German researchers recover 85% of rare earths from discarded NdFeB magnets, offering Europe a potential domestic supply route without new mining.
Republished by AIC Engineering. All rights belong to the original publisher; see Source below.
German Researchers Recover 85% of Rare Earths from Discarded Magnets in Recycling Breakthrough Oct 10, 2026
TU Clausthal and TU Bergakademie Freiberg researchers achieved ~85% overall rare earth recovery from end-of-life NdFeB magnets using slag extraction and hydrometallurgy. The process uses 1,700°C smelting followed by hydrochloric acid leaching and oxalic acid precipitation, scaling from 50g to 1.35kg in lab tests. Researchers produced a mixed rare earth compound, not separated magnet-grade metals, meaning further refining steps are needed before commercial magnet production. Oxalic acid consumption ran five times the theoretical requirement, and energy costs at 1,700°C remain a key barrier to commercial viability. The study highlights recycling as a potential pillar of European rare earth security, but only if paired with domestic refining and magnet manufacturing capacity.
Source
- rareearthexchanges.com (2026-10-09)
- Original article: NdFeB Magnet Recycling 85% Recovery TU Clausthal
- https://rareearthexchanges.com/news/ndfeb-magnet-recycling-tu-clausthal