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Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in rare earth magnets production: A review on state of the art and SWOT analysis

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  • Bonfante, Mariele Canal
  • Raspini, Jéssica Prats
  • Fernandes, Ivan Belo
  • Fernandes, Suélen
  • Campos, Lucila M.S.
  • Alarcon, Orestes Estevam

Abstract

Rare Earth Magnets (REM), especially the NdFeB type, are essential components in high-performance electric motors and wind turbines, playing an important role in the shift towards a low-carbon energy matrix. However, little work has been done to understand how the production of REM can be in line with the global sustainable transition. To overcome this lack and help with future research, as well as decision-making, this paper provides a literature overview of which aspects of sustainability are being investigated in the REM supply chain, and how each of them contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This research is developed through a consistent analysis of 44 peer-reviewed publications, followed by an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Four main subjects of studies were identified: environmental impact; social impact; economic aspects and circular economy. Most of the studies focus on computing the environmental impact through life cycle assessment and discussing techniques towards exploring the circular economy concept. In addition to contributing to a greener economy, the majors identified strengths of REM are the great potential of its supply chain in reducing primary resource extraction, since REM recovery and recycling seem to be viable, and the promising techniques to minimize environmental impacts along the rare earth elements production chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonfante, Mariele Canal & Raspini, Jéssica Prats & Fernandes, Ivan Belo & Fernandes, Suélen & Campos, Lucila M.S. & Alarcon, Orestes Estevam, 2021. "Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in rare earth magnets production: A review on state of the art and SWOT analysis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:137:y:2021:i:c:s136403212030900x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.110616
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    1. de Oliveira, R.P. & Benvenuti, J. & Espinosa, D.C.R., 2021. "A review of the current progress in recycling technologies for gallium and rare earth elements from light-emitting diodes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    2. Olabi, Valentina & Jouhara, Hussam, 2024. "An assessment of current hydrogen supply chains in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    3. Liang Dong & Zhaowen Liu & Yuli Bian, 2021. "Match Circular Economy and Urban Sustainability: Re-investigating Circular Economy Under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 243-256, June.
    4. Divya Tiwari & Jill Miscandlon & Ashutosh Tiwari & Geraint W. Jewell, 2021. "A Review of Circular Economy Research for Electric Motors and the Role of Industry 4.0 Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-19, August.
    5. Zhang, Hongwei & Wang, Xinyi & Tang, Jing & Guo, Yaoqi, 2022. "The impact of international rare earth trade competition on global value chain upgrading from the industrial chain perspective," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    6. Hayati, Mohammad & Mahdevari, Satar & Barani, Kianoush, 2023. "An improved MADM-based SWOT analysis for strategic planning in dimension stones industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    7. Hamed, Mosaab M. & Turan, Hasan Hüseyin & Elsawah, Sondoss, 2024. "Balancing supply diversification and environmental impacts: A system dynamics approach to de-risk rare earths supply chain," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    8. Walter Leal Filho & Richard Kotter & Pinar Gökçin Özuyar & Ismaila Rimi Abubakar & João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio & Newton R. Matandirotya, 2023. "Understanding Rare Earth Elements as Critical Raw Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-18, January.
    9. Anne P. M. Velenturf, 2021. "A Framework and Baseline for the Integration of a Sustainable Circular Economy in Offshore Wind," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-41, September.

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