Ucore Welcomes Alaska State Initiative to Support Bokan Metallurgical Research
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/25/12 -- Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE: UCU)(OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or "the Company") is pleased to report that the Mineral Industry Research Laboratory of the University of Alaska Fairbanks ("UAF" or "the University") has been awarded $297,000 by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
UAF will be conducting research with respect to the processing and extracting of rare earth element-bearing minerals from ore material sourced from Ucore's Bokan Mountain deposit. The University will also conduct research on the procedure for the handling of waste rock. These specific process refinements will further enhance metallurgical testing carried out by Ucore. The announcement of this funding highlights the active role of the State of Alaska in the development of its enormous rare earth mineral potential.
"We're extremely pleased to have the University of Alaska Fairbanks team involved with the Bokan Mountain project," said Jim McKenzie, President and CEO of Ucore. "We welcome the opportunity to work with a very skilled and mining-experienced research staff at UAF, accessing the advanced human and technical resources available at that facility.
"UAF is the home of the College of Engineering and Mines," continued McKenzie. "That institution has provided immeasurable support to mine design projects throughout the state, expediting and improving both ore extraction and processing methodologies. UAF research involvement should also be indispensable as we advance into pilot scale testing in 2013. We'd additionally like to take this opportunity to thank Governor Parnell's office for its involvement in this initiative and for the ongoing support of the Bokan Mountain Heavy Rare Earth Project by the State of Alaska."
About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is a well-funded development-phase mining company focused on establishing rare metal resources with near term production potential. With multiple projects across North America, Ucore's primary focus is the 100% owned Bokan - Dotson Ridge REE property in Alaska. The Bokan - Dotson ridge REE project is located 60 km southwest of Ketchikan, Alaska and 140 km northwest of Prince Rupert, British Columbia and has direct ocean access to the western seaboard and the Pacific Rim, a significant advantage in developing near term production facilities and limiting the capital costs associated with mine construction.
The Bokan property is particularly enriched with heavy rare earth elements, including the critical elements Dysprosium, Terbium and Yttrium. Approximately 40% (by weight) of the rare earth elements contained on the Dotson Ridge property are heavy rare earths elements, as disclosed in the Company's NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate, released in March of 2011.
Jim McKenzie, President and CEO
Contacts:
Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Mr. Jim McKenzie
President and Chief Executive Officer
(902) 482-5214
www.ucore.com