New rare earth recycling plant to operate in Kingston

Cyclic is investing $25 million US into a facility that will see 500 tonnes of magnet-rich feedstock turn into recycled mixed rare earth oxide each year.

Kingston will soon be the home of a first-of-its-kind rare earth materials recycling plant.

Cyclic Materials announced that they are investing $25 million US into the Kingston Centre of Excellence, a 140,000 square-foot facility located on Cataraqui Woods Drive.

This facility will house the first commercial hub processing unit that will see 500 tonnes of magnet-rich feedstock turn into recycled mixed rare earth oxide each year.

Sr. VP of Corporate Development Kunal Phalpher says Kingston was selected for this special project as it has its roots in the Limestone City.

Once the material is recycled, it will be use to create permanent magnets in EV motors, wind turbines, and consumer electronics.

Kingston will be the first facility in North America that will recycle rare earth materials.

Phalpher says it was important to set up shop on this continent as the market for recycled rare earth materials increases.

Amazon and Microsoft are part of the investment group behind Cyclic.

Phalpher says they share the belief of having recycled rare earth materials available while leaving a small carbon footprint.

The new facility will employ 45 people once its completed next year, 20 of which have already been hired and trained.

Story by Ken Hashizume