Ucore and Vulcan Elements sign MoU for Louisiana rare-earth oxides to feed US magnet plants

Ucore Rare Metals/Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex

Ucore and magnet maker Vulcan Elements signed a memorandum of understanding under which Ucore intends to make part of its Louisiana output of NdPr and dysprosium oxides available to Vulcan from 2027. Ucore will send samples in 2026 while the two agree purity targets and acceptance tests. The deal is not yet binding.

• MoU executed 16 March 2026; a full supply agreement is still to be finalised.
• 2026: samples and qualification; 2027: planned commercial-scale supply.
• Vulcan is building a 10,000 t/yr magnet plant in Benson, North Carolina.