Ionic Rare Earths (ASX:IXR) announces the appointment of Sean Sargent as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) chief operating officer to drive commercial rare earth magnet recycling in Belfast.
Sargent will help facilitate the delivery of a commercial rare earth permanent magnet recycling facility in Belfast, as well as oversee international expansion across the EMEA region.
The appointment follows an increasing global focus on securing ex-China rare earth supply chains, with wholly owned subsidiary Ionic Technologies advancing the sovereign supply of rare earth oxides.
Sargent recently served as chief executive of Green Lithium for four years, leading the UK startup’s efforts to build a sustainable, battery-grade lithium refinery.
Throughout his career, he has led the design, construction, and operation of major engineering projects ranging from £10 million ($19 million) to £15 billion.
CEO Tim Harrison says the company is delighted to welcome Sargent to the international team.
“Sean’s track record of successful project delivery and his relationships across the UK’s defence and renewables sectors will be invaluable as we work to ensure the successful launch of a magnet recycling facility, the first for the UK and one of many planned globally as part of our international expansion drive,” Harrison says.
Sargent says the business has “enormous global potential”, starting with the Belfast development.
“I look forward to contributing to IonicRE’s growth plans while building strong relationships with key stakeholders across the UK and beyond, as we work to deliver the company’s inaugural commercial plant, supporting regional development, the UK’s defence needs, critical minerals supply, and its clean energy future,” Sargent says.
Harrison adds that Sargent’s appointment is the first of several key executive appointments IonicRE will be making in the near term as the company expands its presence in the UK market.
Ionic Rare Earths develops sustainable, traceable supply chains for magnet and heavy rare earths.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Ionic Rare Earths
