Aclara Resources Inc. announced a $277 million investment to construct the first U.S. heavy rare earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish, establishing Louisiana as a leader in sustainable rare earth production and strengthening the nation’s advanced technology supply chain.
The company is expected to create 140 direct new jobs at its first U.S. location. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 456 indirect jobs, for a total of 596 potential new job opportunities in the Southwest Region. Read the full news release from Louisiana Economic Development here: https://tinyurl.com/kbs8z93z
“Aclara’s investment in Vinton marks a defining moment for Southwest Louisiana. This project not only brings hundreds of high-quality jobs and significant economic growth, but it also positions our region at the forefront of America’s sustainable rare earth production and advanced technology supply chain. The Police Jury invested in significant infrastructure improvements to make this area a prime location for this type of major project, so I am happy to see the Parish's proactive spirit meet industrial ingenuity to further diversify our region's economy.”
-Judd Bares, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President
“This project is a tremendous win for Southwest Louisiana and for America. Aclara’s investment marks a milestone that strengthens and diversifies our economy and reflects the forward-thinking spirit of our region. It’s exciting to know the work done here will be providing a component critical to America’s defense, national security and many technologies that drive modern life. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Port of Vinton did a tremendous job building out the infrastructure to make this project achievable. This represents the best of what’s possible when state, regional, and local partners work together.”
-Scott Walker, President and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
