Aclara Resources Inc.: Aclara Announces Filing and Results of Feasibility Study for Its Flagship Carina Project

After-tax NPV8 of US$1.7 Billion based on Mineral Reserves

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 13, 2026 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce the filing and results of the feasibility study (the "FS") of the Company 's flagship asset, the Carina Project ("Carina" or the "Project") based on Mineral Reserves.

The FS, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report & Feasibility Study on the Carina Project, Goiás, Brazil" with an effective date of March 20, 2026, was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") by Hatch Consultoria em Projetos Ltda. ("Hatch") with contributions from L&M Geociencias SpA, Promet 101 Consulting Pty Ltd, Abelco Consulting SpA, LOM Consultoria em Mineração Ltda ("LOMC"), ERM Consultants Canada Ltd and Argus Media Ltd ("Argus Media").

The terms "Mineral Resource," "Inferred Mineral Resource," "Indicated Mineral Resource," "Measured Mineral Resource," "Mineral Reserve," "Probable Mineral Reserve," and "Proven Mineral Reserve" referenced in this news release, have the meanings given to them in NI 43-101 by reference to the "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" (2019) of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

The FS has been filed and can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on Aclara's website (www.aclara-re.com).

Aclara's COO, Hugh Broadhurst, commented:

"Completing a Feasibility Study only six months after our Pre-Feasibility Study is a significant achievement, and I want to recognize the dedicated effort of our team and technical partners who made it possible. The level of engineering detail we are presenting today is substantial - and it reflects the considerable work that has gone into the Carina Project from the very beginning. We remain the only company in the world to report heavy rare earth Mineral Reserves from ionic clays in accordance with NI 43-101. We have demonstrated our metallurgical process via a continuously operated pilot plant. This FS builds on such foundation with a level of rigor appropriate to the significance of the Project. Our path to market via our 100% owned separation facility that is planned to be built in Louisiana, USA, further derisks the Carina Project and supports our strategy to sell reliable and traceable rare earths to high-end customers. This firmly establishes our initial supply chain entirely in the American continent. Our high-purity product, sustainable process design, and integrated mine-to-magnet strategy are now underpinned by engineering from one of the world's leading firms. We will continue to work to improve our technology, which, in the medium term, we also plan to apply in Brazil and other countries where we operate. The world needs a concrete, independent, and resilient supply of heavy rare earths - and Aclara is built to deliver exactly that."

Highlights

Significant Production of Heavy Rare Earths (HREEs) and Light Rare Earths (LREEs) for an 18-year Life of Mine ("LOM")

• Average annual production [1] of 4,378 tonnes rare earth oxides (REO) contained in a mixed rare earth concentrate ("MREC") product with very high content of Dysprosium and Terbium (DyTb) and Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) of 4.2% and 27.2%, respectively.

• Average annual production ¹ of magnetic elements as well as other strategic HREEs contained in the MREC product:

  • 156 tonnes Dysprosium (Dy) and 27 tonnes of Terbium (Tb);

  • 1,191 tonnes NdPr; and

  • Other strategic HREE: 173 tonnes of Samarium (Sm), 176 tonnes of Gadolinium (Gd), 10 tonnes of Lutetium (Lu) and 1,160 tonnes of Yttrium (Y).

• Carina's future production of DyTb is equivalent to approximately 11.8% of China's 2024 estimated DyTb production [2] .

Strong Economics

• After-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of approximately US$1.7 billion, at an 8.0% discount rate, based on Argus Media price forecasts.

• After-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 26.9%, with a payback period of 2.9 years.

• Initial capital cost ("Construction Capex") of US$678.2 million, plus a US$102.7 million contingency, for an aggregate of US$780.9 million. This figure is US$100.4 million higher than the Company's previously reported Construction Capex in its Pre-Feasibility Study which is primarily due to foreign exchange ("FX"), inflation, and higher engineering accuracy.

• An average annual commercial ¹ discount of US$314.4 million - equivalent to 34% of the annual gross revenue - has been applied to account for the full separation of the Carina Project's MREC. Aclara's plans consist of paying this separation fee to its separation project in Louisiana. The NPV associated with Aclara's future separation facility in Louisiana is not included in the FS.

