply high-purity rare earth metals and alloys to permanent magnet manufacturers.

In a statement, the company noted that, consistent with its vertical integration strategy, the project is expected to be supplied with oxides separated from Aclara's heavy rare earth separation facility in the State of Louisiana, in the United States.

"In alignment with environmental best practices and strict technical specifications provided by leading permanent magnet producers, the Company has finalized the design of the production processes intended to support the proposed industrial development," said the company.

The company further said that an internal prefeasibility study (PFS) is targeted for completion by the end of March 2026 and added that upon completion of this study, it expects to finalize an internal Feasibility Study (FS) by the end of 2026.

The company also said that, in parallel with the completion of the PFS, it expects to begin the implementation of a demonstration plant and added that the facility is intended to produce rare earth metals and alloys using molten salt electrolysis technology.

"This demonstration plant will be able to produce 175 kgs per day of an NdPr alloy with >99.5% purity, which constitutes a full industrial scale design - equivalent to the units planned for Aclara Metals' future commercial facility - thereby mitigating scale-up risk," said the company.

Aclara said that the demonstration plant is expected to operate in four campaigns, each lasting between 5 and 20 days, depending on technical variables and operational objectives, commencing during the second half of 2026 and for a total period of three months.

The company added that, once the NdPr production stage is controlled, it is also considering moving into a second demonstration stage that includes adding Dy oxide in order to produce a more sophisticated alloy.

"For Aclara, this is a highly relevant step to continue delivering on the permanent magnets value chain strategy," said Ramon Barua, Chief Executive Officer of Aclara. "The collaboration with CAP to advance the metals and alloys production segment is already showing strong signs of meaningful progress. Our goal is to have the mining, concentration, separation and alloying technologies under one roof, allowing us to be a cost efficient, reliable and sustainable solution for the supply of heavy and light rare earth products. We expect to have a project ready for construction at the end of this year, supported by proven technology, and with a secured feed from our Louisiana separation plant and our mines in Chile and Brazil."

The company's shares were last seen down $0.03 at $3.09 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Price: 3.09, Change: -0.03, Percent Change: -0.96