IonicRE’s MOU with EMR Targets 61% CO2 Cut in Rare Earth Supply Chain

A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Rare Earths

Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) has taken a significant step forward in establishing a sustainable and circular supply chain for rare earth magnets by signing a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EMR, a global leader in sustainable materials. This collaboration aims to optimise the recovery and supply of magnets from complex end-of-life assets, feeding Ionic Technologies’ planned commercial magnet recycling plant in Belfast, UK.

The partnership is more than a commercial agreement; it represents a strategic alignment with the UK government’s ambitions to secure critical materials for decarbonisation technologies. Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other green technologies, and the UK faces intense global competition for these resources. By focusing on recycling and circularity, IonicRE and EMR are positioning themselves at the forefront of a vital supply chain transformation.

Innovative Technology Meets Industry Expertise

At the heart of this collaboration is Ionic Technologies’ patented recycling process, developed in Belfast and capable of producing rare earth oxides (REOs) with purity exceeding 99.5%. Independent analysis by Minviro has demonstrated that this process can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 61% compared to traditional mining-based supply chains, highlighting its potential to significantly lower the environmental footprint of rare earth supply.

EMR brings to the table extensive experience in safely liberating magnets from end-of-life products, leveraging projects like REAP, SCREAM, and Re-Rewind to develop cost-effective and scalable recycling methods. Their global footprint and commitment to net-zero by 2040 complement IonicRE’s ambitions, creating a robust interface for feedstock supply and recycling innovation.

Expanding the Circular Economy Across Borders

This MOU builds on IonicRE’s broader strategy to establish supply agreements not only in the UK but also across Europe and Asia, following a recent agreement with South Korea’s DNA Link. The Belfast facility is poised to become a cornerstone of the UK’s rare earth magnet recycling capacity, supporting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on primary mining sources.

Executive Chairman Brett Lynch emphasised the significance of partnering with a company of EMR’s stature, noting the mutual benefits and the potential for global scale-up. The collaboration also aligns with IonicRE’s integrated approach, which includes mining projects in Uganda and refining ventures in Brazil, completing a circular economy for rare earths critical to net-zero technologies.

Implications for the Green Transition

As demand for rare earth magnets surges with the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy, the ability to recycle these materials efficiently and sustainably becomes paramount. The UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre highlights the growing share of rare earth demand in the UK’s decarbonisation plans, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership.

By advancing a secure, traceable, and environmentally responsible supply chain, IonicRE and EMR are not only addressing supply risks but also contributing to the UK’s net-zero goals. This collaboration could serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to balance industrial growth with sustainability.