• Average annual net revenue ¹ of US$599 million and average annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") ¹ of approximately US$460 million.

• High average Net Smelter Return ("NSR") of US$61.8 per tonne processed, against a low average production cost of US$13.1 per tonne processed.

• The price forecast scenario developed by Argus Media is based on the European price index (excluding China) and has been calculated on real terms.

High Confidence in the Production Forecast, the Process Flowsheet and the Product Quality

• High geological confidence supported by 30,384 m of drilling across 1,990 drillholes, representing a 24.0% increase in drilling compared to the previously reported Mineral Resource Statement on October 1, 2025 and a 640.0% increase in drilling compared to the Inferred Mineral Resource Statement on August 6, 2024. Carina has become the first ionic clay project to declare Mineral Reserves in accordance with NI 43-101.

• Successful completion of the Project's representative pilot campaign at its semi-industrial scale facility in Goiânia, Brazil. This marks the third pilot campaign conducted by Aclara over the past three years, focused on optimizing OPEX and CAPEX, and validating the process parameters and robustness of its proprietary Circular Mineral Harvesting process.

• Increased quality of Carina's MREC from 91.9% to over 95.0% purity (97.7% according to the design mass balance) [3] supported by samples produced at semi-industrial scale plant.

• Circular Mineral Harvesting process designed to minimize environmental impact: it does not use explosives; there is no crushing nor milling; approximately 93.0% of the water used is recirculated; the main reagent is a common fertilizer and is recirculated with 99.0% efficiency; and no requirement for a tailings dam.

• Minimal carbon footprint supported by a combination of low energy consumption, elimination of explosives, crushing, grinding and milling and a high percentage of renewable energy within the Brazilian power grid.

Expedited Path to Early Production

• The Company plans to start early works on site by Q3 2026 as part of the Construction Capex. These include camp construction, road improvements and certain ancillary infrastructure to prepare the site for full fast-track construction in 2027.

• The FS incorporates a modularization strategy that enables parallel fabrication and site preparation, reducing dependence on local labor availability and weather, improving construction quality control, and compressing the overall Project schedule.

• Commissioning is estimated to commence in H1 2028, with initial production in H2 2028 and ramp-up through 2029.

Vertical Integration: Strong Bedrock for Integration with Aclara's Processing Hub in Louisiana ("Project Dynamo")

• The Project's high-purity MREC has been designed to facilitate further processing at Project Dynamo, where it will be separated into high-purity individual rare earth oxides and converted into metals and alloys under the specifications of magnet manufacturers.

• Project Dynamo's proprietary processing technologies are advancing through validation across two fronts:

  • The rare earth separation pilot plant at Virginia Tech is fully operational and on track to produce first separated NdPr, Dy and Tb using MREC from the Project.

  • Through Aclara Metals, a 50/50 joint venture with CAP S.A. ("CAP"), a demonstration plant is underway to produce rare earth metals and alloys using molten salt electrolysis technology.

• Downstream processing is complemented by a strategic alliance with permanent magnet manufacturer aimed at developing a complete mine to magnet solution.

Strong Financial Backing

• Two of Aclara's key shareholders Hochschild Mining PLC and CAP, provide significant operational experience and financial support to continue advancing the Project.

• The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has committed up to US$5 million in project development funding for the Project's feasibility study and has a preferential option to further invest in the Project when the Company seeks to raise additional financing of more than US$50 million in a single transaction, or US$75 million or more in multiple financing events within a period of twelve months.

Key Project Parameters

Table 1 and Table 2 summarize the relevant parameters associated with the FS operating and financial metrics :

• The FS is based on Mineral Reserves.

• The after-tax NPV is estimated at US$1.7 billion, using an 8.0% discount rate.

• The REE price forecast provided by Argus Media based on European prices (excluding China) aligns well with market environment of export restrictions from China on HREEs [4] and future supply/demand dynamics.

  • LOM average realized prices were assumed at US$3,609/kg for Tb, US$1,640/kg for Dy, US$251/kg for Y, US$338/kg for Gd, and US$157/kg for NdPr and an overall REO basket price of US$209/kg.

