RareGreen. Sustainable processing methods for rare earth elements

Research Project, 2022 – 2025

Rare earth elements (REE) are ranked by European Commission as the most critical raw materials for the Green Deal and the European economy. REE are used in a wide range of applications in strategic sectors such as mobility, renewable energy, and digital technology. It is a key ingredient in permanent magnets, used in e.g. electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, and digital technologies. Today 98% of European rare earth consumption is sourced from China. To establish production in Europe, and strengthen Europe’s resilience in the raw material sector, the project will develop sustainable methods for extracting and processing rare earth elements from ore in closed loop systems, utilising green chemicals and novel process mineralogy strategies. The project aims to produce a mixed rare earth concentrate (MREC) of 99% and reduce or eliminate waste generation by developing by-products. The MREC will be supplied to European companies working on REE-separation, which in turn deliver it to metals and magnet producers. The largest volumes of permanent magnets are expected to be used for electric cars and wind power turbines.