Nasdaq-listed Pasqal is applying its Neutral Atom QPU to benchmark quantum machine learning models against classical computing models, aiming to optimize chemical selection for rare earth element separation, USA Rare Earth says. The collaboration between Pasqal, USA Rare Earth, and Riven Systems will use thousands of automated experiments conducted by Riven’s “self-driving minerals separation laboratory” to train these models.
This partnership specifically targets solving the challenge of separating Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate, a key bottleneck for rare earth production outside of Asia, according to Alex Moyes, Senior Vice President of Upstream at USA Rare Earth: “Our goal is to accelerate the path to efficient, competitive and sustainable solutions by changing how the rare earth industry discovers the chemistry it runs on.”
Riven’s Self-Driving Lab Generates Data for Extractant Selectivity
This direct application of quantum computing targets a specific bottleneck in rare earth processing: identifying extractants that efficiently isolate individual elements from mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC). The benchmarking process will utilize data generated by Riven Systems’ automated laboratory, allowing for a comparative analysis of computational approaches. This level of automation surpasses typical experimentation in the field, accelerating the discovery of novel extractant molecules. The resulting data will not only fuel classical machine learning algorithms but also is the foundation for quantum machine learning models evaluated by Pasqal’s QPU.
USA Rare Earth intends to utilize feedstocks from its Round Top mine in Texas, alongside third-party MREC and recycled magnet manufacturing swarf, to maximize the impact of the research across its materials processing operations. This strategic feedstock selection ensures the experimental work can potentially improve efficiency throughout USA Rare Earth’s entire workflow. “This strategic partnership will institute an innovative discovery pipeline where new extractant molecules are identified and tested virtually, powered by a quantum machine learning model trained on real chemical data from an autonomous lab,” Moyes continued.
Pasqal, headquartered in Palaiseau, France and listed on Nasdaq as PSQL, brings its expertise in neutral-atom quantum computing to the collaboration. Founded in 2019, the company has deployed quantum systems in France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, and recently secured over €440 million in funding. Pasqal’s technology uses neutral atoms as qubits, offering a scalable approach to quantum computation.
The company’s recent partnerships, including collaborations with WelinQ on networked quantum computing and LG CNS on hybrid AI platforms, demonstrate its commitment to advancing quantum technology across diverse applications, according to USA Rare Earth. “This partnership brings together three companies working at the forefront of technologies that are increasingly important to economic growth, industrial competitiveness and national resilience,” said Wasiq Bokhari, Chief Executive Officer of Pasqal.
“Rare earth materials are essential and improving how they are processed has implications far beyond a single industry.” The envisioned end-to-end process extends beyond initial machine learning models, with plans to validate top extractant candidates in USA Rare Earth’s research and development facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, before integrating them into full-scale processing flowsheets. This iterative approach, combining virtual screening, automated experimentation, and real-world validation, aims to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with developing new rare earth separation technologies.
“AI and autonomous labs are the next frontier in critical mineral processing,” said Dr. Orion Archer Cohen, CTO and co-founder of Riven Systems. “We applaud USA Rare Earth’s proactive adoption of these technologies, which create a path to significant improvements over legacy chemistry. This is exactly how the West can use its lead in advanced compute technologies to reindustrialize faster.”
The key challenge the rare earth industry outside Asia faces is to separate the Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) produced in upstream operations into individual, separated oxides. The Chinese dominate this capability, especially for vital heavy rare earths such as dysprosium, terbium and yttrium. Our goal is to accelerate the path to efficient, competitive and sustainable solutions by changing how the rare earth industry discovers the chemistry it runs on, replacing years of trial-and-error.
Alex Moyes, Senior Vice President of Upstream (USA), USA Rare Earth
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