Table 1: Key Project Operating Parameters

		FS
	Unit	Total	Annual Average*
Mining and Processing
Life of Mine	Years	18	-
Total Process Plant Feed	million tonnes (dry)	170.8	9.7
Total Waste Mined	million tonnes (dry)	38.4	2.0
Strip Ratio	-	0.2	0.2
Production
Total Rare Earth Oxides	Tonnes	76,437	4,378
Neodymium & Praseodymium (NdPr)	Tonnes	20,736	1,191
Dysprosium (Dy)	Tonnes	2,726	156
Terbium (Tb)	Tonnes	468	27

*Note: Annual average does not include the first year of ramp-up and the last year of ramp-down

Table 2: Key Project Financial Parameters

		FS
	Unit	Total	Annual Average*
Financials
Net Revenue	US$ million	10,478	599
NSR	US$/t	61.8	-
Basket Price (2029-2033)	US$/kg	171.0	-
Basket Price (LOM)	US$/kg	209.0	-
Production Cost	US$ million	2,234	127
Unit Cost per tonne of clay processed	US$/t processed	13.1	-
Unit Cost per kg of REO produced	US$/kg REO	29.2	-
Unit Cost per kg of Dy_Eq produced	US$/kg Dy_Eq**	303.8	-
EBITDA	US$ million	8,027	461
EBITDA Margin	%	76.6%	-
Income Tax	US$ million	2,435	143
Effective Tax Rate	%	34%	-
Construction Capex	US$ million	678.2	-
Construction Capex Contingency	US$ million	102.7
Total Construction Capex	US$ million	780.9	-
Royalty Purchase Cost	US$ million	6.5	-
Sustaining Capex	US$ million	56.7	-
Financial Returns
Pre-Tax NPV (8.0%)	US$ million	2,663	-
Pre-Tax IRR	%	33.6%	-
Pre-Tax Payback	Years	2.7	-
Post-Tax NPV (8.0%)	US$ million	1,661	-
Post-Tax IRR	%	26.9%	-
Post- Tax Payback Period	years	2.9	-

Notes:

* Annual average does not include the first year of ramp-up and the last year of ramp-down

** DyEq US$/kg unit cost calculated only using credits of the net revenue of NdPr and Tb applied to the total costs

Post-Tax Free Cash Flow

Figure 1 demonstrates the yearly and cumulative post-tax free cash flow generated through the LOM.

Figure 1: Projected life of mine, post-tax, unleveraged free cash flow

Sensitivity Analysis

A sensitivity analysis was undertaken to evaluate the impact on post-tax NPV, considering a variation of ±30.0% for five key input variables: MREC sale price, Separation Cost, Desorption Efficiency, OPEX and CAPEX (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Sensitivity analysis testing the impact on NPV

The economic analysis of the estimated cashflows for the Project indicates the potential for an economic project across a broad range of input assumptions. The NPV calculated at an 8.0% discount rate is positive, and the IRR calculated for the project is within a favourable range.

The primary commercial risks include:

• The applied REE price forecast could be significantly different than modeled. The applied European price forecast developed by Argus Media assumes an independent supply chain outside of China. The supply chain outside of China is not yet fully developed and China could influence the market through government intervention which could significantly lower prices relative to those applied in the economic analysis.

• The applied separation cost is based on an incentive price estimate for Aclara's separation project in the United States, calculated based on FEL1-level engineering capital and operation costs. There is a risk that these capital and operating costs will increase as the separation project is completed, which will increase the separation cost charged to the Project.

Mineral Resource Statement

The Project 's Mineral Resources have been estimated using the results obtained from 30,384 m of drilling across 1,990 drillholes and 16,196 samples. The Mineral Resource Estimate is reported in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101.

Table 3. Carina Project Mineral Resource Estimate (Effective January 2026)

Mineral Resources Classification	Mass (Mt)	Total Oxide Grade (ppm)				Oxide Content (t)
		TREO	NdPr	Dy	Tb	TREO	NdPr	Dy	Tb
Measured	27.0	1,822	355	59	9.6	49,182	9,597	1,602	260.4
Indicated	233.8	1,585	295	43	6.9	370,649	69,067	10,089	1,622.5
Measured & Indicated	260.8	1,610	302	45	7.2	419,832	78,664	11,691	1,882.9
Inferred	41.3	1,318	244	42	6.7	54,433	10,068	1,754	276.9

1. Notes:

2. Mass is expressed in million tonnes (dry, metric).

3. TREO means total rare earth oxides (La2O3, CeO2, Pr6O11, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb4O7, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, and Y2O3).

