Why is Ionic Technologies' Demonstration Plant in Belfast Pivotal for Rare Earth Recycling? Ionic Rare Earths Limited

L Lykeshares 2y Staff

Why is Ionic Technologies' Demonstration Plant in Belfast Pivotal for Rare Earth Recycling?

Ionic Technologies: Pioneering Magnet Recycling and Rare Earth Oxides Production

Ionic Rare Earths Limited, a leader in sustainable magnet and heavy rare earth production, has announced significant progress at its subsidiary, Ionic Technologies. Based in Belfast, UK, Ionic Technologies is set for a significant leap in operations, with its magnet recycling demonstration plant gearing up for 24/7 operations from January 2024.

Groundbreaking Developments in Recycling

Ionic Technologies has established itself as a global frontrunner in recycling Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets into high-purity rare earth oxides (REOs). This process is instrumental in creating sustainable and sovereign rare earth supply chains.

In 2023, the subsidiary has made remarkable strides, securing £2 million in CLIMATES grants from the UK Government’s Innovate UK. These funds support two pivotal projects:

Collaborating with Less Common Metals (LCM) and Ford Technologies to develop a traceable, circular supply chain of rare earths for EV motors in the UK.
Partnering with the British Geological Survey to assess the feasibility of a commercial magnet recycling plant in Belfast.

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The Path to 24/7 Operations

The magnet recycling Demonstration Plant, constructed in 2023, has already produced neodymium and dysprosium rare earth oxides with over 99. 5% purity. Following initial production, Ionic Technologies enhanced its processing capacity, installing new equipment and upgrading its control system. The plant is now poised to begin 24/7 operations, with commercial production for the LCM and Ford collaboration set to commence immediately after.

Pre-Production Milestones

In preparation for round-the-clock operations, over 300 kg of magnets have been processed, and 700kg of magnet slurry prepared. This pre-production phase is crucial for streamlining the treatment and separation processes in the plant.

Ionic Technologies has invested in a unique control system, tailored for the complexities of its patented magnet recycling process. Additionally, custom filter presses developed with Andritz AG have been installed, enhancing the ability to safely separate solids in various pre-processing stages.

Expanding Operations and Supply Chain Collaborations

With the production of high-purity REOs in June 2023, Ionic Technologies has attracted significant interest, leading to discussions with several rare earth metal, alloy, and magnet manufacturers, as well as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These collaborations are focused on expanding Ionic Technologies’ global footprint.

A Technology and Market Leader

Ionic Technologies, a spinout from Queens University Belfast, specializes in non-hazardous, economically viable processing methods with minimal environmental impact. Their technology caters to the recovery of high-grade rare earth elements from varied magnet qualities, crucial for the production of high-performance magnets in EVs and wind turbines.

Ionic Rare Earths Limited: A Comprehensive Approach

The parent company, Ionic Rare Earths Limited, is strategically positioned to become a key player in sustainable and traceable magnet and heavy rare earth production. With its Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda and Ionic Technologies’ recycling capabilities, the company is creating an integrated supply chain, contributing to the global net-zero carbon technologies.

Ionic Rare Earths Limited and its subsidiary, Ionic Technologies, are at the forefront of sustainable rare earth element production and recycling. Their advancements not only promise a secure supply chain for critical components in EVs and renewable energy technologies but also exemplify responsible and innovative industrial practices for a sustainable future.

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