Highlights
- French company MagREEsource develops pioneering hydrogen-based technology to recycle neodymium-iron-boron magnets with a 91% carbon footprint reduction.
- Plans to expand production to 500 tonnes of magnets annually by 2028.
- Creating 200 direct jobs and supporting strategic industries like wind energy and robotics.
- Aims to reindustrialize Europe’s permanent magnet supply chain through sustainable recycling and advanced manufacturing technologies.
MagREEsource (opens in a new tab), a pioneering French company based in Noyarey, specializes in producing rare earth magnets through an innovative recycling process. Utilizing a proprietary hydrogen-based technology, the company transforms end-of-life neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets into high-performance magnets, significantly reducing environmental impact. This approach not only addresses the escalating demand for rare earth materials but also enhances Europe’s strategic autonomy in sectors like wind energy, robotics, medical, and aerospace industries.
As reported in Recycling Today (opens in a new tab), the magnet production company is set to expand its production facility by an additional 400 square meters, increasing the total space to 1,600 square meters. This expansion aims to integrate new production equipment, bolster capacity, and advance vertical integration up to the metallization stage. The initiative is expected to create approximately 10 new jobs within the year.
The company’s recycling technology is substantial, offering a “magnet-to-magnet” solution that enables the production of new magnets from recycled materials at a competitive price. This hydrogen-based process recovers rare earth elements without the use of acids, contributing to a 91% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional mining and production methods.
Looking ahead, MagREEsource plans to construct its first large-scale facility, dubbed “MagFactory,” by 2028. This plant aims to produce 500 tonnes of magnets annually, with a gradual increase to 1,000 tonnes by 2030, creating 200 direct jobs. Collaborations with industry leaders, such as Schneider Electric, are underway to enhance operational efficiency and further reduce the carbon footprint through smart manufacturing and energy management systems.
MagREEsource was founded in 2020 by Erick Petit (opens in a new tab) and Sophie Rivoirard (opens in a new tab). The company is a spin-off of the CNRS-Institut Néel (opens in a new tab) in Grenoble, France.
Why was MagREEsource founded?
- To reindustrialize Europe’s permanent magnet industry
- To diversify the supply chain of rare earth magnets
- To meet the needs of manufacturers in the automotive, aeronautics, wind energy, and robotics industries
What does MagREEsource do? Develops manufacturing capabilities for magnets, Uses patented technologies for additive manufacturing and short loop recycling, Recycles rare earth magnets, and Manufactures new magnets.
MagREEsource’s goals:
- Become a European leader in magnet manufacturing
- Set up a 500-ton magnet production unit within four years
- Secure and diversify the European supply chain of rare earth magnets
MagREEsource’s technology and vision fit well with the European Green Deal.
Will MagREEsource’s advancements in rare earth magnet recycling position it as a key player in Europe’s transition toward sustainable and autonomous high-tech industries?
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