Ucore and Vulcan Elements Join Forces to Build Domestic Rare Earth Magnet Supply Chain for Defense and Commercial Applications

Core Insights - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vulcan Elements Inc. to develop a domestic rare earth magnet supply chain for defense and commercial applications, with plans to start supplying NdPr oxide and Dy oxides at commercial scale in 2027 [1][6] Group 1: Collaboration Details - The partnership will leverage Ucore's separation technology at its Commercial Demonstration Facility in Kingston, Ontario, and its planned Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex, aligning with Vulcan's magnet manufacturing capabilities in North Carolina [2][3] - Vulcan is expanding its magnet manufacturing facility in Benson, North Carolina, to a capacity of 10,000 tonnes, supported by a $1.4 billion partnership with the U.S. Government [2][6] Group 2: Strategic Goals - Ucore aims to provide initial samples of NdPr and Dy oxides to Vulcan this year, leading to a long-term commercial supply agreement starting in 2027 [6] - The collaboration is intended to create a resilient rare earth magnet supply chain in the U.S., enhancing national security and economic growth [4][6] Group 3: Industry Context - The partnership is part of a broader strategy to disrupt China's dominance in the North American rare earth element supply chain, with plans for additional processing facilities in Canada and Alaska [7]