VINTON, La. (October 24, 2025) – Aclara Resources Inc. announced plans to invest $277 million to build the United States’ first heavy rare earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish, marking a major milestone for America’s clean energy and technology industries. The project will create 140 direct jobs and an estimated 456 indirect jobs, totaling nearly 600 new opportunities for the Southwest Louisiana region.
Aclara’s new facility will process material from the company’s ionic clay deposits in Brazil and Chile using its proprietary, sustainable extraction technology. The plant will produce heavy rare earth elements vital to manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, drones, robotics, and defense technologies, establishing a more secure and sustainable domestic supply chain.
“Louisiana has everything we were looking for — a skilled workforce, access to critical chemical suppliers, and a strong investment environment,” said Aclara CEO Ramón Barúa. “This facility will be the only fully integrated heavy rare earth separation operation in the Western Hemisphere, supporting U.S. innovation and energy independence.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027. The project will occupy an LED Certified Site at the Port of Vinton, selected for its infrastructure, logistics access, and development readiness.
“By choosing Louisiana for its first U.S. facility, Aclara is helping position our state as a leader in next-generation manufacturing and clean energy technology,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “This project will deliver hundreds of quality jobs and strengthen America’s energy and technology supply chains.”
To secure the investment, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) provided a competitive incentives package, including LED FastStart® workforce training, a $3 million performance-based grant for site improvements, and participation in the High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“This project is a cornerstone of critical minerals reindustrialization in the Western Hemisphere,” added Aclara COO Hugh Broadhurst. “Louisiana’s robust manufacturing base and pro-business environment made this the ideal home for our U.S. operations.”
The facility’s launch underscores Louisiana’s growing role in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and sustainable resource development.
Learn more about Aclara Resources at www.aclara-re.com.
Media Contacts:
Ramón Barúa Costa
Aclara Chief Executive Officer
investorrelations@aclara-re.com
Emma Wagner
LED Communications Director
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117
Jacey Wesley
LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225.342.5536
