Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) announced on March 16, 2026, that it has executed a memorandum of understanding with Vulcan Elements Inc. to collaborate on developing a domestic rare earth magnet supply chain for defense and commercial applications. The partnership aims to link Ucore's separation platform in Ontario and its planned Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex with Vulcan's manufacturing operations in North Carolina, with plans for Ucore to supply neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide and dysprosium (Dy) oxides at commercial scale beginning in 2027.
The collaboration is a strategic move to reduce North America's dependence on China for rare earth elements, which are critical for technologies ranging from electric vehicles to defense systems. Under the MOU, both companies will work together on advancing production, defining technical specifications, and negotiating a longer-term commercial supply agreement. This agreement marks a significant step toward establishing a secure, domestic supply chain for rare earth magnets, which are essential components in many high-tech and defense applications.
Ucore's focus on rare and critical metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies positions it as a key player in the industry. The company's vision is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services. Through strategic partnerships like this one, Ucore aims to disrupt China's control of the North American rare earth element supply chain. The near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metals Complexes in Canada and Alaska, and the longer-term development of its 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project in Southeast Alaska underscore the company's commitment to this goal.
The partnership with Vulcan Elements is expected to create a seamless flow from raw material processing to magnet manufacturing, enhancing the resilience of the domestic supply chain. For investors, this news highlights the growing momentum behind efforts to onshore critical mineral production. More information can be found in the full press release at https://ibn.fm/a2C7a.
Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the symbol UCU and on the OTCQX Best Market under UURAF. For further details, visit www.ucore.com.
