ASX-listed Ionic Rare Earths’ ordinary shares have been approved for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market in the US, providing investors in that country with improved access to participate in the company’s heavy rare earth and magnet recycling strategy.

The OTCQB market is operated by OTC Markets Group and is designed for developing companies that meet ongoing disclosure and reporting standards.

The company will continue to maintain its primary listing on the ASX.

No new shares have been issued as part of the OTCQB admission. Trading on OTCQB will be conducted in US dollars and started on January 21.

This approval follows Ionic’s recent memorandum of understanding with Missouri-based US Strategic Metals, with the company having committed to supporting the US-Australia critical minerals partnership.

The OTCQB admission aligns closely with Ionic’s strategic focus on jurisdictions actively supporting the development of secure, transparent and non-Chinese supply chains for critical minerals, including rare earth elements, it states.

Rare earths are recognised by the US as essential inputs for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, electric vehicles and defence applications.

Ionic believes increased visibility in the US capital markets enhances engagement with investors and stakeholders who are aligned with these policy priorities and long-term strategic objectives.

Ionic highlights that it holds a portfolio of rare-earth assets and initiatives positioned to support Western supply chain resilience, including patented technology; initiatives to scale recycling technology globally to key target markets; the Makuutu project, in Uganda – an advanced heavy rare earth development project; an emerging Brazilian footprint including both rare earth recycling and refining initiatives; and an established resource base with demonstrated potential for production of didymium and heavy rare earth elements.

“Ionic Rare Earth’s admission to the OTCQB market is a strategically important milestone that broadens access to US investors and strengthens our alignment with North American critical minerals priorities, as we progress a portfolio of rare earth primary and secondary supply assets positioned to support secure, transparent supply chains,” MD Tim Harrison comments.

“The appetite for our heavy rare earth products and technology within northern hemisphere markets is extremely strong, with this material underpinning trillions of dollars’ worth of value added goods, and growth areas for industry, including defence, advanced manufacturing and renewables,” he adds.

“This OTCQB admission reflects growing international interest in our rare-earth strategy and marks another deliberate step towards deeper engagement with US capital markets aligned with critical minerals security,” executive chairperson Brett Lynch says.

“Ionic Rare Earths is building a global industrial business based on rare earth permanent magnet recycling and we see this as a natural next step in opening up further opportunities for US and other international investors to participate in our worldwide expansions,” he adds.