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Estimates of global REE recycling potentials from NdFeB magnet material

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  • Schulze, Rita
  • Buchert, Matthias

Abstract

Rare earth element (REE) containing neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets play a major role in green technologies, including motor and generator applications. Recycling of REE from NdFeB magnets is expected to be beneficial from an environmental point of view compared to the production of magnets using primary REE currently practiced. This study gives a broad overview of global recycling potentials from end-of-life magnets from eleven different application groups and industrial scrap, quantified through dynamic material flow analysis. Data was obtained through a review of the literature, complemented by expert estimations. Recycling potentials achievable for REEs used in NdFeB magnets, namely neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), terbium (Tb) and dysprosium (Dy), were calculated for years 2020–2030, derived from two demand scenarios to reflect uncertainties in historic NdFeB demand figures and future demand development, taking into account the recent success in heavy REE reduction efforts. The most important NdFeB application groups in terms of recycling potentials are identified. The modelled scenarios show that between 18 and 22 percent of global light REE (Nd and Pr) and 20–23 percent of heavy (Dy and Tb) REE demand for use in NdFeB magnet production can be met by supply from secondary sources from end-of-life magnets and industrial scrap in years 2020, 25 and 30 (ranges of values for individual years and scenarios).

Suggested Citation

  • Schulze, Rita & Buchert, Matthias, 2016. "Estimates of global REE recycling potentials from NdFeB magnet material," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 12-27.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:113:y:2016:i:c:p:12-27
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.05.004
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    2. Xiao, Shijiang & Geng, Yong & Rui, Xue & Su, Chang & Yao, Tianli, 2022. "Behind of the criticality for rare earth elements: Surplus of China’s yttrium," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    3. Li, Yizhou & Wang, Yibo & Ge, Jianping, 2023. "Tracing the material flows of dysprosium in China from 2010 to 2020: An investigation of the partition characteristics of different rare earth mining areas," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    4. Jingxuan Geng & Han Hao & Xin Sun & Dengye Xun & Zongwei Liu & Fuquan Zhao, 2021. "Static material flow analysis of neodymium in China," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(1), pages 114-124, February.
    5. Ajay B. Patil & Rudolf P. W. J. Struis & Christian Ludwig, 2023. "Opportunities in Critical Rare Earth Metal Recycling Value Chains for Economic Growth with Sustainable Technological Innovations," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.

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