The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other key federal agencies have identified rare earth elements as critical to national security, powering technologies from advanced fighter jets to renewable energy systems. DoD, in particular, is required to begin sourcing rare earths from non-Chinese sources. However, over 80% of REE processing currently takes place in China, leaving the U.S. vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Ucore, which has located its first SMC within the England Airpark FTZ in Alexandria, Louisiana, is well-positioned to assist customers in developing secure rare earth supply chains that comply with DoD acquisition regulations and have favorable import status. FTZs are designated geographic areas where commercial merchandise, both domestic and foreign, is treated as if it were outside the U.S. commerce for Customs purposes. This structure can potentially provide tariff and tax relief, helping American businesses stay competitive on the import of foreign inputs and on exporting finished products.
Ucore encourages manufacturers seeking rare earth solutions to connect with us to determine how this uniquely advantageous import and export zone can reduce tariff costs, encourage sustainable supply chains, and support the revitalization of the domestic REE supply chain. This includes new manufacturers and technology operations, longtime rare earth magnet users, and even the most established supply chain managers in Europe, Japan and South Korea, who may all see a reduction in the cost and risk of operations.
Developing Louisiana SMC in Alexandria, Louisiana
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“Being located in Louisiana, where there is a strong Republican delegation, further highlights the advantages and opportune location to launch Ucore’s REE refining and separation in the U.S.,” stated Pat Ryan, CEO of Ucore. “The foreign trade zone status provided by our partner, the England Airpark & Community, is unique as it allows a competitive structure by reducing tariff burdens on the necessary foreign inputs and allowing a seamless avenue to service downstream customers with exported finished product.”
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About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore’s vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.
Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People’s Republic of China’s control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term establishment of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the U.S. State of Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metal Complexes in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of…
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