Aclara Resources Inc. has received approval for the State Air Permit for Project Dynamo, its planned rare earth separation facility in Vinton, Louisiana, clearing the primary regulatory hurdle required to advance the development toward construction.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality issued State Permit No. 0520-00550-00 to Aclara Technologies Inc., authorizing the construction and operation of the facility under established emission limits and controls. The approval shifts the project timeline from late-2026 construction readiness targets to a formal groundbreaking slated for the first quarter of 2027, subject to financing. Hatch is currently completing the final stages of basic engineering for the plant.

“This approval reflects the strong progress we are making in Louisiana and moves Project Dynamo another step closer to construction. We have built strong and constructive relationships with the State of Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish and Town of Vinton government officials, whose engagement has been important as we advance the project. Vinton offers the infrastructure, industrial capabilities and local support required for a project of this scale, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with our state and local partners as we move toward execution.”

— Hugh Broadhurst, Chief Operating Officer

Project Dynamo is designed to process rare earth feedstock sourced from Aclara mineral resources into separated rare earth oxides within the United States. The company previously secured a non-binding Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for up to US$750 million in financing to support the development. Additionally, the State of Louisiana previously granted final approval under the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, providing an 80% exemption from ad valorem property taxes for an initial five-year period estimated at approximately US$20.8 million in savings.

The facility is scheduled for completion in 2027, with the associated ionic clay deposits in Brazil and Chile expected to be in operation by mid-2028.

Read the full announcement: ACLARA SECURES KEY LOUISIANA AIR PERMIT, ADVANCING PROJECT DYNAMO TOWARD Q1 2027 CONSTRUCTION