Canadian minerals company Ucore Rare Metals is gaining momentum toward establishing rare earth processing capacity in the United States, a development that could have long-term implications for manufacturers that rely on rare earth magnets. Ucore has selected an 80,800-square-foot site at England Airpark in Alexandria, Louisiana, for its planned Strategic Metals Complex (SMC). The facility is expected to begin commercial production of heavy and mid-rare earth oxides in 2026, with capacity starting around 2,000 metric tons per year and expanding to as much as 7,500 metric tons annually by 2028.

What makes this project especially relevant to magnet buyers is its focus on domestic processing, not mining alone. While rare earth elements are mined globally, the majority of refining and separation still occurs overseas. Ucore’s use of its proprietary RapidSX™ separation technology aims to shorten processing timelines, improve efficiency, and help reduce dependence on foreign refining infrastructure. For businesses that use neodymium or samarium cobalt magnets, developments like this could eventually lead to greater supply chain stability, improved pricing visibility, and reduced exposure to geopolitical or tariff-related disruptions.

Although production is still a few years away, projects like Ucore’s signal growing investment in North American rare earth processing. For engineers, sourcing teams, and manufacturers planning multi-year product lifecycles, this is a trend worth watching closely as the magnet supply landscape continues to evolve.

Read the full article here:
 https://magneticsmag.com/ucore-builds-momentum-toward-rare-earths-processing-in-2026-in-louisiana/

 

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