IonicRE, through its wholly owned subsidiary Ionic Technologies, is ramping up production of high-purity dysprosium (Dy2O3) and terbium (Tb4O7) oxides at its Belfast plant in the UK.
This move addresses increasing demand for these heavy rare earth oxides (HREOs), which are essential to the manufacture of high-performance permanent magnets used in defence, advanced manufacturing and renewables sectors.
The increase in HREO production comes as demand for these materials from Western countries including the US, UK and European nations intensifies.
This surge in interest is a direct response to China's announcement in April 2025 of further export restrictions on medium and heavy rare earths including dysprosium and terbium.
IonicRE's Belfast facility plays a key role in the company's vertically integrated rare earth supply chain, utilising advanced processing technology to meet stringent industry specifications for dysprosium and terbium.
IonicRE executive chairman Brett Lynch said: “We have the necessary technology, inventory and extra capacity available to service the Western HREO market, cementing our position as the leading UK supplier of secure, sustainable and traceable magnet and heavy rare earths.
“IonicRE is rapidly building a global rare earth recycling industrial business. We are taking small steps but even more quickly towards commercialisation, demonstrating our proactive approach to improving shareholder returns as we work towards delivery of the Belfast commercial plant.”
The company is engaging with manufacturers from the US, Europe and Asia for the supply of heavy rare earth elements and will provide updates as discussions evolve into commercial agreements.
IonicRE's recent actions follow the announcement of support from the UK Government, with Ionic Technologies spearheading the £11m CirculaREEconomy project, starting from 1 August 2025. This project requires the production of high-purity, separated rare earth oxides from its demonstration plant in Belfast.
IonicRE managing director Tim Harrison said: “Ionic Technologies’ Demonstration Plant has shown its ability to produce high-purity REOs from end-of-life permanent magnets or production swarf since January 2024, successfully operating on a 24/7 basis, and delivering REOs to our supply chain partners.
“Since the recent April rare earth export controls announced by China, we have been flooded with enquiries from automakers and other manufacturers for heavy rare earths, due to the critical Western shortage of these highly strategic materials. This has been highlighted by a tripling of prices for both Dy2O3 and Tb4O7 over the past three months.”
Ionic Technologies has demonstrated the potential of its patented technology to enhance the sustainability of the rare earth supply chain.
A peer-reviewed Product Carbon Footprint Study highlighted emission reductions of up to 61% compared to the current supply chain sourced from primary mining.
