North American rare earth magnet value chain could expand further
South Korean magnet manufacturer JS Link is looking to expand its presence in the United States. Last autumn, its U.S. subsidiary JS Link America Inc. announced plans to build a rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia. With planned annual output of around 3,000 tonnes, the plant would rank among the largest facilities of its kind outside China.
This week, the company signed a non-binding letter of intent with REalloys to evaluate the development of an integrated North American rare earth magnet platform. The platform could span raw material supply and processing, metallization and the manufacture of finished magnets.
Non-Chinese magnet supply chains take shape
REalloys has announced several significant milestones in recent months. The U.S. company plans to build one of the world’s largest facilities for heavy rare earth metal production, a step in the value chain where China remains the leading player. It is also evaluating a partnership with the U.S. military that could see unused land on military sites used as potential locations for refineries to process critical raw materials, including rare earths. JS Link, meanwhile, is expanding its role in non-Chinese magnet supply chains. Together with Australian rare earths producer Lynas, the company plans to build a magnet plant in Malaysia near Lynas’ existing refinery in Kuantan.
Photo: Axel Makhalov via Canva
