VINTON, La. (KLFY) -- A multinational company has announced it will invest $277 million to build a rare-earth separation facility in Vinton, the first of its kind in the U.S., according to a news release from Louisiana Economic Development.

Aclara Resources Inc. said in the release it will construct the first U.S. heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish. The company is expected to create 140 direct new jobs at its first U.S. location. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 456 indirect jobs, for a total of 596 potential new job opportunities in the Southwest Region.

Rare Earth Elements are a group of 17 metals known for their unique magnetic, optical and conductive properties. These elements are used in mod

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