Can Ionic Technologies & WSP Global Revolutionize UK's Rare Earth Recycling?
Ionic Rare Earths Limited
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Can Ionic Technologies & WSP Global Revolutionize UK's Rare Earth Recycling?

WSP Global Engaged to Lead Feasibility Study on Belfast Magnet Recycling Facility by Ionic Technologies

Pioneering Rare Earth Element Recycling Initiative Unfolds in Belfast, UK

In a groundbreaking development, Ionic Technologies, a subsidiary of Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR), has selected WSP Global to spearhead a feasibility study for a cutting-edge magnet recycling facility in Belfast, UK. The facility is set to harness patented Rare Earth Element (REE) separation technology, marking a significant stride towards establishing a sustainable rare-earth supply chain.

Strategic Collaboration for Revolutionary Recycling

The collaboration with WSP Global, a renowned global provider of consultancy, engineering, and project delivery services to the chemicals sector, is a pivotal step in Ionic Technologies' vision to revolutionize the recycling landscape. Supported by a £1 million grant from the UK government's CLIMATES program, in partnership with the British Geological Survey (BGS), the project aims to evaluate the construction and operational dynamics of a pioneering magnet rare earth recycling plant.

The strategic choice of Belfast as the facility's location underscores the advantage of exceptional infrastructure and policy support via the Windsor Framework. This strategic positioning provides dual market access across the UK and EU, emphasizing the UK's stride towards technological leadership and self-sufficiency in rare-earth production.

National Sovereignty and Sustainable Supply Chains

The initiative signifies a critical milestone for the UK's sovereignty, emphasizing the development of cutting-edge technology and establishing a supportive pathway for Ionic Technologies to commercialize the first-of-its-kind magnet recycling facility.

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This endeavor aligns with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act 2023, targeting 25% magnet rare earths annual consumption from recycling by 2030.

Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths, expressed enthusiasm about the project's significance in securing critical elements for the new economy. The project aligns with Ionic Rare Earths' commitment to accelerating mining, refining, and recycling of crucial elements pivotal for energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and defense sectors.

WSP's Integral Role in the Feasibility Study

The appointment of WSP as the service provider for this landmark study stems from their eminence, extensive experience, and notable reputation in the chemical industry. Leveraging their technical expertise and the UK-based Process Engineering Centre for Excellence, WSP is poised to deliver a study closely aligned with the project's overarching objectives.

The feasibility study, slated to commence this month, aims to culminate by

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mid-2024, heralding a comprehensive understanding of the construction, operational, and supply side dynamics for the magnet rare earth recycling facility.

Strategic Study: Mapping the Dynamics of Magnet Rare Earth Recycling in the UK

Ionic Technologies, in collaboration with BGS, is embarking on an ambitious study to delve deep into the Rare Earth Element (REE) ecosystem within the UK. The primary focus lies on evaluating the feasibility of establishing a commercial magnet rare earth oxide (REO) production facility in Belfast, UK.

This collaborative effort aims to create secure and sovereign supply chains for REEs in the UK while meeting Ionic Technologies' technical requisites for scaling up to commercial operations. The study, a vital output of the CLIMATES program, will expand the British Geological Survey's existing data on REE materials and flows, incorporating data from sources like wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), and automotive components with significant REE content.

The comprehensive analysis conducted by Ionic Technologies and BGS will facilitate the design and operation of a facility that processes end-of-life and waste magnet materials, converting them into high-quality REOs with a purity of over 99. 5%. Such high-grade REOs are indispensable in manufacturing high-specification magnets used in EVs, wind turbines, defense, and other critical applications.

Transformative Technology and Industry Leadership

Ionic Technologies, a spinout from Queens University Belfast, has crafted cutting-edge processes for REE extraction from permanent magnets. Their technology stands out for its efficiency, environmental sustainability, and minimal ecological impact, ensuring near-complete extraction of REEs from spent magnets and waste materials.

The company's technological edge positions them as pioneers in industrial elemental extraction, enabling near-term magnet REO production to fulfill the burgeoning demands in energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and defense. Ionic Technologies' patented technology is designed to recover high-purity rare earth elements from varying-grade magnets, supporting the production of high-performance magnets vital for EV and wind turbine industries.

This bold step towards commercializing magnet recycling and establishing sustainable supply chains showcases Ionic Rare Earths' commitment to technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and reinforcing national resilience in critical material supply chains.

The culmination of the feasibility study in mid-2024 is anticipated to unveil a roadmap for the successful construction and operation of the magnet recycling facility, propelling Ionic Technologies to the forefront of REE recycling and reaffirming the UK's prowess in sustainable resource management.

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