High-grade terbium production boosts collaboration hopes for Ionic RE

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: IXR) has rolled out the production of high-grade terbium oxide from its Belfast Pilot Plant in the United Kingdom, supporting its expectations for collaboration work with auto giant Ford Technologies and alloy manufacturer Less Common Metals, also based in the UK.

Approximately 2.8 kilograms of terbium oxide (Tb4O7) with higher than 99.5 percent purity was successfully produced through separation from the Belfast plant, which is operated by company subsidiary Ionic Technologies.

IonicRE is seeking to become a major player in the development of a Western supply chain for rare earth oxides and magnet recycling, and its first production of terbium from Belfast is a key goal towards achieving this, leading on from the production of magnet rare earth oxide (REO) last year.

Executive chairman, Mr Brett Lynch emphasized the importance of developing this supply chain.

“This is another significant milestone for IonicRE, solidifying IonicRE as a leader in this sector as we look to build a secure and sustainable Western supply chain for the wind power and other key clean energy industries,” he said.

“The capability to produce these elements to high purity, from waste materials generated in the rare earth permanent magnet supply chain, represents a win for the industry and an opportunity to disrupt how Western markets access heavy REOs, especially dysprosium and terbium of which more than 98 percent of global supply originates from Chinese producers.

“Given the global demand for secure and traceable heavy REOs, at high purity, we are pleased to demonstrate our capability to separate and purify terbium and dysprosium with our technology.”

Ionic’s demonstration plant – founded two years ago through a £1.7 million (approximately A$2.9 million) grant from the UK government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, using technology patented at the nearby Queen’s University.

It is expected to commence separated magnet REO production on a continuous basis before the end of the March.

Last year, Ionic Technologies secured a collaboration with Ford Technologies and Less Common Metals to develop the UK’s first supply chain for recycled magnet rare earths to magnets.

IonicRE is trading at 2c.