USA Rare Earth Invests in Carester for French Rare Earth Plant

STILLWATER, Okla., USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) has announced the entry into definitive agreements to acquire a 13.6 percent stake in Carester SAS, a French specialist in rare earth processing and separation. The transaction follows a strategic framework announced earlier in April 2026 and marks a significant step in developing a Western-aligned rare earth supply chain.

The investment will support the development of Carester's Caremag facility in Lacq, France, which is scheduled to commence operations in late 2026. This partnership is designed to integrate the strengths of both companies across the mining, processing, and manufacturing lifecycle.

Transaction Details

• USA Rare Earth and InfraVia Capital Partners will each acquire approximately 13.6 percent stakes in Carester.
• The collaboration grants USA Rare Earth and its subsidiary, Less Common Metals (LCM) Europe, access to Carester's oxide output.
• Carester gains access to USA Rare Earth's feedstock sources, including materials from the Serra Verde and Round Top deposits.
• The funding will facilitate Carester's expansion, R&D, and working capital needs, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2026.

Strategic Objectives

By incorporating Carester's capabilities, USA Rare Earth aims to bolster its midstream processing optionality. Carester's facility is expected to produce significant quantities of heavy rare earth oxides, including neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb), which are vital for permanent magnets. The initiative is part of a broader effort to build an integrated industrial platform in Lacq, France, encompassing separation, metal production, and magnet manufacturing.