Aclara secures top awards for advancing eco-friendly mining

Aclara Resources Inc., a company specializing in environmentally responsible rare earth extraction, has been recognized in the Innovation and Environmental Sustainability categories at the 2024 Mining Technology Excellence Awards. These awards, powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, highlight notable achievements within the mining industry.

Aclara was acknowledged for its pioneering Circular Mineral Harvesting (CMH) technology, which earned the company the Innovation Award. This proprietary process allows for the extraction of high-purity heavy rare earth carbonates with reduced environmental impact. Notably, the CMH technology uses a common fertilizer component, ammonium sulfate, as the main reagent in its extraction process. This method enables the leaching of rare earth elements from ionic clay feedstock without the environmental drawbacks associated with traditional mining methods, such as blasting, crushing, or milling. The process also minimizes water consumption through high levels of recirculation, supported by an integrated water treatment facility. Successfully piloted at a semi-industrial scale, this technology positions Aclara as a leader in developing a responsible and sustainable supply chain for rare earth elements, which are essential for the clean technology sector.

The company’s CEO, Ramon Barua, remarked that these awards reflect Aclara’s ongoing efforts in sustainable innovation. He emphasized that the company’s CMH process exemplifies its dedication to creating positive impacts within the industry and globally. Barua highlighted that the Innovation Award recognizes Aclara’s approach to establishing a reliable and transparent source of rare earth elements, which is increasingly important for the clean technology sector.

Aclara’s environmental sustainability efforts were equally acknowledged with the Environmental Sustainability Award. The company’s CMH technology eliminates the need for traditional mining methods such as explosives, crushing, milling, and tailings dams, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of its operations. Aclara’s impressive 95% water and 99% reagent recycling rates further demonstrate its commitment to resource conservation. Beyond its operational practices, the company has also made substantial contributions to local reforestation efforts and adheres to the United Nations Global Compact, aligning its goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Aclara Resources, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ARA, is a development-stage company focused on heavy rare earth mineral resources found in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The company’s current projects include the Penco Module in Chile’s Bio-Bio Region and the Carina Module in the State of Goiás, Brazil. In addition to its current projects, Aclara is actively exploring greenfield opportunities and developing additional projects within its concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru, aiming to increase future production of heavy rare earths. Through its innovative technology and sustainable practices, Aclara Resources is setting a new standard for responsible mining and contributing to the global shift towards cleaner energy solutions.