Pioneering rare-earth separation research begins at Queen’s University Belfast, laying the groundwork for Ionic’s novel ionic-liquid technology. (Prof. Peter Nockemann’s team began its groundbreaking research on REE separation with ionic liquid technology.)

Seren Technologies is founded as a QUB spin-out to commercialise the new rare-earth separation technology.

Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) acquires Seren Technologies, renaming it Ionic Technologies. The company shifts into high gear as a 100%-owned subsidiary of IonicRE.

Conducted successful pilot-scale recycling of NdFeB magnets, working alongside recycling companies and alloy producers to prove the technology on real-world magnet waste.

Constructed and commissioned a 30 tpa (tonnes per annum) magnet recycling demonstration plant in Belfast, the first of its kind in the region. This facility began processing magnet scrap and end-of-life magnets, demonstrating the technology at scale.

Formed a high-profile collaboration with Ford UK, Less Common Metals (LCM), and the British Geological Survey (BGS) – supported by the UK Government’s CLIMATES program – to create a circular supply chain from recycled magnets for EVs. This partnership validated that recycled REOs could be made into new magnets for Ford’s electric vehicles.

Completed a Magnet Recycling Feasibility Study (with WSP and BGS), confirming that scaling up to a commercial plant is both economically and environmentally compelling. This study outlined a plan for a 40× capacity increase beyond the Belfast demo-plant, supporting a full-scale plant with construction targeted for 2026.

Launched “Viridion” – a 50:50 joint venture in Brazil with Viridis Mining & Minerals – to develop a rare earth separation refinery and a magnet recycling facility in Brazil. This initiative leverages Ionic Technologies’ Belfast-proven IP to expand into the Americas, marking the company’s first overseas expansion. In November 2024, Viridion also signed an MoU with Brazil’s CIT SENAI Institute to fast-track local NdFeB magnet production.

Partnered with major magnet manufacturer Vacuumschmelze (VAC) in Europe (alongside LCM) to recycle magnet swarf into new magnet alloys. This UK/EU collaboration, backed by Innovate UK grants, is helping establish a fully closed-loop magnet supply chain from recycled materials.

Achieved continuous production of high-purity REOs at the Belfast plant. By late 2024, the demonstration plant was running 24/7, regularly producing separated neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium oxides at >99.5–99.9% purity – a pivotal proof of technology readiness for commercial scale.

The Belfast demonstration plant is fully operational, marking Ionic Technologies as the only company outside China capable of separating all four critical magnet rare-earth oxides (Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb) at scale. This accomplishment underscores the company’s world-leading status in magnet recycling, as highlighted by international media in 2025.