The EV Permanent Magnet Circular Supply Chain
Lead Participant:
IONIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Abstract
Ionic Technologies, Less Common Metals (LCM) and Ford are seeking to establish a demonstration circular supply chain for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in the UK, by utilising innovative technologies to create high specification magnets containing 100% recycled REEs for use in Electrical Vehicles (EVs).
Production of critical minerals of all kinds is expected to rise sharply, some as much as 500% by 2040\. Given the current dependency on imports of REEs into the UK, it will be vital for recycling of REEs to become mainstream and to integrate REE recycling into the UK REE supply chain.
Ionic Technologies have demonstrated patented technology at the Demonstration Plant in Belfast, in order to produce high purity REEs at a rate of 10 tonnes per annum. At 99.5% purity or higher, the REEs produced are suitable for use in high specification magnets for EVs and other technology contributing towards the UK's NetZero ambitions.
LCM is a world leader in the manufacture and supply of complex alloy systems and metals including those based on REEs. LCM produces alloys made from REEs, which are supplied to permanent magnet production companies worldwide. As there is no producer of sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) for the automotive industry in the UK, a sub-contract magnet producer will be used to manufacture multiple magnet types which meet Ford's specifications.
Ford currently has 4 drive production facilities globally; the majority of EU production will come from its UK based Halewood facility which is planning to produce close to half a million units per annum by 2026\. To support production at this facility there will be a requirement for over 600 tonnes of magnet raw material per annum. Ford will test and analyse the performance of magnets provided through the project, to prove the efficacy of high specification magnets containing REEs of recycled origin.
Inevitably, each stage of the process from REE recycling to EV testing will generate waste (swarf), including the magnets used in Ford's EV motors. Ionic technologies will recycle this material, thus completing a totally circular REE supply chain within the UK.
In summary, this project seeks to build a demonstration supply chain of recycled REEs in the UK, utilising industry leading technology at each stage of magnet manufacture and testing.
Production of critical minerals of all kinds is expected to rise sharply, some as much as 500% by 2040\. Given the current dependency on imports of REEs into the UK, it will be vital for recycling of REEs to become mainstream and to integrate REE recycling into the UK REE supply chain.
Ionic Technologies have demonstrated patented technology at the Demonstration Plant in Belfast, in order to produce high purity REEs at a rate of 10 tonnes per annum. At 99.5% purity or higher, the REEs produced are suitable for use in high specification magnets for EVs and other technology contributing towards the UK's NetZero ambitions.
LCM is a world leader in the manufacture and supply of complex alloy systems and metals including those based on REEs. LCM produces alloys made from REEs, which are supplied to permanent magnet production companies worldwide. As there is no producer of sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) for the automotive industry in the UK, a sub-contract magnet producer will be used to manufacture multiple magnet types which meet Ford's specifications.
Ford currently has 4 drive production facilities globally; the majority of EU production will come from its UK based Halewood facility which is planning to produce close to half a million units per annum by 2026\. To support production at this facility there will be a requirement for over 600 tonnes of magnet raw material per annum. Ford will test and analyse the performance of magnets provided through the project, to prove the efficacy of high specification magnets containing REEs of recycled origin.
Inevitably, each stage of the process from REE recycling to EV testing will generate waste (swarf), including the magnets used in Ford's EV motors. Ionic technologies will recycle this material, thus completing a totally circular REE supply chain within the UK.
In summary, this project seeks to build a demonstration supply chain of recycled REEs in the UK, utilising industry leading technology at each stage of magnet manufacture and testing.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| IONIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED | £446,326 | £ 267,796 |
Participant |
||
| FORD TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED | £203,809 | £ 101,904 |
| LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED | £343,471 | £ 206,083 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Julien Lehoux (Project Manager) |