IXR (ASX) General Chat / Discussion

Originally posted by roblun: ↑

Beautifully researched @Koproskilo, Bravo, I'll add more, So this would be for a Magnet Recycling plant not for MREC Separation Plant location.

Ionic Rare Earths IXR) is actively planning to establish a U.S.-based rare earth refinery through its Viridion Joint Venture, following the success of its Belfast, UK demonstration plant. This strategic expansion comes in response to growing concerns about China's dominance in rare earth processing and recent export restrictions implemented in April 2025. IXR has previously completed an internal scoping study for a U.S.-based heavy rare earth oxide refinery, which will now be updated through Viridion to fast-track estimates for both Brazilian and U.S. refining capacity

https://www.listcorp.com/asx/ixr/ionic-rare-earths-limited/news/ixrs-viridion-jv-plans-expansion-into-usa-with-ree-refinery-3202781.html

6. https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-sites-virtual-tour
7. https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-sites-virtual-tour
8. https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2021/09/23/raytheon-intelligence-space-expands-innovation-and-manufacturing-footprint-in-n

26. https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/rare-earth-strategy-us-refinery-viridion-2025/

South Carolina location would position IXR to make a significant contribution to the DoD's goal of establishing a domestic rare earth supply chain by 2027, helping to address the critical shortage of these materials for defence applications while creating a sustainable, circular economy for rare earth elements in the United States.

Ionic Rare Earths (IXR) is planning two separate facilities in the United States: a magnet recycling plant and an MREC (Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate) separation plant through its Viridion Joint Venture. This represents a comprehensive approach to establishing a complete rare earth supply chain infrastructure in the US market, tomorrow I'll do a MREC Separation Plant location.

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As discussed yesterday on this thread, multiple locations, The company's multiple plant strategy leverages proven Belfast technology while addressing urgent US national security requirements for domestic rare earth capabilities. With strong regulatory tailwinds, proven technology, and established partnerships, IXR is well-positioned to become a significant player in the emerging US rare earth ecosystem.

However, execution risks remain substantial given the complex technical, regulatory, and geopolitical landscape surrounding rare earth supply chains, mainly the US lacks critical downstream infrastructure for rare earth value chains, No operational commercial-scale separation facilities outside China, Limited metal-making capabilities for rare earth elements, Virtually no domestic magnet manufacturing capacity but coming soon 2026/27, Absence of standardized rare earth products, These gaps force IXR to either develop integrated facilities (increasing capital intensity) or establish complex partnerships, creating operational dependencies that could delay production timelines.

IXR's approach involves two complementary strategies: multiple magnet recycling plants leveraging Ionic Technologies' patented intellectual property, and expansion of the Viridion Joint Venture to potentially develop a US-based rare earth refinery. This dual approach addresses both secondary (recycled) and primary rare earth sources for the US market

Originally posted by roblun: ↑

As we already know, IXR is actively pursuing a dual-facility strategy for US market entry through its subsidiaries Ionic Technologies and Viridion JV, The company's US strategy involves establishing both a magnet recycling plant based on its successful Belfast technology and an MREC Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate using its brilliant MAIL IP separation facility through the Viridion JV.

The NWR (Network World Radio) interview with Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths, conducted on June 19, 2025, this analysis evaluates IXR's strategic evolution and transformational developments. During the interview with Peter, IXR's Managing Director Tim Harrison has confirmed that discussions are already progressing with potential US-based stakeholders regarding the establishment of a rare earth refinery in the United States. The company previously completed an internal scoping study for a US-based heavy rare earth oxide refinery utilizing Ionic Technologies' separation and refining intellectual property, which is now being updated through Viridion to fast-track estimates for both Brazilian and US refining capacity.

As we know, and I posted previously, The US Department of Defence (DoD) represents a significant market opportunity for IXR, with annual requirements of approximately 3,000 tonnes of permanent magnets for military applications. To support this demand, the DoD has invested over $439 million since 2020 to establish domestic rare earth supply chains, with a "mine-to-magnet" initiative aiming to create a fully domestic supply chain by 2027.

What now has to done is establishing strategic partnerships with US rare earth company/companies would significantly enhance IXR's ability to secure DoD contracts and successfully enter the US market with IXRs proven technology from Belfast, combined with the Viridion JV's Brazilian connections, creates a compelling value proposition for potential US partners seeking to establish a resilient, multi-source supply chain independent of Chinese sources.

Tim Harrison's/ Brett discussions with US stakeholders represent a strategic move to position IXR as a key player in the emerging Western rare earth supply chain. By leveraging its proven technology from Belfast and the Viridion JV's Brazilian connections, IXR is creating a compelling value proposition for potential US partners seeking to establish a resilient, multi-source supply chain independent of Chinese sources.

IMHO, Types of strategic groups and stakeholders discussions in the US, examples but not confirmed

Plus we must not forget

https://tennessee.edu/research/centers-institutes/

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IXR is progressing discussions with several US-based parties regarding the establishment of multiple potential magnet recycling plants across various states in the United States. This represents a significant evolution from the company's current Belfast, UK demonstration plant operations, which became "the first producer of recycled separated magnet rare earth oxides in the Western world.

This analysis integrates the ASX release with all relevant context from this thread, including IXRʼs technology, partnerships, US policy drivers, and the broader rare earths market landscape.

IXRʼs June 23, 2025 ASX release marks a decisive step in building a resilient, ex-China rare earth supply chain for the US and allied markets. The companyʼs proven technology, global partnerships, and dual-track US strategy (recycling and refining) directly address urgent US defence and industrial needs. While execution risks remain, IXR is now positioned as a first mover.

The multiple US plant strategy leverages proven Belfast technology while addressing urgent US national security requirements for domestic rare earth capabilities. With strong regulatory tailwinds and established partnerships, and a clear timeline aligning with the 2027 defence compliance deadline, IXR is strategically positioned to become a significant player in the Western rare earth ecosystem.