The technology arm of ASX-listed Ionic Rare Earths, Ionic Technologies (IonicTech), is expected to produce its first separated and refined high purity magnet rare earth oxide (REO) from its magnet recycling demonstration plant, in Belfast, this month.

IonicTech has developed rare earth element (REE) separation and refining technology and applied this to the recycling of spent permanent neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets.

The process uses a hydrometallurgical process to extract the REEs, then separate the individual magnet REEs within, including neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), and to refine to high purity individual magnet REO.

“The progress at IonicTech continues to plan with process commissioning on track to achieve the production of first separated oxides by the end of this month in Belfast,” said Ionic Rare Earth MD Tim Harrison.

“The successful commissioning and production of recycled high purity individual magnet REOs from our magnet recycling demonstration plant in Belfast facility will be a key catalyst for the company in being able to establish further collaboration platforms and supply chain partnerships with magnet manufacturers and end-user customers.

“Additionally, the successful commissioning and production of magnet REOs will be an important milestone for several discussions progressing to deploy the modular technology across western markets looking to develop domestic, secure and sustainable supply chains from secondary sources through recycling.”