ReElement Technologies Further Expands IP Portfolio Complementing Direct Lithium Extraction with Patent for High-Purity Lithium Production from Brines
Rhea-AI Summary
ReElement Technologies (portfolio company of American Resources, NASDAQ:AREC) filed a new patent application on March 3, 2026 to complement Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) flows by enabling chromatography-based separation and purification of lithium from brines.
This is ReElement's eighth next-generation patent application, field-tested with membrane concentration systems and aimed at producing ultra-high-purity, battery-grade lithium with lower environmental footprint.
Positive
- Filed eighth next-generation patent application
- Field-tested with membrane-based concentration systems
- Targets ultra-high-purity battery-grade lithium
- Chromatography-based platform designed for lower chemical footprint
Negative
- Application stage; patent not yet granted
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
AREC gained 6.67% while key peers like SXC (+8.54%), METC (+4.93%), METCB (+3.28%) and AMR (+1.2%) also traded higher, indicating a broader positive move in related coal and materials names, with only HCC (-1.9%) diverging.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 02 | Conference attendance | Positive | +6.7% | Announcement of PDAC 2026 attendance and outreach on refining solutions. |
| Feb 27 | Lab expansion | Positive | -2.6% | ReElement expanded advanced lab capacity and instrumentation for ultra-high-purity work. |
| Feb 09 | Conference attendance | Positive | -4.7% | Planned participation at African Mining INDABA to pursue critical mineral partnerships. |
| Jan 23 | Battery shipments | Positive | +4.3% | Electrified Materials commenced 2026 shipments of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. |
| Jan 21 | Tokenization launch | Positive | +24.3% | Launch of a utility token for critical minerals traceability tied to neodymium oxide. |
Recent ReElement- and critical-minerals-related news has produced mixed but often positive reactions, with 3 aligned and 2 divergent price moves over the last five events.
Over the past several months, AREC’s news flow has centered on ReElement’s critical minerals platform and related strategic initiatives. Events included tokenized traceability for neodymium oxide on Jan 21, 2026, initial 2026 shipments of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries on Jan 23, 2026, and attendances at major conferences like Mining INDABA and PDAC. Lab expansion and multiple patent filings underscored a push into high-purity rare earth and critical mineral refining, providing context for today’s lithium-focused IP expansion.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights a new patent filing supporting high-purity lithium production from brines, complementing Direct Lithium Extraction and expanding ReElement’s portfolio to 8 next‑generation applications. Recent news flow has emphasized conferences, lab expansion, and circular battery materials, reinforcing a critical-minerals strategy. At the same time, SEC filings report minimal revenue, ongoing net losses, and a stockholders’ deficit of $93,434,303, making balance sheet strength and commercialization progress key metrics to watch.
Key Terms
direct lithium extraction technical
rare earth element technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
New patent filing advances intellectual property for separation and purification of lithium from lithium-bearing brines
Technology has been field-tested alongside membrane-based concentration systems, feeding into ReElement's proprietary final stage purification and high-purity output
FISHERS, IN / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2026 / American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:AREC) ("American Resources" or the "Company") through its minority holding in ReElement Technologies Corporation ("ReElement"), a leading U.S. innovator in rare earth element (REE) and critical mineral refining, today announced the filing of a new patent application designed to complement Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processes for the production of ultra-high-purity lithium products from lithium-bearing brines.
This newly filed patent expands ReElement's intellectual property portfolio and reflects its continued leadership in advancing innovative, modular, and environmentally responsible refining technologies. The filing represents ReElement's eighth next-generation patent application, with additional filings currently in development.
Integrating Innovation with Direct Lithium Extraction
ReElement has been actively collaborating with DLE operators focused on extracting and concentrating lithium from low-concentration aqueous brines. Through these collaborations, it became evident that ReElement's advanced proprietary chromatography-based separation and purification platform integrates seamlessly within DLE process flows.
While DLE technologies efficiently extract and concentrate lithium from brines, ReElement's refining platform is uniquely positioned to convert those concentrated streams into high-purity, battery-grade lithium products. The combination enhances overall process efficiency, reduces cost, optimizes recovery, and improves final product purity.
"Many in the market view emerging refining technologies as competitive alternatives," said Mark Jensen, CEO of ReElement Technologies. "Our approach has always been complementary. DLE works exceptionally well at extraction and concentration from brines, and our chromatography platform works exceptionally well at separation and purification. When integrated, the result is a more efficient, scalable, and economically competitive pathway to battery-grade lithium."
