{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Company Interviews","title":"Ionic Rare Earth (ASX:IXR) - Recycling & Developing Heavy Rare Earths for the EV Revolution","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/18708dfc\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1870,"description":"Interview with Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare EarthsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/ionic-rare-earths-asxixr-european-recycling-and-african-production-4944Recording date: 30th April 2024Ionic Rare Earths (ASX:IXR) is positioning itself to become a key supplier of critical magnet rare earths through its pioneering recycling technology and the development of the Makuutu heavy rare earths project in Uganda.The company's primary growth driver is its 100%-owned Ionic Technologies business, which has developed a unique process to recycle end-of-life magnets into new magnetic materials. With £3.5 million funding secured from the UK government, Ionic Technologies is currently operating a demonstration plant in Belfast and working towards a commercial-scale feasibility study.Ionic Rare Earths is targeting first production from a commercial recycling plant in Belfast by 2026, with an initial output of 200 tonnes per annum of magnet rare earth oxides. This would be sufficient to supply a significant portion of the UK's rapidly growing EV motor manufacturing sector. The company is also in discussions with potential offtake partners in Europe.The company is also pursuing similar partnerships in the U.S., Asia, and Brazil to expand its recycling business globally. A recently formed joint venture with Viridis Mining and Metals aims to establish a rare earths refining and recycling business in Brazil, a key growth market for EVs and renewable energy.Importantly, the recycling process developed by Ionic Technologies can produce the full suite of magnet rare earths, including the highly valuable heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium. These elements are essential for high-strength permanent magnets used in EV motors and wind turbines, and are projected to be in deficit as electrification accelerates.In parallel with its recycling initiatives, Ionic Rare Earths is advancing the 60%-owned Makuutu project in Uganda, which is considered...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/1wv-MFlQAgnm-ca64e5kK4984dZB0os8-HJdRVsI74M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzEzNTcyLzE2MjM5/NTQyMDctYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}