Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) has advised progress at Ionic Technologies International Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary based in Belfast, UK. Ionic Technologies is a global first mover in the recycling of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets to high purity separated magnet rare earth oxides (REOs), enabling the creation of sustainable, traceable, and sovereign rare earth supply chains.
Following its September announcement, Ionic Technologies successfully secured funding for two CLIMATES grants from Innovate UK totalling £2M (A$3.90M). These successful grant funding submissions centred on two CLIMATES projects:
- In partnership with Less Common Metals (LCM) and Ford Technologies, the company will develop a traceable, circular supply chain of rare earths for application in EV motors within the UK
- In partnership with the British Geological Survey, the company has commenced a feasibility study for a commercial magnet recycling plant in Belfast
During 2023, Ionic Technologies constructed a magnet recycling demonstration plant and produced initial quantities of high purity (> 99.5%) Nd and dysprosium REOs. After initial process commissioning and production runs through Q3 2023, the company installed additional processing equipment and is in the final stages of upgrading the installed control system which is now undergoing final commissioning. Ionic Technologies is on track to go to 24/7 operations from early January 2024, with commercial production runs to support the LCM and Ford collaboration commencing immediately thereafter.
Additional supply chain engagement discussions have progressed based upon reverse enquiry postproduction of high purity REOs in June 2023, and the company is evaluating several additional opportunities.
Pre-production has commenced ahead of 24/7 operation, with over 300kg of magnets being processed and over 700kg of magnet slurry being prepared for processing in the demonstration plant.
To maximize demonstrable efficiency through the pre-treatment and separation processes in the demonstration plant, Ionic Technologies has invested in a first-of-kind control system, specifically designed for the complexities of the patented process for magnet recycling and REO recovery.
Custom filter presses have been manufactured, installed, and commissioned. This additional process capability allows for safe solid/liquid separation across multiple pre-processing stages, across multiple processes to recover separate magnet rare earths.
For further information, please visit: www.ionicre.com.au
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