Aclara Secures Funding from Corfo'S Innovation High-Tech Program FOR Artificial Intelligence Project
ACLARA SECURES FUNDING FROM CORFO'S INNOVATION HIGH-TECH PROGRAM FOR
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROJECT
TORONTO, ON, November 21, 2024 – Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX: ARA) is
pleased to announce that its Chilean subsidiary, REE Uno, has been awarded a research, development and
innovation grant of US$ 730,000 from the Innovation Management Division of the Chilean Economic
Development Agency ("CORFO") to implement and further develop a new exploration technology using
artificial intelligence (“AI”) models. Combined with Aclara's own investment, the initiative will have total
funding of approximately US$ 1.0 million.
This initiative harnesses advanced multi-variable machine learning models to analyze and interpret complex
data, revolutionizing rare earth element (“REE”) exploration, particularly associated with ionic clay deposits.
The algorithms are designed to process large volumes of geological and geospatial data generated both
internally as well as acquired from third parties, all of which is stored and organized within a centralized
database developed by Aclara.
This AI system enables real-time analysis of the databases, while simultaneously integrating field data
developed by Aclara’s Exploration Team. The combination of powerful data processing, adjusted by
geological interpretation capabilities, allows the Company to thoroughly evaluate large areas of land for
potential REE mineralization hosted in ionic clays. By rapidly processing very large datasets, this technology
aims to identify high potential exploration targets while optimizing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and
minimizing environmental impact.
Ramón Barúa, Aclara’s CEO, stated:
“Aclara has long championed innovation and has been using AI tools for some time. We are convinced that the
early adoption of AI is critical to developing a sustainable competitive advantage. The CORFO funding will allow
us to increase the speed of development of a specific AI model to gene rate high potential exploration targets.
Although Aclara already owns and is currently developing two world-class ionic clay deposits, the Company
remains committed to greenfield exploration to add new assets to its portfolio. Currently, our Data Science Team
collaborates closely with our Exploration Team, to advance the in -house developed AI models. These models
have already successfully identified and defined exploration targets within timeframes and costs that were
unthinkable without these high -tech tools. We are very excited about the possibilities that open -up to Aclara
through the use of AI technologies”
About Aclara
Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral
resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company’s rare earth mineral resource development
projects include the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile and the Carina Module in the State of Goiás,
Brazil.
Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. Circular mineral
harvesting does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings and
eliminates the need for a tailings storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes
water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water
treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenabl e to leaching with
a common fertilizer main reagent, ammonium sulfate. In addition to the development of the Penco Module
and the Carina Module, the Company will continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to increase future
production of heavy rare earths through greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional
projects within the Company's current concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
Aclara has decided to vertically integrate its rare earths concentrate production towards the manufacturing
of rare earths alloys. The Company has established a U.S.-based subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc., which
will focus on developing technologies for rare earth separation, metals, and alloys. Additionally, the Company
is advancing its metals and alloys business through a joint venture with CAP S.A., leveraging CAP’s extensive
expertise in metal refining and special ferro-alloyed steels.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward -looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities
legislation, which reflects the Company’s current expectations regarding future events, including statements
with regard to the Company’s corporate strategy; expectations as to activities conducted in connection with its
exploration activities and the success, effect or outcomes resulting therefrom; the development of new artificial
intelligence tools and models and the related studies in relation thereto; and plans as to expenditures,
investments, and use of capital and financial resources in the near and long term. Forward-looking information
is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are
beyond the Company’s control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed
under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024 filed on the
Company’s SEDAR profile. Actual results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless
otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward -looking information contained in this news
release is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not und ertake any obligation to
update such forward -looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as expressly required under applicable securities laws.
For further information, please contact:
Ramón Barúa Costa
Chief Executive Officer