Company poised to support Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic supply chain for 50 percent US vehicle electrification by 2030

Ucore Rare Metals recently joined the National Mining Association (NMA) as the company prepares to construct the Alaska Strategic Metals Complex (SMC) rare earth element (REE) processing facility by the end of 2023 and seeks to accelerate the long-term development of the Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Earth Element Project.

Since 1995, the NMA has been a voicec in Washington, DC, for US mining, representing its more than 250 corporate and organization members before Congress, the administration, federal agencies, the judiciary, and the media. The NMA works to engage in and influence the public process on the most significant and timely issues that impact mining’s ability to safely and sustainably locate, permit, mine, transport, and utilize the nation’s vast resources. Ucore’s membership in the NMA coincides with the Biden Administration’s continued efforts to strengthen the domestic supply chain by positioning America to drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China, and tackle the climate crisis.

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April 2024

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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.”