Feasibility study completed covering permanent magnet recycling plant

Artist’s impression of the exterior of the new rare earth element recycling plant (Photo: Ionic Technologies)

Consultancy firm WSP has completed a feasibility study for Ionic Technologies covering the design of a commercial-scale facility for the recycling of permanent magnets in order to collect incorporated rare earth elements (REE).

The Project Ionic Rare Earth Recycling study encompasses the design and construction of a new magnet recycling plant on a brownfield site in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The review includes cost estimates and designs for the plant, with a priority on health and safety.

WSP further provided environmental consultancy support to Ionic Technologies to ensure the local impact is considered at all stages.

Rare earths are an essential component of permanent magnets. The magnets are used in all types of electric vehicles (passenger cars through to HD trucks) and in other applications, such as wind turbines. While material reserves remain plentiful, they are difficult to extract and process; all while demand is increasing.

Mining of rare earths in China accounts for about 87% of global production. That material goes on to support national production of magnets, which represents approximately 95% of global output. With its recycling plant, Ionic Technologies would help to support a more secure and sustainable production cycle.

Tim Harrison, MD of IonicRE, commented: “Significantly, the study confirms that the commercial case for magnet recycling is compelling, complementing the clear environmental and sustainability benefits, as well as the growing requirement for REE production outside of China.”

As with most recycling projects, collection of sufficient material to support the recycling business is critical to maintaining a viable operation.

A spokesperson for Ionic Technologies noted that the while there are already volumes of material ready for recycling in the UK and other locations, it is anticipated that quantities will increase over the coming years due to wider adoption of the technologies requiring permanent magnets.

They added that while there is no specific figure covering volumes required for successful recycling, there would be an economy of scale.

As for a possible switch to magnets which do not use rare earth metals, Ionic further stated that rare earth permanent magnets remain the technology of choice for a variety of applications due to their magnetic properties.