As of late, there’s been progressively more and more discussions about rare earth magnet recycling, an industry that is still in its infancy… but gaining momentum. As recently as 2023, the industry was recognized due to a new technology that emerged from the UK startup, HyProMag, which was further supported by the US-led Mineral Security Partnership. 

4 Types of Recycling Technology

While the vast majority of recycling technologies are proprietary, research says they can be broadly sorted into four categories with hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes being most common today.

Here are four types of recycling technology:

  1. Pyrometallurgical (heating, smelting, sintering)
  2. Hydrometallurgical (uses special liquids, e.g., acids and other solvents)
  3. Direct (dismantle to reuse)
  4. Hybrid

Chromatographic Approach

One US firm, ReElement, which uses hydrometallurgical methods, also uses something called continuous chromatography. They may be the only ones in rare earth recycling who are using it. Chromatography is sometimes seen in the sugar industry to separate glucose and fructose. 

ReElement’s particular process mixes a rare earth-containing liquid into columns filled with a special resin. It then gets washed with a solution in such a way that creates layered separation, like the different layers of crust in the earth.

Long Loop vs. Short Loop

In the industry, the complementary processes of hydro- and pyrometallurgical recycling are called “long loop” recycling vs. “short loop.”These long loop methods accept all permanent magnets, providing oxides that are the same as those produced from mined material. 

On the other hand, the short loop method can recreate the same type of magnets without additional efforts from metallurgists, which are required for the long loop approach. That said, after several rounds through the recycling loop, the performance of the permanent magnets can fade. 

Apex Magnets

While magnet recycling is increasing in necessity and popularity, it’s important to remember that less than 1% of all “end-of-life” magnets are being recycled annually. In other words, we have a long road ahead of us. 

 

Here at Apex, we stay apprised of the comings and goings in magnetic news. We believe magnets, while they were discovered long past, are the technology of the future — a unique power just waiting to be harnessed. If you want to talk about the ways your business can benefit from using our magnets, call us at 1-304-257-1193.