Australia's Ionic Rare Earths said on Thursday it has agreed to work with U.S.-based critical mineral refining firm Nth Cycle to improve rare earths production outside China. Here are some details: • The deal aims to strengthen rare earth refining in the United States and other markets. • Under the deal, Nth Cycle will supply its recycling and refining technology to support Ionic Rare Earths' operations. • "Nth Cycle's technology pathway not only lowers costs, but also addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities, exactly the kind of partnership that can make ex-China refining viable," IonicRE Executive Chairman Brett Lynch said.