4. NdPr means neodymium and praseodymium (Nd2O3 and Pr6O11).

5. Dy means dysprosium (Dy2O3) and Tb means terbium (Tb4O7).

6. Mineral Resources were reported at a NSR cut-off of US$10.42/t, constrained within a conceptual pit shell using average long term metal prices and metallurgical recoveries, both outlined in Chapter 14 of the FS.

7. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues.

8. The FS Mineral Resource estimate was prepared by Andres Beluzan, Member of Chilean Mining Commission, an independent Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101.

9. Totals may not be balanced due to rounding of figures.

Mineral Reserves Statement

Mineral Reserves, which include the identified economic portion of the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, were estimated by LOMC for the Project as part of the FS.

To convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves, consideration was given to forecasts and estimates of REE prices, metallurgical recovery, mining dilution and ore loss factors, royalties and costs associated with mining, processing, overheads, and logistics. These parameters were used to derive economic cut-offs and create a feasible pit design based on geotechnical assumptions, a production schedule and a financial model. It is LOMC's opinion that the Mineral Reserve estimation is compliant with NI 43-101.

Table 4: Carina Project Mineral Reserve Estimate (Effective March 20 ^th, 2026)

Mineral Reserves Classification	Mass (Mt)	Total Oxide Grade (ppm)				Desorbable Oxide Grade (ppm)
		TREO	NdPr	Dy	Tb	TREO	NdPr	Dy	Tb
Proven	22.2	1,856	375	60	9.9	514	137	20	3.6
Probable	148.6	1,728	337	47	7.6	458	125	16	2.8
Proven & Probable	170.8	1,745	342	49	7.9	465	127	17	2.9

1. Notes:

   1. The REE prices assumed are: US$93.88/kg Pr oxide, US$93.88/kg Nd oxide, US$3,568.94/kg Tb oxide, US$1,178.78/kg Dy oxide.

      1. An exchange rate of R$5.50 to US$1.00 is assumed.

      2. The economic cut-off was calculated cell-by-cell as ore/waste mining costs vary with haul distances. For equal haul distance, the economic NSR cut-off is US$9.89/t (diluted).

      3. 2.0% dilution and 98.0% mining recovery factors were applied to grades and tonnages, respectively.

      4. The Mineral Reserve is included in the Mineral Resource.

      5. Totals may not be balanced due to rounding of figures.

A separate economic model was run using more conservative metal price assumptions for pit optimization, assigning no value to rare earths other than NdPr, Dy, and Tb. Under these conditions, the Project generates a positive NPV, confirming the economic viability of the Mineral Reserves.

Project Description

The Project is based on standard open pit extraction techniques using 95-tonne hydraulic excavators and 75-tonne payload haulage trucks to extract and deliver the ore to the process plant. The processing plant has been located close to the centre of mass of the mining operation to minimise the total haulage distance over the LOM. Given the friable nature of the clays and the shallow depth of the extraction zones, no aggressive nor energy-intensive techniques such as drilling and blasting are required to extract the clays from the pits.

Once the clay is delivered to the process plant, it will be washed using an ammonium sulfate solution to extract the REEs from the clay surfaces. No crushing, grinding nor milling is needed to free the REEs from the clays as they are extracted through a non-invasive ion-exchange process whereby ammonium ions replace REE ions on the surface of the clay thereby liberating the REEs into solution. The REEs in solution are then isolated through a pH-adjusted precipitation process and then passed through a high-pressure filter to remove any remaining liquids. This results in the production of a high-purity REE carbonate ready for shipment to the Company ' s separation facility in Louisiana. The process plant will have an average MREC production rate [5] of 4,378 t/year of REO at 90.0% availability.

Any unwanted impurities such as aluminium and calcium extracted from the clays during the ion exchange process are removed through a selective precipitation process and subsequently recombined with the washed clays before transportation to the deposition zone which is a filter-stack storage facility.

