Ucore Joins National Mining Association

Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association stated: “For far too long the US sat on the sidelines while China strategically built out production and processing capabilities that have resulted in almost total dominance of the rare earth supply chain. Ucore’s vision and plan show that need not be the case. With near-term plans for processing and production in Alaska in parallel to the long-term development of the Bokan Project, Ucore is a prime example of a company that can help ensure that ‘made in America’ also includes ‘processed in America,’ where we know projects will utilize our vast resources under world-leading environmental and labor standards. We are proud to have such an innovative and visionary company join our membership.”

On August 5, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks. This executive order sets a goal that 50 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. It also directs federal agencies to find ways to accelerate innovation and manufacturing in the automotive sector, to strengthen the domestic supply chain and kicks off the long-term fuel efficiency and emissions standards to save consumers money, cut pollution and grow North American jobs, pay, and benefits.

“Ucore’s membership in the National Mining Association, its growing relationships with North American original equipment manufacturers and US-allied resource suppliers affords us a unique opportunity to solidify our efforts to strengthen the REE supply chain in the United States,” stated Ucore Vice-President & COO, Mike Schrider, PE “Critical mineral processing is the first step to establishing an independent rare earth supply chain in North America, and the Alaska SMC rare earth oxide production facility will be an integral component of the United States’ domestic vehicle supply chain for the critical metals required to shift the landscape with electrical vehicles.”