Ionic Rare Earths and EMR sign UK MoU to boost rare earth magnet...

Ionic Rare Earths and EMR sign UK MoU to boost rare earth magnet recycling supply chain

Published: 20:01 25 May 2025 EDT

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd has inked a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based sustainable materials leader EMR to establish a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets.




Commercial magnet recycling

The partnership will propel the development of Ionic’s Belfast-based magnet recycling plant – the MoU is focused on the recovery of end-of-life (EOL) magnets and their delivery to Ionic’s subsidiary, Ionic Technologies.

It also encompasses joint efforts to liberate magnets from complex waste streams and to work alongside the UK Government to strengthen a sustainable domestic supply of magnet rare earth oxides (REOs).


IonicRE managing director Tim Harrison said: “IonicRE is delighted to work with a global recycler like EMR, a leader in sustainable materials with facilities across the globe and a commitment to advancing the circular economy.

“We look forward to collaborating with them to secure a significant inbound flow of our feed source, and in doing so maximising the UK opportunity for magnet REO recycling.

“The two organisations have a mutual interest to develop viable capacity for end-of-life magnet REO material and by seeking ways to integrate and promote shared value, and will both benefit from this collaboration.”

EMR brings extensive experience in rare earth recycling through initiatives such as REAP, SCREAM and Re-Rewind, which target rare earth extraction from discarded consumer goods and infrastructure such as wind turbines.

Made in Belfast processing

Its technical capability to recover magnets in a safe and cost-effective manner complements Ionic Technologies’ patented ‘made in Belfast’ processing, which can separate high-purity magnet REOs – including neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb) – at purities exceeding 99.5%.

The Belfast facility, backed by a feasibility study released in November 2024, will process both pre-consumer magnet scrap and post-consumer EOL magnets, offering a long-loop recycling route with reduced environmental impact.

An independent carbon footprint analysis by Minviro reported up to 61% lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional mine-based REO supply chains.

The MoU follows a similar agreement IonicRE signed with DNA Link in South Korea and adds to its global strategy, which includes a joint venture in Brazil with Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd.

The company is also advancing the Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda, a key source of heavy and magnet rare earths.

As demand grows for rare earths in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other decarbonisation technologies, this agreement further positions IonicRE at the forefront of a secure, traceable, and low-emissions global supply chain.

Circular supply chain


“Our robust long-loop recycling process opens up multiple opportunities for recyclers such as EMR, that were previously not available,” Harrison said.

“We can accommodate magnets in most formats, with varying degrees of pre-processing already completed, recovering individually separated, recycled REOs, with purity over 99.5%, perfectly suited for new Western supply chains.

“As shown by our successful feasibility study on commercial REO manufacturing in Belfast, our technology has fantastic commercial potential.

“EMR are a very significant partner to have engaged with the development and ultimately will likely have a key role in providing feedstock supply to the commercial plant.”

EMR strategic partnerships manager Dr Charlotte Stamper said: “EMR’s goal of delivering a sustainable and cost-effective circular supply chain for rare-earth magnets in the UK is closer than ever thanks to our agreement with IonicRE.

“The emergence of electric vehicles and wind power in recent years means there will be a greater demand for rare-earth magnets, and it is crucial these materials can be safely liberated and efficiently recycled right here in the UK.

“The signing of this MoU with IonicRE will empower EMR and its customers to capitalise on years of research and development during projects such as SCREAM, REAP and Re-Rewind to create a scaled up new recycling supply chain.”