Aclara and Argonne complete rare earth separation model

Nov 2, 2026
Aclara Resources and Argonne National Laboratory completed a steady state model for the rare earth separation process planned for Project Dynamo in Louisiana. The next phase would add dynamic simulation and an AI agent for plant operators.

Aclara Resources and Argonne National Laboratory completed and validated a steady state model for the rare earth separation process planned for Project Dynamo in Vinton, Louisiana, Aclara announced in a press release. The model was calibrated with operating data and chemical assays from Aclara's demonstration plant in Blacksburg, Virginia.

The model predicts the concentration of each rare earth element across a network of 478 mixer settler stages. It allows Aclara to simulate changes in operating conditions and assess their effects on recovery, purity and feed variability before applying them at the plant.

Under Phase I of the U.S. Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, Aclara Technologies, Argonne and Virginia Tech plan to extend the model to simulate changes over time. They also plan to build an AI agent that uses the dynamic model to recommend operating adjustments. The work remains subject to completion of an award agreement with the department.

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