An integrated water recovery system purifies and regenerates the remaining process liquors so they can be reintroduced into the feed. The treated water is recycled in a closed circuit to reduce water consumption. This allows the processing plant to operate with minimum make-up water and for the main reagents to be recycled and reused within the processing plant.

Prior to the clays exiting the processing plant, they are washed with clean water within standard plate-and-frame membrane filter presses. The wash removes any residual ammonium sulfate from the clays before they are returned to the deposition zone or potentially used to back-fill the extraction zones for revegetation. Table 5 lists the key process design criteria used in the mass balance calculations.

Table 5: Parameters used in mass balance calculations (Source: Aclara, 2025)

Description	Unit	Value
Feed
Processed wet mineral	t/h	1,400
Dry mineral	t/h	1,232
Dry Filtered Product
Wet MREC (t/year)	t/year	by element
MREC carbonate grade	%	>95 (98.2)*
Purity	(REO equivalent %)	>95 (97.7)*
Metallurgical performance
Desorption	%	26.5
Desorption (excluding Ce)	%	37.7
Plant recovery	%	96.1
Overall performance	%	25.4
Fresh water consumption	m3/h	214

* Mass Balance-Based Estimation

The Project includes the necessary infrastructure to provide make-up water for the process plant, supply power to the site, and provides a road network to service the operation, amongst others.

Electrical power for the processing plant, truck shop, administration offices, and other facilities will be supplied by a dedicated transmission line designed to ensure stable and efficient energy delivery. This line operates at a nominal voltage of 230 kV and is fed from a sub-station located approximately 100 km from the Project site.

Work on environmental and social studies will continue to assist in further defining mitigations which will be integrated into the Project engineering design and throughout life of mine. The studies underway are consistent with Brazilian regulations and International leading sustainability principles. Engagement with local communities and residents in the vicinity of the Project is underway to establish working relationships and to collaboratively understand local conditions which will inform the development and implementation of programs and mitigations.

REE Market Outlook and Pricing (Source: Argus Media)

Based on the work of Argus Media [6] , vehicle electrification and the transition to renewable energy will continue to drive the REE market in terms of volume and (especially) value. Demand will increase for the REEs used in permanent magnets (REE PMs): neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), Dy, and Tb oxides. When growth in the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries begins to plateau, the industrial and humanoid robotics sector and drone technology are likely to continue boosting REE PM demand in the long term.

The supply of the LREEs, Nd (primarily) and Pr (to a lesser extent), from existing producers and new projects appears to be sufficient to satisfy demand until at least the end of the decade. However, the supply of the HREEs Dy and Tb, as well as the HREEs samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd) and yttrium (Y), is more problematic as far fewer projects target HREE deposits. The market will likely have to rely on China and Myanmar/Laos in the short to medium term for supply of HREE feedstocks, although production of ion-adsorption REE ores in southern China is declining.

In early April, 2025, China extended its export control scheme to include Dy, Tb, Gd, Y, lutetium (Lu), Sm, and scandium (Sc), likely in retaliation against the reciprocal tariffs announced by the President of the United States on April 2, 2025. The effect on European REE prices was immediate: Argus Medias' European assessments for Dy, Tb, and Y prices rose to nearly 3, 2.5, and 7 times higher than Chinese prices, respectively. At the end of March 2026, Dy prices had reached US$1,000-1,200/kg (compared to US$200/kg in China), and Tb prices were US$3,800-4,200/kg (compared to US$1,145/kg in China). Y prices soared to US$800-975/kg, nearly 100 times higher than domestic Chinese prices.

Nd prices in Europe have continued to track the Chinese free on board ("FOB [7] ") prices as Nd was not a product subject to export controls. However, the 10-year Nd floor price of US$110/kg agreed between the United States Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) and the American REE producer MP Materials Corp. as well as Australian REE producer Lynas Rare Earth pushed European Nd prices to these levels as the European Union Critical Rare Materials Act begins to take effect towards the end of the decade. REE prices in Europe are likely to remain high, at least in the short term, given the uncertainty surrounding Chinese exports.

