Ucore and SCOA partner to develop diversified rare earth supply chains, combining processing technology, sourcing expertise, and global market access.
Ucore Rare Metals Inc. has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), marking a significant step toward building a more resilient, diversified, and secure rare earth supply chain across North America and allied international markets. The collaboration highlights the growing importance of establishing alternative sources and processing capabilities for critical minerals that are essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and high-performance industrial applications.
The agreement, officially signed on June 10, 2026, establishes a framework under which both companies will jointly explore opportunities across the rare earth value chain. A primary focus of the cooperation will be the sourcing of rare earth feedstock for Ucore’s planned Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex (SMC), a key facility designed to process and refine rare earth materials within North America. The partnership will also support the development of downstream markets and offtake opportunities for separated rare earth products generated from the facility.
The collaboration will particularly concentrate on selected middle and heavy rare earth elements, which are considered crucial components in the production of high-performance permanent magnets, advanced electronic systems, defense technologies, electric vehicles, and other sophisticated industrial applications. While a significant portion of these materials is expected to serve customers and manufacturers in Japan, the agreement also aims to ensure that sufficient rare earth feedstock remains available for further processing and utilization within North American and other allied markets.
A central element of this partnership is the combination of Ucore’s innovative RapidSX™ rare earth separation technology with SCOA’s extensive global expertise in material sourcing, logistics, international trade, and customer market development. Ucore’s RapidSX™ platform is being advanced as a next-generation rare earth separation solution that aims to improve efficiency and provide a reliable domestic processing capability outside traditional supply channels. By integrating this technological capability with SCOA’s established global commercial network, the companies seek to accelerate the development of alternative rare earth supply routes and enhance supply security for critical industries.
The cooperation also extends to broader strategic initiatives. SCOA intends to participate as a project partner in Ucore’s previously announced Global Partnership Initiative, which is supported by the Government of Canada. Through this initiative, both organizations aim to contribute to the advancement of rare earth processing infrastructure and the creation of a stable supply ecosystem that supports the economic and strategic interests of Canada, the United States, Japan, and other allied nations.
Ucore continues to expand its presence in the North American rare earth sector through the development of its Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex and ongoing commercial-scale demonstration programs conducted in partnership with the Canadian government. These efforts are intended to establish a commercially viable rare earth refining platform capable of reducing dependency on concentrated global supply sources.
Meanwhile, SCOA brings decades of experience in the global rare earth industry, including expertise in procurement, trading, supply chain management, and market access. Under the terms of the cooperation framework, SCOA will also act as Ucore’s distribution partner for selected separated rare earth products, facilitating their supply to designated customer segments in Japan as well as other mutually agreed industrial applications.
Going forward, Ucore and SCOA will continue to evaluate additional opportunities for collaboration throughout the rare earth supply chain, subject to mutually agreed commercial conditions and existing business commitments. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening critical mineral security, supporting advanced manufacturing industries, and creating more diversified and dependable global rare earth supply networks.
