Aclara Resources secures environmental approval for Chile rare earths project
2026-06-24 11:44:40 [Print]
Aclara Resources says the final environmental clearance for its Penco Module rare earths project in Chile underscores the need for governments to fully capitalize on opportunities presented by critical minerals.
In a release on Tuesday, Aclara announced that its Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) formalizes the environmental approval granted earlier this month by the Environmental Assessment Commission of the Biobío region in south-central Chile. The resolution concludes an environmental review process that has stretched more than four years for the project, located approximately 430 kilometers south of Santiago.
The environmental approval represents another milestone for Aclara as it advances toward becoming one of the few Western companies building a vertically integrated rare earth supply chain.
According to a 2021 preliminary economic assessment, Penco is estimated to produce approximately 774 tonnes of rare earth oxides (REO) annually over a 14-year mine life.
Aclara aims to publish a feasibility study for Penco by year-end, with production potentially commencing in 2027. The company's processing plant in Louisiana is also expected to be completed next year.
In a release on Tuesday, Aclara announced that its Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) formalizes the environmental approval granted earlier this month by the Environmental Assessment Commission of the Biobío region in south-central Chile. The resolution concludes an environmental review process that has stretched more than four years for the project, located approximately 430 kilometers south of Santiago.
The environmental approval represents another milestone for Aclara as it advances toward becoming one of the few Western companies building a vertically integrated rare earth supply chain.
According to a 2021 preliminary economic assessment, Penco is estimated to produce approximately 774 tonnes of rare earth oxides (REO) annually over a 14-year mine life.
Aclara aims to publish a feasibility study for Penco by year-end, with production potentially commencing in 2027. The company's processing plant in Louisiana is also expected to be completed next year.
