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Highlights
- Ionic Rare Earths explores US magnet recycling infrastructure.
- Technology aims to support US domestic supply chain resilience.
- Evaluation extends beyond neodymium to critical restricted rare earths.
Ionic Rare Earths (ASX:IXR) is making notable progress in its mission to establish rare earth magnet recycling plants in the United States, leveraging proprietary technology and strategic partnerships to address the global supply chain challenges of critical minerals.
At the core of this initiative is Ionic’s UK-based subsidiary, Ionic Technologies, which has developed advanced intellectual property for rare earth separation and refining. This technology forms the foundation of Ionic’s expanding footprint, particularly through the Viridion joint venture with Viridis Mining and Minerals (ASX:VMM), aimed at creating a US-based rare earth refinery.
The company, currently valued at approximately $57.94 million, is in active discussions with multiple US stakeholders to assess and initiate magnet recycling facilities across various states. These efforts align with broader strategic objectives to bolster domestic rare earth production capacity, especially as the US seeks to reduce its dependency on international supply chains.
Notably, samples of high-purity magnet rare earth oxides, produced at Ionic’s demonstration plant in Belfast, have already been delivered to potential US partners. These samples are accompanied by critical engineering documentation to assist in early infrastructure planning. In parallel, Ionic has welcomed several US parties to its Belfast facility for site tours and technical evaluations as part of due diligence and partnership progression.
Ionic's plans go beyond traditional neodymium-iron-boron magnet recycling. The company is eyeing broader capabilities, including recycling other rare earths impacted by China’s April 2025 export restrictions—such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium.
These minerals are essential across diverse industries: samarium in lasers and medical devices; gadolinium in imaging and alloys; terbium in lighting and displays; dysprosium in electric vehicles and wind turbines; scandium in aerospace alloys; yttrium in electronics and ceramics; and lutetium, though rare, in petroleum refining.
The company’s leadership underscores the importance of creating a stable and sustainable rare earth supply chain to support advanced manufacturing and defence needs. Managing Director Tim Harrison notes the potential for several recycling facilities to be established that would serve not only the US but also allied markets such as the UK, Europe, South Korea, and Brazil.
This move comes at a time when global demand for rare earth elements continues to grow, particularly with the green energy transition and defence imperatives. While Ionic Rare Earths is not currently a constituent of the ASX200 stocks, its forward-thinking strategy places it among the emerging players shaping the future of the rare earth industry.
With a clear focus on sustainable and traceable rare earths for a net-zero carbon future, Ionic’s momentum could prove crucial in reshaping critical material supply chains across North America and beyond.
