Highlights
- Viridis Mining and Ionic Rare Earths partner with SENAI FIEMG to develop rare earth oxide production and magnet manufacturing in Brazil.
- The collaboration aims to establish a full-suite rare earth oxide production capability and enhance the rare earth supply chain in South America.
- The agreement includes joint research, technological services, and potential recycling initiatives to support Brazil’s rare earth industry growth.
Viridis Mining (opens in a new tab) and Minerals announced on X a deal with Ionic Rare Earths (opens in a new tab) involving a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SENAI FIEMG (opens in a new tab) Innovation and Technology Centre, the proprietor of South America’s inaugural rare earth magnet laboratory. According to the parties, this collaborative effort represents a significant step towards establishing a full-suite rare earth oxide (REO) production capability in Brazil.
The deal with SENAI FIEMG aims to lay the groundwork for collaboration between Viridion and the SENAI Regional Department.
The partnership is set to foster the development and production of rare earth magnets at the Lab Fab facility in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The agreement calls for Viridion to commit to supplying the raw materials required for the pilot production of rare earth magnets.
Both Ionic and Viridis have agreed to promote initiatives that will strengthen their partnership and enhance their relationships with industries interested in the technologies.
The companies have also consented to collaborate on joint projects involving applied research, assessment activities, consulting, experiments, specialized technological services and training. The parties plan to implement additional joint activities and programs including pilot and experimental initiatives in areas of mutual interest that the parties may agree upon in the future.
Background
In April 2024, both Ionic and Viridis finalized a binding term sheet for the commercialization of selection separation technology, key for recovering REOs from various feeds.
The deal also involved exclusive rights to commercialize rare earth recycling technology in Brazil, positioning Ionic as a pioneer in South American REO production.
As reported by Mining Technology (opens in a new tab) the term sheet’s execution led to formation of a Viridion joint venture (JV), now holding exclusive global rights to Ionic’s separation intellectual property (IP).
Essential IP for producing REOs from mixed rare earth carbonate or equivalent intermediate feed streams. Viridion will also own any new intellectual property arising from the commercialization process.
Ionic rare earths managing director Tim Harrison said: “This latest agreement is a major step forward for the Viridion JV, helping to unlock magnet recycling’s significant role in the development of initial REE [rare earth elements] supply chains in new markets such as Brazil.
“The production of magnet REOs within Brazil will enable the ramp up of magnet production capability at CIT SENAI’s LabFab facility, which is targeting a ramp up in NdFeB production to 100 tonnes per annum by the end of 2026. We see the JV as the natural partner to help deliver this within the time frame via recycling.
“By working with LabFab, we will also be able to recycle waste streams produced in the ramp up of activities, which will enable the development of a truly insulated, secure NdFeB supply chain in Brazil that can support significant advanced manufacturing activities under way in that market.”
In April this year, Ionic Rare Earths and Viridis Mining and Minerals formed a JV (opens in a new tab) to establish a rare earth separation refinery and magnet recycling facility in Brazil.
Ionic Rare Earths was founded in 1998 and operates as a mineral exploration company. The company's flagship project is the Makuutu rare earths project that includes five licenses covering an area of 242 km2 located in eastern Uganda. The company is based in West Perth, Australia.
Also based in Western Australia, Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd is a mineral exploration company. It operates in the geographical areas of Australia and Canada. The company's projects include South Kitikmeot Gold Project, which the company considers to be prospective for gold, the Boddington West Project, which the company considers to be prospective for gold, the Bindoon Project, which the Company considers to be prospective for nickel, copper and platinum group elements, Poochera Project and Smoky Halloysite Project, which the Company considers to be prospective for kaolin-halloysite.
Daniel
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