UK’s leap towards rare earth independence with Ionic TechnologiesBy
Yeshiel PanchiaNovember 8, 2023
Ionic Rare Earths rare earths Makuutu. Picture: Supplied.
Ionic Technologies blazes a trail in the rare earth sector, securing key partnerships and UK government backing. Their pioneering work in magnet recycling positions the UK at the forefront of a sustainable, circular economy, fostering energy transition and advanced manufacturing independence.In a decisive move towards material sovereignty, Ionic Technologies, a subsidiary of Ionic Rare Earths Limited, has recently inked landmark agreements with Ford Technologies Limited, Less Common Metals Limited, and the British Geological Survey. This collaborative effort promises to establish the UK’s first domestic source of high-purity magnet rare earth oxides (REOs), pivotal for the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors.
“Aligning with our strategic vision, these partnerships and the accompanying £1 million UK government grant champion our mission to power the UK’s critical industries with locally-sourced, sustainable materials,” articulated Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths.
The impetus provided by the UK Government’s circular critical materials supply chains (CLIMATES) program underscores the nation’s commitment to a net-zero future. This is not merely a venture into the extraction and supply of strategic materials but a robust step towards establishing the UK as a global leader in green technology.
Ionic Technologies has distinguished itself with a ‘first mover’ advantage in the industrial extraction of separated REOs from spent magnets and manufacturing waste. The firm’s proprietary technology ensures the recovery of high-purity REOs, facilitating the production of high-performance magnets essential for EVs, wind turbines, and defence applications.
“Through these pioneering projects, we’re setting the foundation for a secure, sovereign supply chain, free from geopolitical uncertainties,” Harrison remarked, envisioning a self-sufficient future for the UK’s critical material needs.
As Ionic Technologies forges ahead, their work symbolises a significant stride towards an autonomous and environmentally conscious UK, poised to meet the demands of an evolving technological landscape.
(20min delay)