IXR (ASX) General Chat / Discussion

Originally posted by roblun: ↑

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Originally posted by roblun: ↑

CLIMATES Project with Ionic Technologies, Less Common Metals and FORD coming to its conclusion

The amount of time needed by LCM to Convert 1 month's supply of REO's from Ionic Technologies into Magnet Alloys and for GKN to process and Manufacture Sintered Magnets from LCM.

All this information can be found on their websites. If you do some DD research

LCM can process 100 kg REOs per batch every 2 hours, so 8.5 batches
GKN can Smelter, Milling, Sintering, Tempering and Machining 708kgs

These Links below for further information on processing LCM and GKN

1 https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0170373B1/en
2 https://www.gme-magnet.com/info/how-are-sintered-ndfeb-permanent-magnets-produ-94717149.html
3 https://pt.scribd.com/document/180704720/GKN-Materials-and-Processes-EN-pdf
4 https://www.pm-review.com/gkn-powder-metallurgy-to-begin-production-of-permanent-magnets-for-electric-vehicles/

So, Ionic-LCM-Ford partnership is currently operating at demonstration scale and the goal is to prove the technical and commercial viability of 100% recycled rare earth magnets in Ford’s EVs and to validate their performance in real-world applications before scaling up to commercial supply.

The Magnets made from Ionic’s recycled REOs are being tested and analyzed in Ford’s E-Drive motors, but this is a small fraction of total Halewood output of EV's coming from the plant, The majority of Ford’s current magnet supply for Halewood is probably from conventional (virgin) sources, likely imported from established global suppliers, mainly in China (high tariffs applied now) or Europe (Low Supplies) I'm guessing here, very hard to find FORD's magnet supplier.

Ford’s Halewood plant is currently ramping up production and is not expected to reach its full 420,000-unit annual capacity not until late 2026, At demonstration scale, Ionic’s plant can supply magnets for ~1,847 EVs/month, but Ford requires ~41,667 EVs/month (500,000/year). Scaling to Ionic’s commercial plant (400 tpa REOs) is critical for meeting Ford’s Halewood targets.

Ford’s ability to meet its EV production targets at Halewood-and to do so sustainably and securely-depends on the success and scaling of the Ionic Technologies and LCM partnership. This collaboration delivers a domestic, circular, and environmentally responsible supply of rare earth magnets, with robust government support and a clear pathway from demonstration to commercial scale.

Ford needs this partnership not just for supply, but for resilience, sustainability, and leadership in the next era of automotive manufacturing, the partnerships is a catalyst for high-quality job creation and skills development across the UK’s clean tech and automotive sectors.

Definitive Ford-LCM partnership are essential catalysts for UK government funding, C'mon Tim and Brett if you're still in the UK! As we also know, some time this month, IXR and LCM MOU will turn into a Definitive Agreement.

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We can now see why Tim, Brett and Thomas had to be in the UK, APPG Critical Minerals Event and Ionic Technologies' Strategic Engagement The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Critical Minerals event (23 April 2024) was a pivotal moment for Ionic Technologies and its partners, showcasing their leadership in the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2025.

All the pieces coming together to complete a bigger picture! And a Big opportunity to discuss Funding.

Another great opportunity to discuss Funding for the Commercial Plant in Belfast, with Government and Policymakers, like Noah Law MP (APPG Chair), Perran Moon MP, and Baroness Northover, who stressed the geopolitical urgency of domestic critical mineral supply chains and pledged continued support for CLIMATES projects. The event connected Ionic with institutional investors and green tech funds, leveraging CLIMATES’ £15M government backing as validation.

The APPG event solidified Ionic Technologies’ position as a linchpin of the UK’s critical minerals resilience. With strong government backing, Ford’s demand, and LCM/VAC partnerships, the Belfast commercial plant would now have to be a flagship project for the UK’s industrial strategy. The ATF grant decision for the Commercial Plant, hopefully very soon, will be the final catalyst.

The APPG on Critical Minerals event underscored the urgency to close supply gaps, the importance of building midstream and recycling capacity, and the need for sustained, coordinated investment and policy support to secure the UK’s critical minerals future.

The APPG event reinforced that critical minerals are now a national security, economic, and environmental priority for the UK. The scale of private investment already unlocked by CLIMATES projects, and the consensus among policymakers, innovators, and industry, signals a new era of public-private partnership. Projects like Ionic Technologies’ Belfast plant-supported by LCM, Ford, VAC, and BGS-are now seen as flagship initiatives for the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2025 and Industrial Strategy 2035.