** Shares of Australia's Ionic Rare Earths IXR.AX rise 13.3% to A$0.017, on course for their best day since October 31, if trend holds
** Rare earths miner signs pact with Missouri-based US Strategic Metals
** Under deal, parties to develop a rare-earth recycling facility in Missouri and co to provide patented rare earth permanent magnet recycling technology
** Facility expected to produce significant quantities of NdPr, and a range of strategic heavy rare earths - co
** YTD, shares up 142.9%
(Reporting by Shruti Agarwal in Bengaluru)
((Shruti.Agarwal@thomsonreuters.com))