Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex

by Ucore Rare MetalsCA

Create a US source of separated rare-earth oxides, especially the heavy ones China restricts, with a separation method that is smaller and quicker to build than conventional solvent-extraction plants.

PilotStage 3 of 5

First 600 t/yr machine in detailed design; commissioning now H1 2027, slipped from a late-2025 start.

Updated 5 Aug 2026Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · Machine A installed and commissioned (600 t/yr)
  1. RapidSX demonstration plant starts in Kingston, OntarioDec 2023Complete.
  2. Department of War adds US$18.4M for first commercial machineJul 2025Complete.
  3. MoU to supply NdPr and Dy oxide to Vulcan ElementsMar 2026Complete.
  4. Engineering report: Machine A plus three ~3,000 t/yr linesMay 2026Complete.
  5. Contactor scale-up up to 24-inch verifiedAug 2026Complete.
  6. Machine A installed and commissioned (600 t/yr)Target 2027+15 mooriginally Q4 2025Current milestone.
  7. Commercial supply to Vulcan ElementsTarget 2027Not yet reached.
  8. Production Line 1 (~3,000 t/yr)Not yet reached.

Most important updates

Upcoming

  1. 2027Machine A installed and commissioned (600 t/yr)+15 mooriginally Q4 2025 (next)
  2. 2027Commercial supply to Vulcan Elements
  3. 1 Jan 2027New US sourcing restrictions on rare-earth materials take effect
Primer