Presentation Information
[O7-2]Recent development in recycling of RE permanent magnets of the RE-Fe-B type: Challenges and solutions.
*Carlo Burkhardt1 (1. Pforzheim University (Germany))
Keywords:
RE-Fe-B,Circular Economy,Recycling,Automation,Standardisation
Establishing a circular economy for rare earths (RE) in Europe is critical for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reasons and to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions. The extraction and processing of rare earths is environmentally intensive, with significant carbon emissions and habitat destruction. By recycling and reusing these critical materials, Europe can reduce environmental damage, contribute to climate goals and support social responsibility initiatives. Supply chain security is a pressing concern as Europe remains highly dependent on imports from regions prone to geopolitical tensions, in particular China, which controls the vast majority of rare earths production. This dependence exposes key industries such as automotive, electronics and renewable energy to ensuring significant risks. The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) emphasizes the strategic importance of securing raw materials through sustainable and circular solutions. A circular economy meets the objectives of the CRMA by reducing import dependency, promoting technological innovation and Europe's industrial competitiveness and environmental sustainability. However, establishing a circular economy for rare earth (RE) permanent magnets in Europe faces several challenges: One major obstacle is the complexity of recycling processes, as RE magnets are often deeply embedded in electronic devices, making separation difficult and costly. In addition, the limited availability of collection and recycling infrastructure hinders material recovery. Technological limitations and inconsistent waste classification standards across European countries further complicate efforts. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated solutions and investment in advanced recycling technologies, as well as the establishment of a harmonised efficient regulatory framework to standardize waste collection and processing. The talk will present the latest developments in recycling technologies across the value chain and look at how further enhanced collaboration between industry, academia and governments can help to drive innovation and share best practice.