Rare earths recycler Cyclic Materials to invest over $20M in first commercial facility in the US

Published: 2025-04-23 20:43 Author: Amanda Stutt

Source: MINING.COM (Original Article)

AI Analysis & Insights

Cyclic Materials Invests Over $20M in First US Rare Earth Recycling Facility

Summary: Canadian company Cyclic Materials invests over $20M in a new rare earth recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona, marking its first commercial operation in the US.

Introduction

Canadian rare earth and metals recycler Cyclic Materials has announced a significant investment of over $20 million in its first commercial facility in the United States, located in Mesa, Arizona. This move marks a pivotal step in addressing the global supply-demand imbalance for rare earth elements (REEs), crucial for technologies ranging from electric vehicles to military applications.

Facility Details and Impact

The new facility, set to begin operations in early 2026, will focus on separating permanent magnets from end-of-life products using Cyclic Materials’ proprietary MagCycle process. With an expected processing capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes annually, the plant aims to recover REEs from components that were previously unrecovered. REEs are vital for permanent magnets used in data centers, wind turbines, cell phones, and more.

Cyclic Materials is also establishing a feedstock supply network across the US, starting with partnerships in the Southwest and expanding nationwide. CEO Ahmad Ghahreman emphasized the strategic location choice, stating, “We have chosen the Southwest for our first U.S. and global site to be close to feedstock that will support our mission to address the global supply-demand imbalance for rare earth materials.”

Economic and Strategic Implications

The facility is poised to create high-paying jobs in Arizona and position the state as a leader in the REE recycling industry. Senator Ruben Gallego highlighted the dual benefit, noting, “This new facility will not only create good-paying jobs for our community but also position Arizona as a leader in the critical rare earth element recycling industry.”

From a strategic standpoint, this development could reduce reliance on overseas REE sources, a critical concern given the geopolitical tensions surrounding rare earth supply chains, predominantly controlled by China. Cyclic Materials’ focus on circular supply chains aligns with global efforts toward sustainability and resource security.

Financial Backing and Growth

The company’s expansion is supported by substantial financial backing, including a $57 million Series B equity round last year from industry giants like Microsoft, Hitachi Ventures, and BMW iVentures, as well as a $2 million investment from Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures in January. This funding underscores the confidence in Cyclic Materials’ vision and technology.

Analysis and Perspective

While the initiative is promising, questions remain about the scalability of the MagCycle process and the adequacy of the feedstock supply network to meet the ambitious 25,000-tonne annual target. The reliance on end-of-life products as a primary source may face logistical challenges, and the environmental impact of the recycling process itself needs further scrutiny. Nonetheless, Cyclic Materials’ entry into the US market is a commendable step toward diversifying REE supply chains and promoting sustainable practices.

Conclusion:

Cyclic Materials’ $20 million investment in its first US facility in Mesa, Arizona, represents a significant stride toward securing a stable supply of rare earth elements through recycling. While challenges in scalability and logistics remain, the project’s potential to bolster economic growth and reduce dependence on foreign REE sources is undeniable. As operations commence in 2026, this facility could set a precedent for sustainable resource management in the critical materials sector.

Cyclic Materials 投资超2000万美元在美国开设首家稀土回收工厂

摘要: 加拿大公司 Cyclic Materials 投资超2000万美元，在亚利桑那州梅萨市建立其在美国的第一家商业稀土回收工厂。

引言

加拿大稀土及金属回收公司 Cyclic Materials 宣布投资超过2000万美元，在美国亚利桑那州梅萨市建立其首家商业工厂。这一举措标志着解决全球稀土元素（REE）供需失衡问题的重要一步，稀土元素对从电动车到军事应用的多种技术至关重要。

工厂详情与影响

这座新工厂预计于2026年初开始运营，将利用 Cyclic Materials 专有的 MagCycle 工艺，从报废产品中分离永久磁铁，年处理能力预计达到2.5万吨，回收此前未被回收的稀土元素。稀土元素是数据中心、风力涡轮机、手机等设备中永久磁铁的关键组成部分。

Cyclic Materials 还在美国建立原料供应网络，从西南部地区的合作伙伴开始，并计划扩展到全国范围。公司首席执行官 Ahmad Ghahreman 强调了选址的战略意义，他表示：“我们选择西南部作为美国及全球首个工厂地点，是为了靠近原料来源，支持我们解决稀土材料全球供需失衡的使命。”

经济与战略意义

该工厂预计将为亚利桑那州创造高薪就业机会，并使该州成为稀土元素回收行业的领导者。参议员 Ruben Gallego 强调了双重效益，他表示：“这座新工厂不仅将为我们社区创造高薪工作，还将使亚利桑那州成为关键稀土元素回收行业的领导者。”

从战略角度看，这一发展可能减少对海外稀土资源的依赖，这是一个关键问题，因为稀土供应链主要由中国控制，存在地缘政治紧张局势。Cyclic Materials 专注于循环供应链，与全球可持续发展和资源安全的努力相一致。

财务支持与增长

公司的扩张得到了强大的财务支持，包括去年从微软、日立风投、宝马 iVentures 等行业巨头处筹集的5700万美元 B 轮股权融资，以及今年1月从捷豹路虎投资部门 InMotion Ventures 获得的200万美元投资。这些资金凸显了对 Cyclic Materials 愿景和技术的信心。

分析与观点

尽管该项目前景可期，但 MagCycle 工艺的可扩展性以及原料供应网络是否足以支持每年2.5万吨的目标仍存疑问。依赖报废产品作为主要原料来源可能面临物流挑战，回收过程本身的环境影响也需进一步审查。尽管如此，Cyclic Materials 进入美国市场是多元化稀土供应链、推动可持续实践的可喜一步。

结论:

Cyclic Materials 投资2000万美元在亚利桑那州梅萨市建立美国首家工厂，是通过回收确保稀土元素稳定供应的重要一步。尽管在可扩展性和物流方面仍面临挑战，但该项目在促进经济增长和减少对外国稀土资源依赖方面的潜力不容忽视。随着2026年工厂启动运营，这座设施可能为关键材料领域的可持续资源管理树立先例。