Argus Media has assessed European prices for Nd and Ce oxides and metals since 2012 and Dy, Tb, and Er oxides since 2015. In July 2025, it introduced prices for Pr and NdPr oxides to complete the suite of REE PM materials. Historically, European prices have tracked Chinese FOB prices (with the addition of shipping to reflect the CIF [8] Rotterdam assessment) because most of the material traded in Europe would be of Chinese origin. In the future, it is likely that European prices will decouple from Chinese prices as the supply chains not reliant on China are created and are based on the costs curve for non-Chinese production of REEs. Figure 3 demonstrates the comparison between Chinese FOB prices and European CIF prices for Dy and Tb.

Figure 3: Dy and Tb oxide prices in China (FOB) compared to Europe (CIF), spot and forecast (Source: Argus Media, 2026)

Targeted Development Timeline

Table 6 outlines the Carina Project timeline, with commencement of operations targeted for the second half of 2028.

Table 6: Project Development Timeline

Proposed Next Steps

• Approval of the Preliminary License in Q2 2026

• Detailed engineering design in Q3 2026

• Start-up of early works in Q3 2026

• Approval of the Installation License in Q1 2027

• Commencement of construction in Q1 2027

Data Verification

Data verification was conducted both internally by Aclara and externally by an independent QP, in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, as described in the FS.

Qualified Persons

All QPs are independent of Aclara. The scientific and technical information included in this news release and pertaining to the following chapters and sections of the FS has been reviewed and approved as follows:

• Chapters and sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.15, 1.17, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 18.1 (except 18.1.1), 18.2 (except 18.2.4-5), 18.6, 21.1, 21.2 (except 21.2.1), 23, 24, 25.8, 25.11, 26.5, 27: reviewed and approved by Mr. Tyler Wilson, P.Eng. (Reg. #64321), registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (APEGBC), employee of Hatch Ltd. The following sections are excluded from Mr. Wilson's responsibility: 18.1.1, 18.2.4-18.2.5 and 21.2.1.

• Chapters and sections 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 25.1, 25.2, 26.1: reviewed and approved by Mr. Luis Oviedo, PC-RR (Reg. #013), registered with the Comisión Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras (Chile), employee of L&M Geociencias SpA.

• Chapters and sections 1.10, 1.14, 13, 17, 25.3, 25.7, 26.4: reviewed and approved by Mr. Stuart Saich, Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM #222028), employee of Promet 101 Consulting Pty Ltd.

• Chapter and sections 1.11, 14, 25.4, 26.2: reviewed and approved by Mr. Andres Beluzan, PC-RR (Reg. #215), registered with the Comisión Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras (Chile), employee of Abelco Consulting SpA.

• Chapters and sections 1.12-13, 1.15, 1.17, 15, 16, 18.1.1, 18.2.4, 18.2.5, 18.3-5, 21.2.1, 25.5, 25.6, 25.8, 26.3, 26.5: reviewed and approved by Mr. Paulo Laymen, BEng, MEng (Mining), Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM #320977), employee of LOM Consultoria em Mineração Ltda.

• Chapters and sections 1.18, 19, 22, 25.10, 25.12 reviewed and approved by Mr. Stefan Hlouschko, P.Eng. (#100185757), registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), employee of Hatch Ltd.

• Chapters and sections 1.16, 1.19, 20, 25.9, 26.6 reviewed and approved by Ms. Terryn Kuzyk, MSc, PEng, Member of Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (#208610), employee of ERM Consultants Canada Ltd.

