CRITICAL MINERALS
IonicRE: ready to grow REE capacity for the western world
By Nelendhre Moodley
Rare earth elements (REEs) are taking front and centre stage as some nations lock in policies to secure the subset of critical minerals used to advance technologies associated with the modern world, while others are using them to leverage better deals in trade wars with the US. So, what does this mean for producers of these critical commodities and technology specialists in the field? For insight into the importance of rare earths and their influence on the global landscape, Modern Mining caught up with Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths.
Crushed magnets – containing magnet REEs – are processed to extract the strategic magnet REOs.
A SX-listed Ionic Rare Earths (IonicRE) is an emerging miner, refiner and recycler of sustainable and traceable magnet and heavy rare earths needed to develop net-zero carbon technologies. The company’s vision is focused on developing a closed-loop supply chain that minimises environmental impact and maximises access to critical, strategic raw materials, through targeted global expansion. “Tectonic changes have occurred in the rare earth space over the last eight months, which have heightened the appetite from governments to accelerate the development of alternative supply chains. As it is, we are witnessing strong investment enthusiasm
“The demand for heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) is increasing rapidly due to their critical role in green technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines; however, the supply is concentrated and subject to geopolitical risks. This has led to supply shortages for all HREEs like dysprosium and terbium, price volatility, and a global push to diversify supply chains and enhance recycling efforts.” As such, countries have been prioritising and fast-tracking policies on critical minerals, with agendas focused on securing supply chains, fostering domestic processing, and promoting regional collaboration to mitigate risks and drive economic growth. Further to this, US President Donald
in the rare earth sector, which is creating a great environment for Ionic Rare Earths’ technology offering,” says Harrison. Rare earth elements, a subset of critical minerals, are vital in a broad range of technologies significant to national security, renewable energy systems, medicine and consumer products. The minerals play a crucial role in high-tech industries, aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing, making them central not only to energy security but also to broader economic resilience. According to Harrison, the real strategic value of having access to REEs is their use in robotics, AI and the next generation of technologies for the modern world.
32 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | February 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker