Ionic Rare Earths Ltd

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd. (ASX: IXR, FSE: 6UH) is a forward-thinking mining and technology company specializing in sustainably sourcing and refining rare earth elements (REEs) essential for the new economy. With a focus on magnet and heavy rare earths critical for industries like wind energy, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, the company operates at the forefront of the global transition toward sustainable technologies.

The company has transitioned over the past two years from the primary supply chain (mining)  towards an accelerated approach on secondary supply of magnet rare earths from recycling.  The company’s 100% owned UK subsidiary, Ionic Technologies, has received significant government support over this time, developing collaborations with EV manufacturers and the rare earth supply chain, making it the first Western producer of recycled, separated magnet REOs.

Ionic Rare Earths is uniquely positioned to provide a secure and sustainable supply chain for rare earth elements, leveraging advanced technology and strategic global partnerships to drive innovation and market leadership.

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd. presents a compelling opportunity as a vertically integrated rare earths supplier addressing critical global needs. 

The company is pioneering magnet recycling through its Belfast-based facility, which has already achieved commercial-scale production of high-purity magnet REOs (Nd, Pr, Dy, and Tb). With a 2024 feasibility study highlighting a post-tax NPV of $502 million and an IRR of 43.6%, the recycling initiative offers a low-capex, high-return solution for addressing global supply chain challenges.

Ionic Rare Earths also leverages strategic joint ventures, including a 50/50 partnership in Brazil, to expand its refining and recycling footprint. These initiatives align with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and circular economy principles, ensuring sustainable value creation for investors and end-users alike. With rising demand for rare earths driven by renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, Ionic Rare Earths is strategically positioned for long-term growth and industry leadership.

Finally, the Makuutu Rare Earths Project is positioned to be a reliable, scalable source of high-demand rare earth elements, with offtake discussions underway and expansion potential supported by growing market demand. The project’s modular design ensures capital efficiency, while its strategic location in Uganda benefits from strong governmental support and favorable infrastructure conditions.

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd. is led by a skilled and experienced management team with deep expertise across mining, technology, and project development. At the helm are Brett Lynch, Executive Chaiman and Tim Harrison, Managing Director.

Brett Lynch is a highly experienced international company director and executive, with a strong background and proven track record in advancing shareholder value. Brett most recently was Managing Director at Sayona Mining, leading the company’s transformation from small-cap explorer into a multibillion-dollar lithium miner, with the successful launch of production in Quebec, Canada in 2023 and development of exploration assets.

Tim Harrison brings over 25 years’ experience and an extensive and successful track record specialising in the fields of both mineral processing and hydrometallurgy across multiple commodities, and has been driving the development of the downstream supply chain integration through recycling and refining via the acquisition and acceleration of magnet recycling business, Ionic Technologies in the UK.

Warren Tregurtha, Chief Executive Officer of Rwenzori Rare Metals Ltd, a subsidiary of IonicRE). Mr Tregurtha was appointed CEO of RRM in 2018. Since then he has been leading the Ugandan subsidiary company through its exploration activities, environmental authorisations and ultimately its application for a Mining Licence.

This cohesive team’s experience across diverse fields positions the company as a leader in the rare earth elements industry, driving sustainable growth and shareholder value.

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd. is executing a comprehensive growth strategy focused on becoming a global leader in the rare earths supply chain. 

Ionic Rare Earths is capitalizing on its innovative rare earth separation IP, applied to magnet recycling technology through its Belfast facility, which has already achieved significant milestones, including the production of high-purity recycled REOs. This initiative not only addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities but also positions the company at the forefront of the circular economy, with plans to expand globally via joint ventures and commercial partnerships.

The company is also leveraging strategic partnerships, such as its Viridion joint venture in Brazil, to establish a vertically integrated refining and recycling supply chain. By aligning its growth plans with global policy initiatives, including the EU’s Critical Raw Material Act and the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, Ionic Rare Earths ensures a stable, ESG-compliant pathway to expansion.

The company is advancing the Makuutu Rare Earths Project through permitting, engineering, and modular development phases, targeting initial production in the near term. The scalable nature of this project ensures flexibility to meet rising global demand while optimizing capital efficiency.

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd. is strategically positioned for financial growth, supported by a robust asset base and innovative initiatives in mining and recycling. Ionic Technologies, the company’s magnet recycling initiative in Belfast adds a significant revenue stream with a post-tax NPV of US$502 million and an IRR of 43.6%, as highlighted in its feasibility study. With CAPEX for the facility estimated at US$108.7 million and OPEX at US$27.68 per kilogram of rare earth oxide (REO), the project offers rapid payback within 2.4 years, enhancing overall financial resilience. 

The scope for global roll out also provides multiples of potential return on this, with inventory of end of life magnets, and waste streams likely to increase considerably over the next decade and beyond enabling the technology to be integrated into new western permanent magnet capacity being developed in the US, EU, Asia and Brazil. 

The Makuutu Rare Earths Project offers a low-capex, modular development pathway that maximizes capital efficiency. The project has already achieved key milestones, including a mining license, environmental permits, and successful production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from its demonstration plant, paving the way for near-term revenue generation.

Ionic Rare Earths employs a diversified financing strategy, combining equity, project debt, and potential strategic investments to fund its growth initiatives. Government support, including grant applications through the UK Automotive Transformation Fund, further strengthens its financial outlook. These combined efforts position the company to deliver consistent cash flow and sustainable shareholder value in the long term.

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd. stands at the forefront of the global transition toward sustainable, secure, and innovative rare earth solutions. Through its pioneering Ionic Technologies magnet recycling initiatives, Brazilian Viridion joint venture and  Makuutu Rare Earths Project, the company addresses critical supply chain needs while promoting environmental stewardship and circular economy principles.

With a strategic focus on low-capex, scalable development and high-value downstream products, Ionic Rare Earths is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for rare earth elements driven by renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. Its robust financial strategies, including leveraging existing infrastructure and strategic partnerships, further enhance its long-term growth potential.

Backed by an experienced management team, a strong commitment to ESG principles, and alignment with global policies supporting critical minerals, Ionic Rare Earths offers a compelling opportunity for stakeholders seeking exposure to the rare earths market. As the company advances its projects through key milestones, it is poised to deliver sustainable value, driving innovation and leadership in this essential sector of the new economy.