Ucore and Vulcan Partner to Boost North America's Rare Earth Magnet Production

Ucore Rare Metals has signed a supply deal with Vulcan Elements to strengthen North America's rare earth magnet production. The agreement will see Ucore provide key oxides for Vulcan's new facility in North Carolina. Both companies describe the partnership as a major step in rebuilding a domestic supply chain for critical materials. The memorandum of understanding covers the supply of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) and dysprosium (Dy) oxides. Ucore will begin delivering samples in 2026, with full commercial production expected by 2027. Over the next year, the two firms will finalise technical details, including purity standards and production methods.

Vulcan's North Carolina plant, supported by a US$1.4 billion government partnership, aims to produce up to 10,000 metric tonnes of magnets annually. The site will rely on Ucore's Louisiana facility, which received an US$18.4 million defence grant in 2025 to improve processing technology. This connection forms a fully domestic supply route, from mining to magnet manufacturing.

Ucore CEO Pat Ryan called the deal a foundation for a secure allied supply chain. Vulcan CEO John Maslin echoed this, describing it as a milestone in reviving a critical US industry. The collaboration reflects a growing push across North America to reduce reliance on foreign sources for rare earth materials. The partnership will see Ucore's oxides processed in Louisiana before shipment to Vulcan's North Carolina factory. Once operational, the supply chain will support high-volume magnet production for industries like defence and clean energy. The project aligns with broader efforts to bring essential material production back to North America.