Aclara to persist with permitting for Chile rare earths project

Canada’s Aclara Resources said it is disappointed with the decision of Chilean authorities to terminate the environmental impact study review for its US$130mn Penco Module rare earth element project.

The initiative aims at production of 1,700t/y of heavy rare earth concentrate from a superficial clay deposit located in the southern region of Biobío.

However, the environmental evaluation service (SEA) considered that the lack of information regarding the possible effects on vegetation, native forests, flora and fauna species, "cannot be remedied through clarifications, rectifications or extensions."

For its part, forestry agency Conaf warned of the seriousness of the lack of data on the state of vulnerability of trees, known as naranjillos, in areas near the project where natural preservation zones prevail.

“We are surprised and disappointed by the decision of SEA to terminate the review process at this early stage. Our project proposes an innovative way for extracting minerals, assuming a high level of responsibility with the environment and has been developing a very active engagement with the local community,” said Aclara’s CEO Ramón Barúa in a statement on Tuesday.

“We believe that the initial observations raised by Conaf can be addressed by our team, who are already working to make the adequate modifications and to refile a revised application for an environment impact assessment as soon as possible.” 

The Toronto-based company has been operating its pilot plant since last month to validate rare earth samples and gather the necessary information for a feasibility study that it expects to present this quarter.

The focus of the project is to collaborate with the development of clean energy to fight against climate change.

Start-up pilot plant (Credit: Aclara)