Highlights

• Researchers at ETH Zurich develop innovative method to extract rare earth elements from electronic waste with high efficiency.
• Less than 1% of rare earths are currently recycled, with the new process reducing energy and chemical requirements.
• Breakthrough supports EU's Critical Raw Materials Act goal of 25% strategic mineral recycling by 2030.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to efficiently recover rare earth elements (REEs) from electronic waste, marking a significant step toward establishing circular supply chains in Europe. Led by Dr. Marie Perrin (opens in a new tab) and supervised by Professor Victor Mougel, the team developed a specialized extractant that enables high-purity separation of REEs like europium, commonly found in fluorescent lamps.

Currently, less than 1% of rare earths are recycled due to the high costs and complex separation processes involved. This innovation reduces the energy and chemical input required, potentially transforming waste from consumer electronics into a viable REE source. The breakthrough aligns with the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which mandates that 25% of strategic minerals be recycled by 2030.

The researchers plan to scale the process by collaborating with industrial partners to enable on-site REE recovery systems. With China still controlling over 70% of global mining and 85% of refining capacity, this advancement offers a path toward EU resource independence.

Reported by Cecile Mantovani and Olivia Le Poidevin for Reuters (opens in a new tab).