Belfast Plant Achieves Rare Earth Breakthrough Using Ford EV Motor

A breakthrough has been achieved in reducing reliance on China-based rare earth minerals, thanks to a Ford EV motor. Ionic Rare Earths, a company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has validated a separated rare earth oxide material in an electric motor supplied by Ford. This is reportedly the first time this has been done via a recycler of those materials.

The company’s facility, currently operating as a demonstration plant, processes end-of-life magnets, generates metal waste, and separates rare earth oxides. Over the past three years, the facility has produced elements including neodymium-praseodymium, dysprosium-terbium, holmium, and gadolinium. Ionic has signed a deal with US-based magnet manufacturer Advanced Magnet Lab, which is validating magnets for the defense sector.

However, current production stands at around 10 tons of separated oxides per year, which is not enough to meet existing demand. The company sees opportunity in this market if it can ramp up output over the next few years at the right price. According to Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths, the US is unfolding a $14 billion mine to magnet strategy, supported by over $4 billion in government catalytic capital, which has brought in investment from industry and public markets.