Ionic On Track for 24-7 Operation in Early 2024
Perth, Dec 21, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Board of Ionic Rare Earths Limited (
ASX:IXR) (IXRRF:OTCMKTS) is pleased to advise progress at Ionic Technologies International Ltd ("Ionic Technologies"), 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 our announcement on 12 September 2023, Ionic Technologies successfully secured funding for two CLIMATES grants from the UK Government's Innovate UK totalling GBP2 million (A$3.90 million). These successful grant funding submissions centred on two CLIMATES projects:
1. in partnership with Less Common Metals (LCM) and Ford Technologies, Ionic Technologies will develop a traceable, circular supply chain of rare earths for application in EV motors within the UK; and
2. in partnership with the British Geological Survey, Ionic Technologies has commenced a feasibility study for a commercial magnet recycling plant in Belfast, UK (refer ASX announcement 7 December 2023).
During 2023, Ionic Technologies constructed a magnet recycling Demonstration Plant and produced initial quantities of high purity (> 99.5%) neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy) rare earth oxides (REOs) (ASX 19 June 2023). After initial process commissioning and production runs through Q3 2023, Ionic Technologies 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 300 kg of magnets being processed and over 700kg of magnet slurry being prepared for processing in the Demonstration Plant.
In order to maximise demonstrable efficiency through the pre-treatment and separation processes in the Demonstration Plant, Ionic Technologies have 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.
The presses were designed to enable separation of solids, under the unique conditions created within Ionic Technologies' patented processes. Ionic Technologies partnered with Andritz AG to develop Engineered-to-Order SE470CD filter presses (see Figure 3*), which have now been installed and integrated into the process.
To facilitate the significant number of new production projects and demand for recycled magnet REOs coming from rare earth permanent magnet supply chain partners, including Less Common Metals and Ford, Ionic Technologies have expanded the operations team in readiness for an extensive campaign through 2024 and beyond.
Technology Overview
Since its founding in 2015, as a spinout from Queens University Belfast (QUB), Ionic Technologies has developed processes for the separation and recovery of REEs from mining ore concentrates and waste permanent magnets.
The technology developed is a step up in efficient, non-hazardous, and economically viable processing with minimal environmental footprint.
The Company's proprietary technology provides a universal method for the recovery of high purity grade rare earth elements from lower quality and variable grade magnets, to be used in the manufacture of modern high-performance and high specification permanent magnets required to support substantial growth in both electric vehicle (EV) and wind turbine deployment.
*To view tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/G14C13FY
About Ionic Rare Earths Limited
Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX:IXR) (OTCMKTS:IXRRF) is focused on developing its flagship Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda into a significant long life, low-cost, supplier of high-value critical and heavy rare earths.
Makuutu is an advanced-stage, ionic adsorption clay-hosted project highlighted by near-surface mineralisation, significant exploration upside, excellent metallurgical characteristics and access to tier-one infrastructure.
The ionic adsorption clay-hosted geology at Makuutu is similar to major rare earths projects in Southern China, which are responsible for the majority of global supply of low cost heavy and critical rare earths, specifically the high value magnet metals (Dysprosium and Terbium) Heavy Rare Earths (>98% originating from ionic clays). Metallurgical testing at Makuutu has returned excellent recovery rates, which provide multiple avenues for a simple process route.
Makuutu is well-supported by tier-one existing infrastructure which includes access to major highways, roads, power, water and a professional workforce.
Rare Earths will play a critical role in the future of clean energy. Rare Earths are a key ingredient in the permanent magnets found in wind turbines and electric vehicles.
IonicRE is led by an experienced and proven team, who have the capabilities to deliver Makuutu into production and realise value for all stakeholders.
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