Disclaimer: This article is an original summary of information published by US Strategic Metals. It does not reproduce the original press release and is provided for informational purposes only.
Summary
US Strategic Metals has announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ionic Rare Earths Limited to develop a large-scale rare-earth magnet recycling facility at a fully permitted 1,800-acre site in Missouri, United States. The project aims to recover high-purity rare earth elements from end-of-life permanent magnets, supporting the creation of a secure, domestic supply chain for critical materials.
Under the agreement, Ionic Rare Earths, through its subsidiary Ionic Technologies, will provide its patented magnet recycling technology. This process enables the extraction and separation of rare earth oxides such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium, samarium, gadolinium, and holmium at high purity levels. These materials are essential for advanced manufacturing sectors, including electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defense applications.
The proposed facility is intended to be vertically integrated, combining magnet recycling with downstream processing to reduce reliance on overseas refining, particularly from China. The collaboration also aligns with broader U.S.–Australia cooperation frameworks aimed at strengthening critical minerals supply chains. While the MOU is non-binding, it establishes a foundation for further technical development, funding efforts, and strategic partnerships as the project progresses.