Ionic Rare Earths eyes US expansion for rare earth refinery through Viridion JV
Last updated: 02:57 18 Jun 2025 BST, First published: 12:57 17 Jun 2025 BST
Refinery SX test work samples used to develop Ionic Technologies flowsheet and process model for US Refinery.
Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:IXR, OTC:IXRRF) is expanding the scope of its Brazilian joint venture, Viridion, to explore the development of a rare earth refinery in the United States, targeting a more secure and diversified global supply chain for critical magnet and heavy rare earth oxides (REOs).
The potential US facility would build on Viridion’s existing refining and recycling plans in Brazil, positioning the JV — owned 50/50 by IonicRE and Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX:VMM) — as a key player in the ex-China rare earths supply chain across the Americas.
The expanded scope follows a wave of strategic interest in rare earth supply from US manufacturers, particularly in the wake of China’s April 2025 restrictions on critical mineral exports.
“Viridion has made substantial progress in very rapid time, with the recent delivery of Brazil’s first locally sourced recycled magnet REOs, followed importantly by the announcement of financial support from the Brazilian Government,” said IonicRE managing director Tim Harrison.
“With the United States focused on addressing its critical shortages of domestic rare earths, Viridion is now working to examine how it could play a role in building a sovereign and sustainable US rare earth supply chain, building on our plans to facilitate Brazil’s rare earths drive.”
US refinery plans accelerate
Viridion’s US expansion plans will build on a 2023 internal scoping study completed by IonicRE for a refining facility capable of processing mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) sourced from its Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda.
That study highlighted Makuutu’s product basket as having one of the highest medium and heavy rare earth element (REE) contents globally — about 45% — and being uncommitted to Chinese processing channels.
Viridion now aims to fast-track updated estimates for both Brazilian and US refining capacities to facilitate engagement with US stakeholders and potential partners. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential refinery locations and integration into US-based manufacturing supply chains.
Continuous heavy rare earth separation test work (left), and refinery SX test work samples used to develop Ionic Technologies flowsheet and process model for US Refinery (right).
Strategic positioning amid geopolitical shifts
Viridion was recently selected by Brazil’s BNDES and FINEP development agencies under a A$1.4 billion national strategic minerals program. That endorsement supports the JV’s efforts to deliver Brazil’s first full-spectrum REO refining and magnet recycling capabilities and potentially export pre-processed materials to the US.
The proposed US refinery would receive MREC feedstock from Brazil or directly from Makuutu, producing value-added REO products for electric vehicles, wind turbines, communications and defence — key sectors heavily reliant on magnet REEs.
IonicRE and Viridis established Viridion in 2024 to commercialise the proprietary separation and magnet recycling technology developed by IonicRE’s UK-based subsidiary, Ionic Technologies. The JV holds exclusive rights (outside Asia and Uganda) to apply the IP to both new rare earth sources and end-of-life magnets.
A global circular supply strategy
With active projects in Uganda, Brazil, and now potentially the US, IonicRE is advancing a circular, traceable rare earths supply model spanning mining, recycling, and refining.
The company recently raised $3 million to support its global portfolio, including further progress at Makuutu and downstream initiatives under Viridion. By expanding into North America, IonicRE aims to enhance supply resilience and reduce reliance on China, which currently accounts for about 70% of US rare earth imports.
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