The language has changed. I think this Qtrly has provided s/h...

The language has changed.

I think this Qtrly has provided s/h with almost a confirmation that IXR are on the cusp of actually executing some company-changing agreements.

IXR are trying to convey to the market that they are on the verge of executing commercial agreements for Ionic Tech, which would relate to Belfast production, AND it seems "cut and paste" of processing facilities in other jurisdictions.

IONIC TECHNOLOGIES, BELFAST (100% IONICRE

• Strong progression towards Commercial Partnerships with Demonstration Plant production schedule now full through to Q3 2025

Following the successful commissioning and first continuous production from the Demonstration Plant, Ionic Technologies is now entering late-stage negotiations in relation to strategically significant production campaigns, with a view to progressing towards commercial agreements to roll the technology out to western end users. The continuous Demonstration Plant will also support the completion of a Feasibility Study into a commercial scale facility, expected by mid-2024 (ASX: 6 December 2023

Additionally, has a full production schedule through to Q3 2025 (ASX: 15 April 2024), with several supply chain participants, OEMs and potential strategic partners visiting Northern Ireland facility to evaluate plant performance and production output first hand.

With continuous production now achieved, and a full operational schedule now until Q3 2025, the Company is progressing several groups towards commercial partnerships across key target markets for growth, specifically Europe, the US and Asia.

MAKUUTU HEAVY RARE EARTHS PROJECT, UGANDA (60% IONICRE
• Award of LML brings on further supply chain and off-taker engagement

The increase in ownership represents a watershed moment for the Company with ownership at a 94% interest, opening a multitude of potential funding and offtake scenarios in financing the development of the Project. The Company continues discussions with partners on a transaction to acquire the remaining 6%.

With the continued integration of sustainable practices and the expansion of operational capabilities, IonicRE is well-positioned to meet the increasing global demand for magnet and heavy rare earths.

*******************
"Integrating World-Class Geology with World-Leading Technology
Both Companies recognise that this opportunity brings a stronger sum-of-the-parts operation combining assets, skillsets, IP, technology, personnel, and enterprise, than by progressing independently. Thereby accelerating their respective business plans and aligning with the RE supply chain strategic ambitions of Brazil"

IMHO, that is confirming that IXR's objective was to secure supply of VMM's higher grade resource to process thru IXR Belfast technology which would be built in Brazil. ie so a market for IXR tech,
I don't know whether Makuutu MREC would be processed there?
This JV provides a better option to ensure IXR tech sold into at least Brazil. And it knows VMM will have the ore to supply to the processing facility.

There is a lot of moving parts in this JV deal.
eg, having supply from VMM, and VMM co-partner, gives the combined JV a way better chance of securing funding, and off-take partners. It also gives partners a way better geo-political base to work with.
That's crucial for funding and off-take parties.
example- getting pre-purchase funding from Offtake parties.