Aclara Resources Inc., a Canadian mining company based in Vancouver, has announced a significant $277 million investment to establish the first heavy rare earth separation facility in the United States. Located at the Port of Vinton in Louisiana’s Calcasieu Parish, the facility aims to refine rare earth metals essential for various industries, including consumer electronics, technology, and defense. The company plans to mine rare earth deposits in South America and process them at the Louisiana site using hydrochloric acid to extract and separate the metals from clay mineral deposits. The facility is expected to create 140 direct jobs and will occupy an LED Certified Site, prequalified for industrial development through rigorous environmental and engineering reviews. Louisiana’s robust chemical industry, skilled workforce, and strategic access to key reagents were pivotal factors in Aclara’s decision. The state has also offered a $3 million infrastructure grant and a job-creation grant covering up to 22% of wages, along with eligibility for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which provides significant property tax relief. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2027. Aclara emphasizes its sustainable mining practices, which include recirculating 95% of water used and replanting trees post-mining. The company plans to commence mining operations in Chile in 2027 and Brazil in 2028.