About Aclara

Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA), a Toronto Stock Exchange listed company, is focused on building a vertically integrated supply chain for rare earths alloys used in permanent magnets. This strategy is supported by Aclara's development of rare earth mineral resources hosted in ionic clay deposits, which contain high concentrations of the scarce heavy rare earths, providing the Company with a long-term, reliable source of these critical materials. The Company's rare earth mineral resource development projects include the Carina Project in the State of Goiás, Brazil as its flagship project and the Penco Module in the Biobío Region of Chile. Both projects feature Aclara's patented technology named Circular Mineral Harvesting, which offers a sustainable and energy-efficient extraction process for rare earths from ionic clay deposits. The Circular Mineral Harvesting process has been designed to minimize the water consumption and overall environmental impact through recycling and circular economy principles. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aclara Technologies Inc., the Company is further enhancing its product value by developing a rare earths separation plant in the United States. This facility will process mixed rare earth carbonates sourced from Aclara's mineral resource projects, separating them into pure individual rare earth oxides. Additionally, Aclara through a joint venture with CAP, is advancing its alloy-making capabilities to convert these refined oxides into the alloys needed for fabricating permanent magnets. This joint venture leverages CAP's extensive expertise in metal refining and special ferro-alloyed steels. Beyond the Carina Project and the Penco Module, Aclara is committed to expanding its mineral resource portfolio by exploring greenfield opportunities and further developing projects within its existing concessions in Brazil, and Chile, aiming to increase future production of heavy rare earths.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements that are identified by words such as "could", "estimate", "may", "will", "would" or similar expressions, and relates to the Company's current expectations regarding future events. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information and statements regarding: mineral continuity, grade, metallurgical recoveries, methodology, production timing and upside at the Project, the Company's exploration plans, drilling campaigns and activities in Brazil and the expectations of the Company's management as to the timing, cost, scope and results of such exploration works and drilling activities in Brazil, the Company's ability to advance its processing strategy, including Project Dynamo, the expected timing, approval and obtaining of environmental and other Project licenses, including the approval of the preliminary license (EIA), and the installation license (construction license) of the Project, the timing and planning of construction works and production schedules, the results and interpretation of the FS, the expected availability and timing of financing and the ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, the availability, timing and execution of commercial arrangements, management's expectations as to production forecasts and product quality for the Project, the continued support and investment of the Company's shareholders and other strategic partnerships, management of the Company's expectations as to market outlook, demand and pricing for REE, and the commodity price assumptions and forecast methodologies underlying the FS. Forward-looking information is based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions, including assumptions regarding: the the timely receipt of required permits and approvals; the accuracy of the FS and other technical studies and the Company's ability to implement the FS as expected; projected rare earth prices, demand, exchange rates, inflation and other economic conditions; the availability and cost of financing and the ability to enter into commercial arrangements on acceptable terms; the availability of key inputs; expected metallurgical performance, recoveries, throughput and product specifications; and the ability to complete construction, commissioning and ramp-up as scheduled. Forward-looking information is also subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to risks related to operating in a foreign jurisdiction, including political and economic conditions in Brazil; risks related to changes to mining laws and regulations and the termination or non-renewal of mining rights by governmental authorities; risks related to failure to comply with the law or obtain necessary permits and licenses or renew them; risks related to the availability of financing and execution of commercial agreements; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; actual production, capital and operating costs may be different than those anticipated; schedule delays; supply chain and logistics constraints; availability of skilled labor and contractors; the Company may be not able to successfully complete the development, construction and start-up of mines and new development projects; risks related to mining operations, including technical, geological, metallurgical, engineering and construction risks; and dependence on the Carina Project. Aclara cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For a detailed discussion of the foregoing factors, among others, please refer to the risk factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated as of March 18, 2026, 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 undertake any obligation to update or revise 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
[e-mail]

[1] Annual averages do not consider the first year of ramp-up and the last year of ramp-down.

[2] Estimate of China's official production of Dy and Tb in 2024 is based on quotas published that year by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China

[3] Purity is expressed as REO equivalent.

[4] China has reached an agreement with the United States to remove export restriction on all REE for one year until November 2026.

[5] Annual average does not consider the first year of ramp-up and the last year of ramp-down.

[6] Argus Media is an independent price reporting agency and market intelligence provider specializing in energy and critical minerals. With over 15 years of rare earths market coverage, Argus Media delivers transparent benchmark pricing, supply-demand analysis, and long-term forecasts. Argus Media' independent data and expertise support accurate market assessments for project evaluations.

[7] Free on board (FOB) prices are associated with a seller who is responsible for the goods until they are loaded onto the ship or other transport vehicle at a specific location.

[8] Cost, Insurance, Freight ("CIF"): Under CIF terms, the seller arranges and pays for the cost of transporting the goods to the named port of destination, including insurance and freight charges. However, the risk of loss or damage to the goods transfers from the seller to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the vessel at the port of shipment.

SOURCE: Aclara Resources Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:
https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/aclara-announces-filing-and-results-of-feasibility-study-for-its-flagship-carina-1156947