Ionic Technologies will collaborate with leading German REPM manufacturers to produce top-quality sintered magnets for e-motors.
The initiative involves collaboration with German REPM manufacturers, EMR, Less Common Metals, Ford Technologies, Bentley, Wrightbus, the British Geological Survey, GKN Powder Metallurgy, and Vacuumschmelze. It focuses on magnet manufacturing and recycling to establish a circular supply chain. Brett Lynch, IonicRE’s executive chairman, said: “This is another significant demonstration of the UK government’s support for the development of a sovereign, secure and sustainable rare earth supply chain. Vision is important, but execution is essential and IonicRE is delighted by this additional support as we develop a fully integrated UK rare earth supply chain.”
Tim Harrison, IonicRE’s managing director, stated: “With the export of REPMs from China effectively turned off in April, the customer base has felt firsthand the risk of complete dependence on a monopolistic supply chain. These initiatives enable the customer base to see that ex-China capability is possible with the support of Western governments, and we congratulate the UK government for delivering on their vision of sovereign supply.”
Ionic’s Belfast plant produces recycled REOs, advancing toward commercial-scale operations. Supported by APC’s DRIVE35 low-carbon funding, the project will develop a commercial plant in Belfast Harbour, creating jobs and regional growth. IonicRE also pursues global projects, including recycling plants in the US and Brazil, and a November 2024 agreement in Brazil with Viridis Mining and SENAI FIEMG for REO production.
The project strengthens the UK’s electric vehicle sector with a reliable REO supply, supporting sustainable technology development.
