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Australia’s Ionic Rare Earths inks deal with US-based Nth Cycle to boost output outside China

By Thomson Reuters May 20, 2026 | 8:30 PM

May 21 (Reuters) – Australia’s Ionic Rare Earths said on Thursday it has agreed ​to work with ‌U.S.-based critical mineral refining firm Nth Cycle to improve rare earths production outside China.

Here are ‌some ​details:

• The deal ⁠aims to strengthen ⁠rare earth refining in the United States and other markets.

• Under the deal, ​Nth Cycle will supply its recycling and refining ⁠technology to support ⁠Ionic Rare Earths’ ​operations.

• “Nth Cycle’s technology pathway not ​only lowers costs, but also ‌addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities, exactly the kind of partnership that can make ⁠ex-China refining viable,” IonicRE Executive Chairman Brett Lynch said.

• Shares of ⁠IonicRE ‌were up 4.5% ⁠at A$0.345 in early ​trade, ‌and on track for ​their ⁠best day in a week, if the current momentum holds.

(Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Sherry Jacob-Phillips)