Rare earth element processing and recovery technologies

Developments in rare earth element processing and recovery have emerged through new technological approaches in the United States and South Korea.

In the United States, Maglut Heavy Industries introduced ARC-1, a chromatography-based separation system. This water-based method aims to refine rare earth elements into high-purity oxides exceeding 99.9 percent purity. By adapting biotechnology techniques, the company seeks to provide a more efficient alternative to traditional, energy-intensive solvent extraction, supporting domestic supply chains for defense and electronics.

In South Korea, LG Electronics has developed a method to recover rare earth permanent magnets from discarded household appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. The process utilizes magnetic fields for demagnetization to reduce energy consumption and employs vision artificial intelligence to locate magnets within compressors. Through a pilot project with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and E-Cycle Governance, the company aims to recover approximately 1.6 tons of magnets annually to support a circular economy.