Why Has the UK Government Funded Ionic Technologies’ Recycling Initiatives?
Ionic Rare Earths Limited
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Why Has the UK Government Funded Ionic Technologies’ Recycling Initiatives?

Ionic Technologies Leads the Charge in Magnet Recycling: A Full-Scale Operation in Belfast

In a landmark development, Ionic Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR), has announced the full-scale, continuous operation of its Magnet Recycling Demonstration Plant in Belfast, UK. This significant step marks a turning point in the recycling of Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets into high-purity separated magnet rare earth oxides (REOs), positioning Ionic Technologies as a global pioneer in sustainable and sovereign rare earth supply chains.

24/7 Operations: Revolutionizing Rare Earth Recovery

Commencing 24/7 operations, the Belfast facility demonstrates Ionic Technologies' commitment to addressing the critical need for sustainable rare earth elements (REEs), essential for advanced manufacturing, the energy transition, and defense industries. This breakthrough achievement in continuous operation not only de-risks the technology but also solidifies the company's role in reshaping the rare earth supply landscape.

Collaborative Efforts and Government Support

The plant's production is set to feed directly into a UK Government-sponsored project, collaborating with automotive giant Ford and Less Common Metals (LCM), highlighting the public-private sector synergy in advancing environmentally conscious initiatives. This collaboration forms part of the CLIMATES project, underscoring Ionic Technologies' integral role in establishing a traceable, circular supply chain for rare earths within the UK, especially for electric vehicle motors.

Processing Capabilities and Technical Advancements

To date, the plant has processed 2.

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7 tonnes of end-of-life (EOL) permanent magnets through advanced crushing and grinding circuits. The facility is now poised to start the leaching and separation circuits, pushing forward the boundaries of magnet recycling. The continuous operation facilitates the production of high-purity magnet REOs from varied feedstocks, including coated or oxidized magnets and swarf material from magnet manufacturing, a testament to the robustness and adaptability of the process.

Scaling Up for Global Impact

Ionic Technologies aims to produce 10 tonnes of high-purity separated rare earth oxides annually, scaling up from 30 tonnes of EOL permanent magnets or production swarf. This scaling is part of a broader strategy to expand the global offering of Ionic Technologies, including collaborations with rare earth metal, alloy, and magnet manufacturers, as well as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

A Glimpse into the Future: Commercial Plant Feasibility Study

The continuous operation at the Belfast facility not only serves the immediate supply chain but also provides crucial data supporting the feasibility study for a commercial plant located in Belfast. This study is pivotal in assessing the potential for turnkey plants in key focus markets, paving the way for a significant expansion in Ionic Technologies' operational capabilities.

Funding and Grants: A Vote of Confidence

The UK Government's Innovate UK Automotive Transformation Fund Scale-up Readiness Validation program awarded a £1. 72 million grant to Ionic Technologies for the construction of the demonstration plant. Additional funding of £2 million was secured through the Innovate UK CLIMATES grants. These grants not only validate the importance of this initiative but also demonstrate the confidence in Ionic Technologies' innovative approach to rare earth element recycling.

Technology at the Core

Ionic Technologies, since its inception as a spinout from Queens University Belfast in 2015, has been at the forefront of developing efficient and environmentally friendly processes for REE recovery. The company's proprietary technology stands out for its ability to process a wide range of magnet qualities and compositions, delivering high-purity grade REEs essential for modern high-performance magnets.

About Ionic Rare Earths Ltd

Ionic Rare Earths Limited, the parent company of Ionic Technologies, is set to become a miner, refiner, and recycler of sustainable and traceable magnet and heavy rare earths. The company is on track to significantly contribute to net-zero carbon technologies through its Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda and the state-of-the-art recycling facilities developed by Ionic Technologies.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future

The full-scale operation of Ionic Technologies' Magnet Recycling Demonstration Plant in Belfast represents a significant stride towards a sustainable future in rare earth element recycling. With the global demand for these elements rapidly increasing, Ionic Technologies' innovative approach positions it as a key player in meeting the world's growing needs for sustainable and traceable rare earth supplies, essential for a range of critical applications from electric vehicles to wind turbines.

The company's commitment to continuous innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship exemplifies the path forward in the rare earth industry, setting a precedent for sustainable practices worldwide.

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