Wedoany.com Report-Jun 15, ReElement Technologies, a subsidiary of American Resources, has begun producing ultra-high-purity gallium and terbium from defense-related feedstocks provided by major U.S. defense contractors. The production takes place at its Commercial Qualification Plant in Noblesville, Indiana, utilizing advanced technology to meet industry needs.

The refining platform, initially developed for pharmaceutical purification, has been adapted to separate rare earths and critical minerals effectively.

In April 2024, ReElement expanded its exclusive rights to use ligand-assisted displacement (LAD) chromatography, originally developed at Purdue University, to process various feedstocks, including rare earth ores. This technology enables the company to produce materials with high purity, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability, using an aqueous chemistry process that avoids toxic solvents.

The continuous chromatography method offers multiple benefits, including lower capital costs, high adaptability, and scalable capacity to match growing feedstock availability. Localized processing enhances supply chain efficiency by reducing the need for global ore transportation, supporting secure and sustainable operations.

ReElement Technologies CEO Mark Jensen stated: “Our platform continues to demonstrate unmatched versatility and performance in the global marketplace, enabling us to produce ultra-pure critical minerals required by the US defence sector and broader high-tech industries. We take a collaborative approach – inviting partners to send their materials to us for evaluation and refinement. Multiple defence clients have recently visited our facility, validated our process firsthand, and are now converting those evaluations into commercial opportunities.”

The company’s refining platform, initially designed for pharmaceutical purification, has been adapted to effectively separate rare earths and critical minerals. Its programmable system can process multiple feedstocks, allowing flexible deployment across various sites and resource types. Compared to traditional solvent extraction, this method uses fewer chemicals, requires less space, and produces minimal waste, simplifying permitting and enabling operations near feedstock sources or end users.

ReElement has also secured strategic funding from South African investment firm Novare Holdings to support the expansion of its rare earth element refining operations. The approximately $150 million in combined equity and debt financing will enhance capabilities at its 42-acre site in Marion, Indiana, strengthening its ability to meet growing demand for critical minerals.