Ionic Rare Earths Ltd continues to lead the way in decarbonising critical net-zero technologies and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on the magnet recycling process of its subsidiary Ionic Technologies in Belfast, UK, is set to demonstrate significant carbon footprint benefits.
Sector leader Minviro Ltd is nearing completion of the LCA which is expected to show the smaller carbon footprint benefit of Ionic Technologies’ patented technology compared to conventionally produced REOs.
Ionic Technologies is on track to complete this quarter a first-of-kind Product Carbon Footprint analysis in partnership with Minviro for the proposed Belfast magnet recycling plant.
Step change for magnet REOs
This work is expected to provide a step change on magnet REO carbon footprint from recycling to help OEMs reduce environmental impact and support the global push for a sustainable, traceable and secure ex-China rare earths supply.
The LCA is also expected to position Ionic Technologies as a global leader for reducing the CO2 emission impact of goods containing REOs.
Will provide validation
IonicRE’s managing director Tim Harrison said: “The pending completion of the LCA study will provide validation of the significant CO2 benefit that Ionic Technologies’ patented magnet recycling and separated magnet REO recovery process demonstrates.
"We are very pleased to be working with Minviro Ltd., a global leader in peer-reviewed, ISO-certified studies, utilising LCA methodologies to accurately quantify the CO2 impact of technologies.
“As more net-zero technology, including EVs and offshore wind turbines is adopted globally, manufacturers are looking to quantify and actively manage the CO2 impact of their supply chain.
"Substantially more magnet REO demand, and therefore more CO2 impact, is now anticipated from emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
“By conducting such a targeted study, Ionic Technologies will be able to accurately inform and influence offtakers so that considered quantification around the CO2 impact of our products in their supply chains can be made.
“We expect the study to validate that the CO2 impact case for magnet recycling to separated magnet REOs using our technology is compelling, demonstrating clear environmental and sustainability benefits.
“This complements the geopolitical drivers and secure supply chain requirements for alternative REO production in Western markets.”
About the study
Functional units selected for the study are Didymium oxide ((NdPr)2O3) and Dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3), with a sensitivity analysis on Neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), which reflects the expected product mix from the Belfast commercial plant.
The study also incorporates an evaluation of the application of Ionic Technologies’ magnet REO products in direct drive wind turbine generators, utilising Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) technology.
Minviro has conducted a comprehensive, ISO-compliant LCA for Ionic Technologies’ rare earth recycling process, comparing its environmental footprint to traditional primary extraction methods.
The findings validate the sustainability benefits of REE recycling, demonstrating significant carbon footprint reductions over conventional mining.
Peer review
This study is undergoing critical peer review to ensure transparency, accuracy and ISO compliance, with findings set for release in three phases - mid-February (confirmation of assessment completion), late-February (broad carbon reduction figures) and post-peer review (full publication of peer-reviewed sustainability insights).
Following the peer review process, IonicRE will publish findings, including comparator data for two existing REO supply routes.
Minviro looks forward to supporting Ionic Technologies’ leadership in sustainable REE supply chains and providing data to drive science-based sustainability action.
Leading the way
IonicRE executive chairman Brett Lynch said: “This Product Carbon Footprint Study yet again demonstrates that IonicRE is leading the way in decarbonising net-zero technologies.
“Our intention to scale up the technology rapidly is bolstered by the early indications of this study.”
Ionic Technologies is collaborating with UK-based metals and alloy manufacturer Less Common Metals (LCM) and Ford Technologies with the aim of developing a UK supply chain for recycled magnets, backed by UK Government support.
Under the agreement, magnets produced from recycled REOs will be delivered to Ford’s EV drive train production facility in Halewood, supporting the US automaker’s European EV drive.
Together with this commercial drive, regulatory moves are also supporting IonicRE’s growth plans, with the Belfast plant strategically located to access both UK and European markets for rare earths.
Push in EU and US
In the UK, the Critical Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals Refresh included a focus on “making the UK’s rare earth element supply chains more resilient and boost the circular economy”.
The UK Government has announced plans to “work with the private sector to double onshore wind, triple solar power and quadruple offshore wind by 2030” as well as establishing a publicly owned company, Great British Energy, which will partner with private companies to deliver 'clean power'.
In Europe, the European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), a 300 billion euro initiative, sets clear benchmarks for domestic capacities in strategic raw materials, of which magnet REOs are classified as strategic, including requiring at least 25% of annual consumption derived from recycling and 40% supplied from processing within the EU by 2030.
With only around 1% of EU magnet waste currently recycled within the EU, Ionic Technologies’ planned facility in Belfast, under the Windsor Framework, could make a significant contribution towards achieving the 25% recycled target and 40% EU processing target.
In the US, the 2023 Atlantic Declaration includes collaborating with the UK on critical minerals to enhance “sustainable, secure, high-standard critical mineral and battery supply chains”. The US has also stated plans to develop its own domestic rare earths supply chain for defence requirements by early 2027.
Reshaping REE production
"As more global focus is directed towards the CO2 impact of technology, we will soon be able to quantify just how OEMs and magnet supply chain companies can reduce their CO2 impacts by making progressive decisions around REO sourcing, specifically sourcing REOs from recycling,” Lynch said.
“Our process produces unparalleled levels of recycled REO purity, which means that the study’s focus on Ionic Technologies as a producer of material equitable to primary REOs is a unique offering.
"Supply chain stakeholders can partner with us and consider the CO2 impact of our process to represent a like-for-like reduction in CO2, when compared to conventional, existing primary supply routes.
“We are fundamentally reshaping the process of producing rare earths based on recycling, removing the potentially catastrophic environmental damage caused by traditional REE production methods.
“This is a game-changer and these are exciting times for IXR shareholders as we de-risk through demining, developing an environmentally sustainable approach towards producing the critical minerals that will power our decarbonised future.”