American Resources Corp (NASDAQ: AREC) subsidiary ReElement Technologies has formed a strategic agreement with Mitsubishi Materials Corp (OTCMKTS: MIMTF) (FRA: MUJ) to advance processing and recycling of rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
The United States-based refiner is receiving an equity investment from the Japanese firm as a result of their new agreement.
Together, they will support ReElement’s operations in Indiana through feedstock sourcing, tolling arrangements, and offtake deals. In Japan, the companies will evaluate ways to commercialize recycling using Mitsubishi’s existing infrastructure paired with ReElement’s separation platform.
Executives describe the move as a step toward more resilient supply chains for the United States and allied nations, though details on timelines and investment size remain undisclosed.
ReElement applies chromatography to multiple feedstocks
The processing specialist’s patented process uses a chromatography technique to separate and purify rare earth elements and battery minerals.
The method utilizes tall columns filled with special material. Inside these columns, different metal ions move at different speeds depending on how strongly they stick to the material. This allows the metals to separate from each other naturally, as specified by ReElement.
It handles recycled materials, mine waste and primary ores on the same platform and produces high-purity outputs.
Compared with traditional solvent extraction, the approach consumes fewer chemicals and less energy while occupying a smaller footprint that fits inside modular shipping containers. The efficiency of this tech has appealed to Mitsubishi.
ReElement operates a facility in Indiana where it expands rare earth oxide production and supports domestic magnet manufacturing. The technology allows on-site integration at partner sites, which cuts transportation needs and lowers overall refining costs.
Read more: NevGold reports over 93 per cent gold recovery after antimony processing at Limousine Butte
Partnership targets commercial recycling in Japan
Mitsubishi Materials brings its secondary smelting operations and recycling networks to the collaboration. The Japanese company views rare earths as a potential new business area alongside its copper and tungsten activities.
Together, the firms are assessing opportunities to recycle end-of-life magnets and batteries in Japan. ReElement supplies the purification step while Mitsubishi handles collection and initial processing.
This setup aims to create a closed-loop system that feeds refined materials back into manufacturing. The agreement fits within Mitsubishi’s broader push to expand resource circulation and reduce dependence on imported raw materials. Mitsubishi Materials already maintains recycling infrastructure and secondary smelting capacity for critical minerals, which it now extends to rare earth recovery.
This deal aligns with the recent build-up in U.S. and Japan’s cooperation on rare earth supply chains. In October, the two governments signed a framework agreement in Tokyo amid Chinese export controls. President Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to collaborate on identifying joint mining, smelting and processing projects.
On Mar. 20, they released an action plan that starts with price floors for select minerals, coordinates stockpiles and supports these projects.
Read more: NevGold reports high-grade antimony-gold hits as Limo Butte resource estimate nears
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