A Complementary Model for a More Competitive Supply Chain
ReElement's multi-mineral, multi-feedstock refining platform was designed to be adaptable across diverse upstream inputs. For lithium, these including brine, hard rock, recycled black mass, and other lithium-bearing feedstocks. This flexibility allows the Company to support innovation across the full value chain rather than compete against it.
Continued Commitment to R&D and Mineral Independence
The filing of this patent underscores ReElement's commitment to reinvesting in research and development to address one of the most critical chokepoints in the global supply chain: separation, purification, and refining.
Global refining capacity remains highly concentrated, with legacy solvent-based systems dominating in regions outside the United States. ReElement's chromatography-based refining model provides a cleaner, lower-chemical, lower-footprint alternative capable of being deployed domestically and across allied nations.
"We believe supply chain challenges must be solved through innovation - not imitation," Jensen added. "Our platform brings meaningful advancement to the separation and purification segment of the supply chain, where geopolitical concentration has historically created vulnerability. By complementing upstream technologies like DLE, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and economically competitive domestic rare earth and critical mineral ecosystem."
Expanding a Strategic Intellectual Property Portfolio
This filing marks ReElement's eighth next-generation patent application and continues the Company's systematic expansion of proprietary technologies across rare earth and critical mineral refining. Additional patent applications are currently in development as part of a broader strategy to secure U.S. and allied-nation mineral independence and long-term sustainability.
A New Model for Domestic and Allied-Nation Refining Capacity
ReElement's refining platform can be sited quickly, occupies a fraction of the footprint of traditional refineries, and achieves ultra-high-purity outputs with dramatically reduced environmental impact. This enables:
rapid deployment for domestic or allied-nation supply chains
co-location with mining or concentration assets
reduced capital and operating costs
cleaner, solvent-free processing compatible with U.S. environmental standards
scalable production of battery-grade lithium and other high-purity rare earth and critical materials
About ReElement Technologies Corporation
ReElement Technologies Corporation, a portfolio company of American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:AREC), is a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements. Its multi-mineral, multi-feedstock platform technology focuses on the refining of recycled material from rare earth permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries, concentrated ores and brines, as well as coal-based waste streams and byproducts to create a cost effective and environmentally-safe, circular supply chain. ReElement has developed its innovative and scalable "Powered by ReElement" process which collaboratively utilizes its exclusively licensed intellectual property within its partners' material processing flow sheets to more efficiently support the global supply chain's growing demand for magnet and battery-grade products. For more information visit reelementtech.com or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:AREC)
American Resources Corporation is a leader in the critical mineral supply chain, developing innovative solutions both upstream and downstream of the refining process. The company and its affiliates focus on the extraction and processing of metallurgical carbon and iron ore, essential ingredients in steelmaking, as well as critical and rare earth minerals for the electrification market and recycled metals.
Leveraging its affiliation and former parent status of ReElement Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements, American Resources is investing in and developing efficient upstream and downstream critical mineral operations. These operations include mining interests in conventional and unconventional sources, recycling, and manufacturing.
American Resources has established a nimble, low-cost business model centered on growth, which provides a significant opportunity to scale its portfolio of assets to meet the growing global infrastructure and electrification markets while also continuing to acquire operations and significantly reduce their legacy industry risks. Its streamlined and efficient operations are able to maximize margins while reducing costs. For more information visit americanresourcescorp.com or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond American Resources Corporation's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.
Investor Contact:
JTC Team, LLC
Jenene Thomas
(908) 824 - 0775
arec@jtcir.com
Media Inquiries:
Marjorie Weisskohl
703-587-1532
mweisskohl@allseasonspr.com
Company Contact:
Mark LaVerghetta
317-855-9926 ext. 0
investor@americanresourcescorp.com
SOURCE: American Resources Corporation
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
What did ReElement Technologies announce on March 3, 2026 (AREC)?
How does ReElement's new patent filing relate to Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)?
What feedstocks can ReElement's chromatography platform process (AREC)?
What are the environmental or operational benefits claimed for the new ReElement technology?
Does the March 3, 2026 patent filing mean immediate commercial production of lithium by ReElement (AREC)?
