Developing a supply chain for recycled rare earth permanent magnets in the EU: Challenges and opportunities

Developing a supply chain for recycled rare earth permanent magnets in the EU

Developing a supply chain for recycled rare earth magnets
Type
Author
Vasileios Rizos
Edoardo Righetti
Amin Kassab
Publication Date
December, 2022
Country
Belgium
Language for original content
Scope

Rare earth elements are strategically important for the EU to sustain and accelerate its green and digital transition, particularly due to their use in permanent magnets. Rare earth permanent magnets are critical components in wind turbines and electric vehicles, as well as home appliances and consumer electronics.

However, faced with an expected surge in demand, limited domestic manufacturing capacity, high import dependency and rising geopolitical tensions, the EU’s ability to meet the future demand for rare earth magnets is at risk.

This report examines the barriers hindering the establishment of a viable magnet recycling chain in the EU, whilst estimating the extent to which recycling could offset the coming increase in demand for rare earth magnets.