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Project duration
2.5 years
(2024 – 2027)
EU contribution by
I3 instrument
4.371.487€
Coordinator
University of Jaén
Project number
I3-2023-INV2a
ID 101160837
For the first time, Europe will have a technology-based value chain for permanent magnets, built by unlocking the hidden capabilities of these regions.
To make it real, three collaborative pilot projects will scale to market level:
The dismantling and processing of magnets from multiple sources
The production of innovative sintered and bonded magnets from recycled materials
Their integration into strategic EU applications, such as motors. Together, these projects will establish Europe's first interregional demonstration ecosystem for permanent magnet recycling.
Achieve technological maturity for Nd-Fe-B sintered and bonded recycling technology across TRL 7–8 towards TRL 9.
Demonstrate the economic viability of sintered Nd-Fe-B PM and bonded permanent magnet technologies on an industrial scale.
Bring together EU stakeholders in the permanent magnet sector and encourage them to engage with a structured recycling ecosystem that connects regions across Europe.
Deploy permanent magnet recycling processes across EU regions to enable large-scale replication.
Leveraging private and public funding and support for investment projects.
Bridging the gap between less developed, transitioning, and developed regions by sharing technology and ideas, especially among Southern and Central-Eastern European innovators.
Assisting involved regions and their industries to move towards a greener, adopting best manufacturing practices.
Attracting public and private capital to build a competitive European value chain for recycled permanent magnets.
Generating employment opportunities within the sector and supporting research and industry roles across Europe, waste management, and recycling.
Enhancing understanding and acceptance of recycling and sustainable management of Nd-Fe-B waste among the general public.
Connecting collection, processing, magnet manufacturing (sintered & bonded), and product integration into one efficient loop.
Our breakthrough will facilitate the replication of permanent magnet recycling facilities in less developed and other EU regions, aiming for 21 plants by 2050.