Recycling rare earth elements from end-of-life NdFeB permanent magnets more efficiently

By addressing NdFeB permanent magnets (one of the most complex End-of-Life (EoL) products) 
HARMONY is contributing to the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020) by answering to the will of:

  • making EU independent and enhancing its leading position in a strategic sector;
  • overcoming the reliance of EU among China on the supply of Rare Earth Elements (REEs);
  • opening the possibility of securing important and crucial value chains in Europe; and
  • giving a promising opportunity to REEs recycling ecosystem by building a circular process for the recovery of REEs.

Why NdFeB magnets?

Among permanent magnets, the NdFeB type is not only the strongest but is also more resistant to de-magnetization. As such, they are crucial components in electronic devices, wind turbine generators, and hybrid-electric vehicle motors. These applications are all in strong demand, which only deepens our dependency for these elements.

Wind turbine generator

Electronic devices

Hybrid/electric vehicle motors

Small electric mobility

For example, the global installed capacity of onshore wind power is expected to more than double by 2030.

Similarly, the proliferation of electric vehicles is set to skyrocket, with more than 1.3 million monthly global sales at the end of 2023. The catch? More than 90% of hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to be based on motors with NdFeB magnets by 2025, forming an essential link in the chain toward achieving Europe’s carbon-neutral goals.

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Global installed capacity of onshore wind power by 2030
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Monthly global sale of electric vehicles at the end of 2023
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of hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to be based on motors with NdFeB magnets by 2025

HARMONY's mission

HARMONY’s mission is clear: secure critical value chains, and pave the way for a sustainable, circular economy. The project aims to achieve this by developing a comprehensive recycling process, covering everything from magnet collection and dismantling to metal recovery and magnet production.

News & Events

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Tweets from @HarmonyProjectEU
HarmonyProjectEU @HarmonyEUProj ·
30 Apr 1785223220989132958

This week, we introduce Laura Mascheretti from @ErionSistema. In HARMONY ERION will conduct a value chain analysis of ...NdFeB magnets collaborate closely with @polimi to scale up their magnet disassembly pilot plant. #rareearths #PermanentMagnets #REEs

Image for the Tweet beginning: This week, we introduce Laura Twitter feed image.
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HarmonyProjectEU @HarmonyEUProj ·
25 Apr 1783420733848187034

Our project poster and roll-up are out! 🎉 Let us know if you spot them somewhere. Meanwhile you can also find (and ...download) them in our resource library: https://t.co/b0QMDWhUiK

#ProjectMilestone #RareEarths #MagnetRecyling

Image for the Tweet beginning: Our project poster and roll-up Twitter feed image.
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HarmonyProjectEU @HarmonyEUProj ·
22 Apr 1782418006917759408

We presented the future plans of HARMONY in the area of #criticalrawmaterials and #magnetrecycling at the meeting of ...the 'Sustainable CRMs4EU' group.
It was great to connect with our fellow sister projects
@SalemaEu, @REEsilience1, @Passenger_EU, @ReeproduceEu and @digi_eco!

Image for the Tweet beginning: We presented the future plans Twitter feed image.
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HarmonyProjectEU @HarmonyEUProj ·
22 Apr 1782418209477439594

Thank you to the PASSENGER project for organising this gathering of sister projects area of sustainable ...#CriticalRawMaterial. We are looking forward to collaborating with all our sister projects in the future. Here's to the progress we will make together!  #Collaboration

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HarmonyProjectEU @HarmonyEUProj ·
18 Apr 1780884052620226819

Meet Mathieu Rennuy from @MagnaxMotor. In the HARMONY project, Magnax is taking the lead in validating recycled ...magnets. These recycled magnets will be integrated in @Traxialmotors's commercial axial motor lines. Stay tuned for updates! #HorizonEurope #axialflux ♻️

Image for the Tweet beginning: Meet Mathieu Rennuy from @MagnaxMotor. Twitter feed image.
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