Highlights
- American Resources Corporation develops breakthrough chromatography technology with Purdue University to separate rare earth elements more efficiently and cost-effectively.
- ReElement aims to supply 100% of U.S. defense industry's rare earth needs while creating jobs in Indiana by converting a shuttered TV factory into a refining hub.
- The company offers a potential non-Chinese rare earth supply chain solution, though scaling and independent verification remain critical challenges.
For years, America has wrestled with the iron grip of China on rare earths, the atomic vitamins that make modern technology spin—from EV motors and wind turbines to guided missiles and MRI machines. Into this breach steps Mark Jensen (opens in a new tab), CEO of American Resources Corporation (opens in a new tab) and its subsidiary ReElement Technologies (opens in a new tab), with a bold claim: not only can they compete with China on cost, but they can also supply 100% of the U.S. defense industry’s rare earth needs.
The Rare Earth Exchanges Dustin Olsen and Daniel O’Connor recently sat down and interviewed CEO Jensen online—see the interview here.
The Core Innovation
At the heart of ReElement’s pitch is chromatography technology developed with Purdue University’s Dr. Linda Wang (opens in a new tab). Unlike solvent extraction—the traditional, toxic, and expensive refining method—chromatography uses resin-packed columns to separate rare earth elements with less chemical waste and lower operating costs. If scalable at the levels Jensen suggests, this could be a genuine game-changer. Proof of concept is already demonstrated: ReElement says it is producing high-purity oxides, including dysprosium, terbium, yttrium, and even gallium, at competitive cost.
The Defense Angle
The defense sector looms large in Jensen’s narrative. With U.S. advanced weaponry still overwhelmingly dependent on Chinese inputs, ReElement positions itself as a patriotic supplier. Current output at its Indiana facilities is modest—hundreds of tonnes annually—but Jensen asserts their modular systems can rapidly expand to thousands of tonnes, covering the Pentagon’s relatively small but highly sensitive needs. Contracts ,he insists, are already in hand with several large defense contractors.
Where the Enthusiasm Runs Ahead
Here lies the speculative enthusiasm. While modular chromatography is promising, scaling any new refining technology from pilot to industrial capacity is notoriously difficult. China’s decades-long dominance is built not just on geology, but on logistics, pricing power, and a trained workforce. ReElement’s goal of matching Chinese prices is bold—but sustaining that at scale remains unproven. Investors should also note that Jensen’s revenues and contracts, while significant, remain partly forward-looking.
But Jensen’s zest, drive and obsession to drive success should not be discounted.
The Workforce Piece
Jensen is equally passionate about workforce development to the delight of Rare Earth Exchanges. In Marion, Indiana, his team is converting a shuttered TV factory into a refining hub, promising hundreds of jobs. Training unskilled labor into chemical plant operators is already underway, a model that—if replicated—could restore industrial pride to communities hollowed out by offshoring. It’s an inspiring story, though questions remain whether the labor challenge in mining and processing will become a bottleneck once scaling ramps up.
Investor Takeaways
- Fact: Chromatography-based refining is real, permitted, and operational in Indiana.
- Speculation: Supplying 100% of the U.S. defense industry’s rare earth needs is possible in theory, but hinges on funding, scaling, and stable feedstock.
- Healthy Bias: Jensen’s framing is steeped in competitive patriotism—“we want to win against China”—which is energizing but glosses over supply chain and financing hurdles.
- Market Insight: If ReElement’s cost claims hold true, the company could become a cornerstone of a non-China rare earth supply chain, particularly for heavy rare earths critical to defense. But investors should demand independent verification of output, contracts, and pricing claims before fully buying in.
REEx openly supports ReElement’s mission, and we acknowledge that this reflects our own bias. Our mandate is clear: to help accelerate the development of an ex-China rare earth—and by extension, critical minerals—market.
Bottom line
ReElement may be one of the most exciting ex-China entrants in rare earth refining. The opportunity is real, but the story is still being written—and the market will be watching whether this Indiana “gem” delivers industrial-scale proof.
Visit our Rare Earth Exchanges YouTube channel (opens in a new tab) to view the interview.
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They are likely to run into US strategically backed MP and Lynas as direct competition both for military and commercial offtakes. GLTA – REI
Perhaps, but they have a differentiated advantage of LAD chromatography vs. traditional solvent based processing. Meaning 90% less foot print, reduced waste, modular build, and higher purity. Ultimately the better technology wins.
I would like to hear about processing coal ash into rare earth elements
From a layman’s point of view this would be attractive to the owners of the coal ash stockpiles as we as I would assume lower cost feedstock