Ucore Demonstrates the Flexibility of RapidSX(TM) by Producing 99.5% NdPr from Multiple Sources
Rhea-AI Summary
Ucore Rare Metals (OTCQX: UURAF) reported producing 99.5% neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) from two different feedstock sources at its Commercialization and Demonstration Facility in Kingston, Ontario, for ongoing and planned customer qualifications. The first batch used about two tonnes of Vietnamese mixed rare earth oxide from ionic clay.
The second 99.5% NdPr batch, produced in early August 2026, used about five tonnes of mixed rare earth carbonate from North American bastnaesite. Ucore highlighted over 7,400 hours of simulated commercial runtime and 16,000 comparative test results showing RapidSX typically matches or exceeds conventional solvent extraction recovery and purity, with faster throughput and smaller footprint, supporting its planned Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex.
Positive
- Two 99.5% NdPr batches produced from distinct ionic clay and bastnaesite feedstocks at tonne scale
- ~2 tonnes Vietnamese MREO processed into 99.5% NdPr and sent to Western NdFeB magnet makers in Q2 2026
- ~5 tonnes North American MREC from bastnaesite processed into 99.5% NdPr in early August 2026
- 7,400+ hours simulated commercial runtime at Kingston CDF for RapidSX scale-up
- 16,000+ comparative tests show RapidSX recovery and purity equal to or better than conventional solvent extraction, with faster throughput and smaller footprint
- CDF work directly supports engineering and development of first RapidSX production “Machine A” at the Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex
Negative
- None.
News Explained
The release specifies that the first batch was sent to Western NdFeB magnet makers for product testing in
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Ucore announces:
It has produced
99.5% NdPr sample material from two different feedstock sources (ionic clay and bastnaesite) at its Commercialization and Demonstration Facility ("CDF") in Kingston, Ontario, for ongoing and planned customer qualificationsNdPr is a fundamental product of most rare earth processing facilities, and on a scale of tonnes, Ucore has now demonstrated the ability to create
99.5% material from multiple sources with widely varying rare earth element compositions
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 20, 2026) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has produced
The first batch of
99.5% NdPr material was processed from approximately two tonnes of Vietnamese mixed rare earth oxide ("MREO") derived from ionic clay source material and sent to Western NdFeB magnet makers for product testing in Q2-2026;The second batch of
99.5% NdPr material was produced in early August 2026 and was processed from approximately five tonnes of mixed rare earth carbonate ("MREC") derived from North American bastnaesite source material.
Ucore continues to demonstrate the versatility and adaptiveness of its RapidSX™ technology platform in the simulated commercial environment of its Kingston CDF. NdPr is a fundamental product of most rare earth processing facilities. It will be a featured product along with samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), and eventually yttrium (Y) within the developing Louisiana Strategic Metals complex ("SMC"). On a tonnes-of-processing scale, the Company has now demonstrated the production of
The 7,400+ hours of simulated commercial runtime and corresponding commercial scale-up work at the CDF have demonstrated the potential of the computerized and patent-pending RapidSX™ technology platform for full-scale REE processing. The chemistry of RapidSXTM is the same as that of conventional solvent extraction. As a result, as demonstrated in over 16,000 comparative test results, RapidSXTM typically yields recovery rates and target product purities equal to, or better than conventional solvent extraction; the only difference being faster processing throughput and a smaller equipment footprint for the same processing capacity. Together, these attributes have the potential to create multiple opportunities for commercial savings and efficiencies, which Ucore is incorporating into its developing Louisiana SMC.
Figure 1 - The RapidSX™ Demo Plant Machine at the Kingston CDF
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1119/310605_b375ac6964164b8e_002full.jpg
"Ucore is executing a very deliberate plan for the development of its first RapidSX™ production 'Machine A' at the Louisiana SMC," stated Mike Schrider, P.E., Ucore's Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The work done at the CDF directly supports and validates the SMC engineering program while simultaneously demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology platform. Our work in Kingston will continue to serve as a co-commissioning, technology development and training center to support and de-risk our commercial endeavors."
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About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.
Through strategic partnerships, Ucore aims to support the development of a more diversified and resilient North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's
Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX® Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF."
For further information, please visit www.ucore.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, products to be produced at the Louisiana SMC, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding the development or execution of definitive supply, offtake agreements or other commercial agreements; the acceptability of rare earth oxide samples to magnet makers and other end users of product; the ability to provide high-purity materials or on-spec product to customers on an on-going basis; and the acceptability of the referenced samples to potential customers.
For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business activities, its ability to qualify for and receive any additional funding from any U.S. or Canadian government, the CDF and the aforementioned projects (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q1-2026 (filed on SEDAR+ on May 29, 2026) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below.
Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers as suppliers for Ucore's expected future SMCs. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to continue and complete the ongoing research and development work required at the CDF and also later prepare a National Instrument 43-101 technical report that demonstrates that Bokan is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction and eventual commissioning and operations.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including, without limitation: the successful completion and accuracy of baseline, front-end-engineering design and detailed engineering studies; the ability to complete further engineering, procurement, and construction activities as currently contemplated; the availability, cost, and timely delivery of equipment, materials, utilities, labour and construction services; the Company's ability to secure sufficient financing on acceptable terms; the receipt and timing of all required permits and approvals; the successful scale-up and commercial deployment of RapidSX™ technology from demonstration to commercial operation; the availability of qualified feedstock from third-party suppliers; successful customer qualification and offtake discussions; continued support from governmental partners; and general economic, market, and industry conditions, including assumptions regarding rare earth oxide prices, which are subject to significant volatility..
Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate or that the anticipated results, performance, or achievements will be realized. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation: risks associated with the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new or unproven technologies; the risk that RapidSX™ may not perform at commercial scale as expected; engineering design changes; inaccuracies in capital or operating cost estimates; cost escalation due to inflation, supply chain disruption, or market conditions; delays or failures in procurement, construction, or commissioning; the inability to obtain or maintain required permits, approvals, or regulatory authorizations; challenges in securing adequate financing; adverse capital market conditions; variability in feedstock supply, quality, or pricing; failure to secure or maintain commercial relationships, customer qualification, or offtake arrangements; fluctuations and uncertainty in rare earth oxide prices and demand; the risk that indicative or quoted market prices, including for ex-China markets, may not be realized; operational risks once in production, including equipment failures or lower-than-expected recoveries; geopolitical risk; changes in applicable laws or regulations; environmental or permitting challenges; loss of key personnel; and general economic, business, or competitive conditions.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
CONTACTS
Michael Schrider, P.E., Ucore Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214.
For additional information, please contact:
Mark MacDonald
Vice President, Investor Relations
Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
1.902.482.5214
mark@ucore.com
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/310605