Belfast-based Ionic Technologies has started producing rare earth oxides at its demonstration recycling plant. The firm is now eyeing global opportunities for the product, as long-term demand is ramping up and consumers are seeking more alternatives to Chinese supply.
The plant has so far produced 4.2kg of 99.7pc grade neodymium oxide and 0.6kg of 99.8pc dysprosium oxide, and it will soon start producing neodymium-praseodymium oxide.
Ionic Technologies — a subsidiary of Australia's Ionic Rare Earths — has over 50t of NdFeB permanent magnets and swarf material in inventory, which will support the demonstration plant trials.
The firm uses a hydrometallurgical process that can recycle oxidised magnets and also handle coatings and films, meaning that it does not need to be specific on the quality of the magnet. It uses this process to produce individually separated and refined high purity rare earth oxides. Going forward, Ionic Technologies aims to maintain a steady intake of magnets from various sources, including end-of-life wind turbines, electric vehicles and MRI scanners.
The demonstration plant will provide the data that is needed for developing commercial facilities, the company said on 19 June, noting that the global rare earth oxide market is expected to tip into a deficit in the coming years, particularly because demand is growing in Europe, north Asia and the US.
"To help fill this deficit, IonicRE wants to accelerate its mining, refining and recycling to align with global policy priorities and offtaker objectives in order to enter these markets," Ionic Rare Earths managing director Tim Harrison said.
The company is also developing the Makuutu Rare Earths project in Uganda, which comprises six licenses and is located around 120km east of Kampala. The site's geology is similar to southern China's ionic clay-type deposits, making a potential future source of heavy rare earth oxides.
