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Progress on Belfast rare earth initiative

Plans for a magnet recycling facility in Northern Ireland have advanced with the completion of a feasibility study.

Project Ionic Rare Earth Recycling encompasses the design and construction of a new magnet recycling plant on an existing brownfield site in Belfast for Ionic Technologies.

The study was carried out by consultancy and provides a more refined cost estimate and incorporates design improvements while prioritising operational health and safety. It covered a range of services including design management, process engineering, mechanical and electrical, architectural, and civil and structural engineering. WSP also provided environmental consultancy support to Ionic Technologies.

Sustainable future

China accounts for 87% of the production of magnet rare earth oxides while its downstream capabilities account for nearly 95% of global permanent magnet manufacturing. Ionic Technologies’ goal is for a more sustainable future by extracting and recycling rare earth oxides (REO) from end-of-life magnets.

Tim Harrison, md, IonicRE, says the completion of the feasibility study is a significant milestone in the development of a western rare earths supply chain, initially centred on Belfast. ‘Significantly, the study confirms that the commercial case for magnet recycling is compelling, complementing the clear environmental and sustainability benefits, as well as the growing requirement for REO production outside of China.’

Andrew Woodward, Head of Industry at WSP, says: ‘Rare earths are critical to the future of the Net Zero energy transition, and this milestone reflects our shared commitment to designing for a sustainable future and achieving net zero together.’

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