Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) has commenced 24/7 operations at Ionic Technologies International Ltd, the 100% owned subsidiary 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), having constructed the demonstration plant during 2023 which has enabled the creation of sustainable, traceable, and sovereign rare earth supply chains.
The company is now operating its demonstration plant on a continuous basis, with the intention to produce high purity separated rare earth oxides at the design production capacity of 10tpa, from 30tpa of end-of-life permanent magnets or production swarf.
Managing director, Tim Harrison, said, “The commencement of 24/7 operation in Belfast is a major technical achievement for the Ionic Technologies team. The continuous operation enables the production of samples and verification data, supports sector relationships, plus new strategic partner relationships.”
The production will flow into the UK government supported CLIMATES collaboration with Ford Technologies and Less Common Metals.
In addition, approximately 2.7t of permanent magnets have been processed through front end operations, enabling the commencement of the digestion circuit for treatment and solid-liquid separation.
The separation circuit has been water commissioned and feed to the circuit is expected to start over the next two weeks.
Furthermore, Ionic Technologies is readying capability to complete Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) separation utilizing the existing mixer-settler pilot plant equipment. This complex separation of heavy rare earths provides supply chain partners with high purity (99.5% or above) heavy rare earth oxides to be used in developing grain boundary diffused (GBD) sintered permanent magnet production.
“This demonstration plant, operating 24/7, will soon be hosting potential strategic partners looking to get access to sustainably produced magnet rare earths in a market where demand is expected to quickly outstrip supply,” added Harrison.
To find out more, please visit www.ionicre.com
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