Technoeconomic Analysis of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Process for Recycling Rare Earth Elements from Neodymium Iron Boron Magnet

This study is focused on technoeconomics of supercritical fluid extractionSupercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) (SCFE) technology as applied to the recoveryRecovery of rare earth elementsRare earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life neodymium iron boron magnetsNeodymium iron boron magnet. The REEs are in increasingly high demand and due to their limited supply, their recovery from electronic waste is highly promoted. The supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) process is recognized as a green alternative to hydro and pyrometallurgy to recover REEs from secondary resources. The technical feasibility of SCFESupercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) for recyclingRecycling of REEs from end-of-life neodymium iron boron magnets has been proven in the past. Using a wide range of data sources including laboratory results, literature data, scaling models, scenario analysis, and sensitivity analysis, this study performs a sound economic analysis of the SCFE process at an industrial scale. A detailed estimation of the costs and revenues associated with the process is conducted and the primary factors that affect its profitability are identified. The findings demonstrate that the SCFE of REEs from neodymium iron boron magnetsNeodymium iron boron magnet can be economically viable under certain circumstances, with the efficiency of extracting dysprosium and neodymium and the price of their respective oxides being the main drivers of profitability. By providing valuable insights into the technoeconomic feasibility of the SCFESupercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) process for REEs recoveryRecovery, this study informs future research and development activities in the field.