Aclara Announces R&D Tax Rebate from the Government of Chile - Seite 2

The Circular Mineral Harvesting process was demonstrated through a pilot plant facility which (i) validated the closed-circuit flowsheet by producing a HREE concentrate at a semi-industrial scale, (ii) generated processed clays to confirm that they are chemically stable when returned to the field, (iii) confirmed the processing parameters and process flowsheet design, (iv) generated a high-purity HREE concentrate for separation trials in support of future off-take agreements, and (v) demonstrated to relevant stakeholders the environmental sustainability of the process design.

Tax Rebates

The tax rebate awarded by CORFO covers the construction and operation expenses of the pilot plant for a maximum amount of CLP$ 5,234 million (approximately US$ 6.0 million). The tax rebate includes the discounting of 35% (CLP$ 1,832 million or approximately US$ 2.1 million) of such approved expenses from Income Tax payments once the Project is in operation. This benefit comes in addition to the 27% tax shield generated over the remaining 65% of such expenses (CLP$ 919 million or approximately US$ 1.1 million).

During 2021, the Company received a similar tax rebate incentive related to R&D activities of CLP$ 4,393 million (approximately US$ 5.0 million), also awarded by CORFO. This tax rebate had the same structure as the one recently received.

About Aclara

Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources. Its primary project is located in the Biobío Region of southern Chile. The company is dedicated to developing its mineral resources through a project known as the Penco Module. This module encompasses an area of approximately 600 hectares and contains ionic clays that are rich in heavy rare earth elements.

Currently, Aclara Resources is primarily focused on the development, construction, and future operation of the Penco Module. The goal is to establish a processing plant that will produce a heavy rare earth concentrate. This concentrate will be generated by processing clays obtained from nearby deposits.

Aclara's extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling. Additionally, it does not generate tailings, eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The company utilizes 100% recycled water and minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a fertilizer, and harmful radionuclides are not produced.