Makuutu Demonstration Plant Update

Ionic Rare Earths Limited (“IonicRE” or “the Company”) (ASX: IXR) is pleased to advise progress in the construction of the Technical Facility and Demonstration Plant at the Makuutu Rare Earths Project (“Makuutu”) in Uganda, through local Ugandan operating entity Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited (“RRM”).

• Construction progressing at the Makuutu Demonstration Plant with foundations laid, steel columns and structure for Technical Facility erected;
• Makuutu Demonstration Plant to validate test work and provide the strong basis for grade control, mine design, material handling, metallurgical reconciliation, and construction while maximising Stage One DFS results;
• Land access agreements for the wider Makuutu Project area progressing rapidly post Ugandan Government approval on land access process received in mid- September; and
• Makuutu’s basket contains 71% magnet and heavy rare earths content, and is one of the most advanced heavy rare earth projects globally available as a source for new supply chains emerging across Europe, the US, and Asia.

At the Makuutu Demonstration Plant technical facility, civils have been completed along with the installation of the technical facility steel frame structure, with concrete slabs also poured for the agglomerator and heap desorption crib areas. Boundary fence installation and the upgraded site access road have also progressed towards completion. The technical facility schedule for completion has been revised and is now expected to be finalised in November with a target to commence heap desorption column test work by the end of 2023.

The Makuutu Demonstration Plant technical facility will aim to further optimise metallurgical test work and provide further technical validation basis for grade control, mine design, material handling, metallurgical reconciliation, and construction activity whilst also supporting Project financing and strategic partner activity.

IonicRE’s Managing Director Mr Tim Harrison said the progress at Makuutu over the past 6 weeks has been pleasing as land access agreements are now rapidly being progressed across all 3 districts that hosts the Makuutu Stage 1 Mining Licence Application (MLA) area at Retention Licence (RL) 1693, under TN03834 pending award.

“The progress allows IonicRE and RRM to harness our processing innovations to accelerate and validate mine development with a clear process plan to production and profitability,” Harrison said.

“This Demonstration Plant at Makuutu is a key milestone for the supply chain engagement with product to be produced here likely to go off to potential partners in early 2024. It is a globally strategic resource for near-term development and long-term security of magnet and heavy rare earth oxide (HREO) supply,” he said.

“Our focus on the delivery of the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earths Project in Uganda positions us to provide a secure, sustainable, and traceable supply of magnet rare earth oxides. Along with our Ionic Technologies Belfast recycling facility, Makuutu is key to us harnessing our technology to accelerate mining, refining, and recycling of magnets and heavy rare earths that are critical for the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and defence”.

Figure 1: Makuutu Project area showing stage 1 MLA area at RL 1693 / TN03834, pending award.

DEMONSTRATION PLANT ACTIVITIES

The technical facility structure is anticipated to be completed by late November, complete with electrical and water installations which will mark the end of a nine-month process from initial land acquisition to final construction.

A delay in the dispatch of test work equipment from Perth will see equipment reach Uganda next month prior to installation.

The Company continues to build its Uganda team with several new appointments made, and key input received from newly appointed engineering contractor DRA Global (ASX: 19 September 2023).

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