Ionic Rare Earths (IXR) Australian Rare Earths & Critical Minerals Virtual Investor Conference summary

Strategic vision and business model

• Focused on building a resilient, fully integrated Western supply chain for magnet and heavy rare earths, with three main business components: recycling, joint ventures, and mining.

• Developed proprietary rare earth separation technology through its U.K. subsidiary, enabling high-purity magnet rare earth oxide production and recycling.

• Recycling is positioned as the fastest, most secure path for alternative, traceable Western supply chains, with technology designed for rapid global replication.

• Joint venture in Brazil (Viridian) targets refining and recycling, while the Makuutu project in Uganda is shovel-ready and fully permitted.

• Emphasizes a circular, integrated supply chain with a lower capital profile, aiming for primary supply chain integration by the end of the decade.

Technology and commercialization

• Only Western recycler currently producing separated and refined magnet rare earth oxides, including NdPr, dysprosium, and terbium.

• Technology validated from lab to demonstration scale, now moving toward commercialization in the U.K. with a planned commercial plant by 2027.

• Feasibility study for Belfast plant projects 400 tons annual output, GBP 85 million capex, 2.5-year payback, and robust post-tax NPV and IRR.

• Recycling operations have a growing resource base, unlike mines, and are expected to multiply across jurisdictions.

• Technology offers a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to Chinese primary supply, appealing to OEMs focused on sustainability.

Partnerships, supply chain, and market positioning

• Built relationships with European and U.S. OEMs and industrial partners, validating materials in their supply chains.

• U.K. government support includes GBP 17 million in grants and partnerships with major recyclers and manufacturers.

• Belfast's strategic location offers dual market access to the U.K. and EU, and is positioned as a recycling hub for offshore wind and EV magnets.

• Technology readiness level is higher than most peers, with some competitors' materials being upgraded for supply chain partners.

• Recent MOU with US Strategic Metals aims to replicate Belfast's model in the U.S., targeting military, defense, and advanced tech markets.