Phoenix Tailings Picks Rochester for Rare Earth Plant
The new facility at Eastman Business Park aims to expand domestic processing of critical minerals for the Freedom Project.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Phoenix Tailings has selected Eastman Business Park in Rochester as the site for its new Freedom Separation facility. The project is part of a larger $1.2 billion initiative designed to strengthen U.S. midstream processing capacity for rare earth materials.
Why it matters
By creating a domestic hub for processing mixed rare earth feedstocks, the company aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. The project is bolstered by a $500 million conditional loan commitment from the Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital.
The new facility is set to support 200 direct jobs in New York, with at least 90 of those roles based specifically at the Eastman Business Park site. At full capacity, the plant is projected to process over 18,000 tons of feedstock annually.
The players
Phoenix Tailings
This company develops advanced technology for the sustainable extraction and processing of rare earth elements.
Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital
This federal entity invests in critical technology and supply chain infrastructure to bolster national security interests.
The details
The facility will utilize an integrated separation-and-metallization platform to convert both mined and recycled rare earth feedstocks into separated oxides. This plant represents a key pillar of the company's Freedom Project, which encompasses operations across New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Timeline
Phoenix Tailings announced the selection of the Rochester site on October 20, 2026.
Production at the new facility is scheduled to begin ramping in 2027.
The plant is expected to reach its full production capacity by 2028.
Market Landscape
This move aligns with broader efforts to decouple the U.S. manufacturing supply chain from foreign-dominated rare earth markets. It positions the company as a key domestic player capable of competing with international midstream processors through integrated technology.
The establishment of this facility will create at least 90 new jobs in the Rochester area, providing new opportunities for local workers in the advanced manufacturing sector. Residents can expect these employment roles to ramp up as the facility nears its 2027 production launch.
The takeaway
The selection of Rochester for this major industrial project highlights the growing trend of onshoring critical mineral processing to stabilize national supply chains. Local stakeholders can anticipate a multi-year economic impact as the project moves from site selection to full output by 2028.
Further reading
For more on local industrial developments, visit the Manufacturing section.
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