Rare earth elements (REEs) are among the key critical raw materials required for the green and digital transitions. Unfortunately, the EU has to import what it needs, mostly from China. Permanent magnets – one of the largest applications of REEs – are important components for a number of technologies, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, e-bikes, white goods and consumer electronics.
Although recycling processes have potential for meeting some of the future demand for permanent magnets, they have not yet developed at scale in the EU due to several existing barriers. This event on 15 June will bring together experts along the permanent magnets recycling chain and policy makers to discuss how to develop a recycling chain for rare earth permanent magnets in the EU.