Ionic Rare Earths Limited and EMR Forge Game-Changing MOU to Revolutionize Rare Earth Magnet Recycling with 61% CO2 Emission Reductions and Boost UK Supply Chain Sustainability
Monday, May 26, 2025
at
8:57 am
Ionic Rare Earths Limited has inked an MOU with global sustainable materials leader EMR to establish a circular supply chain for rare-earth magnets. This collaboration enhances recycling of end-of-life magnets in the UK, supporting the green transition and potentially boosting future profitability in the sustainable materials sector.
Ionic Rare Earths Limited has entered a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with global sustainable materials leader EMR to establish a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets through a pioneering recycling initiative. The collaboration will see the two companies work together to optimize the extraction of magnets from end-of-life assets, ensuring a secure and traceable supply of rare earth oxides for recycling. This agreement forms a crucial link in the planned commercial magnet recycling facility in Belfast, with supply network agreements extending throughout the UK, Europe, and Asia.
The partnership will leverage Ionic Technologies’ patented “made in Belfast” technology, which is capable of processing magnets in various conditions while achieving purities exceeding 99.5%. Independent analyses have indicated that Ionic Technologies’ process could achieve up to a 61% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional primary supply chains. EMR, with its global operations in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, brings extensive experience in recycling and sustainable material recovery, having saved over 19 million tonnes of CO2 annually through its initiatives.
This development is set against a backdrop of increasing global demand for rare earth magnets due to rapid expansion in electric vehicle production and wind power generation. The UK government is also expected to play a role in supporting the framework of a domestic recycled magnet rare-earth oxide supply chain, further enhancing the project's strategic importance in meeting net-zero targets. Ionic Rare Earths Limited has been building a global network through additional agreements in Asia and Brazil, reinforcing its commitment to a scalable and industrial recycling operation.
From a bullish perspective, the agreement with EMR signals strong confidence in Ionic Rare Earths Limited’s technology and its potential to contribute significantly to a sustainable circular economy. The partnership not only promises a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also positions the company to benefit from a robust supply chain in a market expected to grow as decarbonisation efforts intensify.
Conversely, there are elements of caution. The partnership is still in the non-binding stage and future developments will be subject to regulatory and operational hurdles inherent in establishing large-scale recycling facilities. Additionally, while forward-looking statements are optimistic, actual outcomes may face uncertainties tied to technology scalability and market demand.
Overall, the collaboration marks a notable step toward integrating sustainability with industrial efficiency, aligning with global efforts to transition to net-zero and secure essential materials for next-generation manufacturing.