Approach for Advanced Mechanical Recycling Strategies of Rare Earth Magnets Applied in Traction Drives

Rare Earth (RE) Magnets are crucial for the green transition of the European Union (EU). This applies especially for e-mobility where RE magnets are used for highly efficient traction drives. Permanent magnetic motors offer the best efficiency, but the use of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is related to several drawbacks. The magnets and the required raw materials are almost exclusively imported. This causes problems for European industry due to supply chain risks and continuously increasing prices. In addition, primary production is associated with a poor ecological footprint. Therefore, the EU has declared REs as critical raw materials with highest supply chain risk and plans a compulsory recycling share of 15% until 2030. Currently, no industrially applicable processes exist for systematic recovery of RE magnets. In this context the following paper should present approaches for an automated process chain starting with an end-of-life traction drive until the extracted and demagnetized magnets.