# Rare earth element processing and recovery technologies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rare-earth-element-processing-and-recovery-technologies > Updated: 2026-08-27T05:30:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: LG Electronics develops technology to recover rare earths from waste appliances LG Electronics has developed AI and magnetic field technologies to recover rare earth permanent magnets from discarded appliances to stabilize critical mineral supply chains. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lg-electronics-develops-technology-to-recover-rare-earths-from-waste-appliances ### 2026-08-26: Maglut Heavy Industries unveils rare earth separation technology Maglut Heavy Industries has launched ARC-1, a chromatography-based system capable of refining rare earth elements to 99.9% purity to bolster domestic supply chains. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maglut-heavy-industries-unveils-rare-earth-separation-technology --- Cite as: Rare earth element processing and recovery technologies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rare-earth-element-processing-and-recovery-technologies