Metallium Limited and Ucore Rare Metals have entered a binding 12-month collaboration to integrate their cutting-edge technologies, aiming to establish the first fully U.S.-based rare earth element refining pathway and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
- Binding 12-month technology collaboration between Metallium and Ucore
- Integration of Metallium’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) with Ucore’s RapidSX™ separation platform
- Focus on processing diverse REE feedstocks including mine concentrates, tailings, magnet scrap, and e-waste
- Strategic emphasis on heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium critical for EVs and defense
- Alignment with U.S. Department of War funding and national supply chain independence goals
A New Chapter in U.S. Rare Earth Independence
In a significant move toward reshaping the rare earth element (REE) supply chain, Metallium Limited (ASX, MTM) and Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV, UCU) have formalized a binding 12-month technology collaboration. This partnership aims to establish the first end-to-end U.S.-based refining pathway for rare earths, a sector historically dominated by Chinese refining capacity.
Rare earth elements, essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense technologies, have long been bottlenecked by complex refining processes largely controlled by China. Metallium’s innovative Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology upgrades complex and varied feedstocks into high-purity chloride intermediates, while Ucore’s RapidSX™ platform offers a next-generation, efficient separation process. Together, these technologies promise to streamline refining steps, reduce costs, and open access to a broader range of feedstocks.
Technological Synergy and Strategic Focus
The collaboration leverages Metallium’s ability to rapidly convert challenging materials; including mine concentrates, tailings, magnet scrap, and e-waste; into clean chloride intermediates. These intermediates are directly compatible with Ucore’s RapidSX™, which separates rare earth oxides faster and more efficiently than traditional solvent extraction methods. This integration could significantly reduce the environmental footprint and complexity of rare earth refining.
Importantly, the partnership targets heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium, which are critical for high-performance electric motors and defense systems but are among the most supply-constrained globally. By focusing on these strategic materials, the collaboration aligns closely with U.S. government priorities to secure domestic supply chains and reduce geopolitical risks.
Government Backing and Commercial Prospects
The timing of this agreement coincides with increased U.S. federal support for rare earth independence. Ucore’s RapidSX™ facility benefits from a US$18.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of War, while the department’s multibillion-dollar partnership with MP Materials underscores the strategic importance of reshoring rare earth magnet production.
Metallium’s Texas demonstration plant, designed to process e-waste at a commercial scale, remains on track for commissioning by December 2025, further strengthening the company’s operational footprint. The collaboration’s staged testwork and pilot operations will inform future commercial arrangements, including licensing, tolling, or joint ventures, with minimal incremental costs as both parties utilize existing facilities.
Broader Industry Implications
This partnership not only challenges China’s dominance; currently controlling approximately 85% of global rare earth refining and over 95% of heavy REE separation; but also opens new pathways for third-party REE developers to access U.S.-based refining capacity. The integration of Metallium’s chloride upgrading with Ucore’s RapidSX™ could become a blueprint for scalable, sovereign rare earth supply chains, encompassing both primary mineral sources and recycled materials.
Parallel collaborations with Meteoric Resources in Brazil and Rice University’s research on alternative separation routes indicate Metallium’s commitment to advancing multiple technological pathways, enhancing resilience and innovation in the critical metals sector.
Bottom Line?
As Metallium and Ucore advance their integrated refining pathway, the rare earth supply chain landscape in the U.S. stands on the cusp of transformative change.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the pilot test results validate the economic viability of the integrated FJH–RapidSX™ process?
- How quickly can commercial-scale production ramp up to meaningfully reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese refining?
- What role will government grants and strategic funding play in accelerating deployment and scaling?