SCREAM Project to Recycle NdFeB Magnets in UK

The Secure Critical Rare Earth Magnets (SCREAM) project would recover NdFeB magnets from end-of-life components in the UK through various technologies, including the HPMS process developed by HyProMag.

The SCREAM project is a £3.4 million project funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to establish a domestic source of rare earth magnets. As there is no source of primary rare earths, the project will seek to establish a stable stream of recycled rare earth magnets to ensure the safety of these materials in the UK industry.

Project partners include the University of Birmingham, HyProMag, Bowers & Wilkins, European Metal Recycling, GKN Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mkango Rare Earths Ltd.

SCREAM will recover NdFeB magnets from end-of-life components through a variety of technologies, including the Hydrogen Processing of Scrap Magnets (HPMS) process. This patented process for extracting and demagnetizing magnets embedded in scrap was originally developed by the Magnetic Materials Group at the University of Birmingham, UK, and subsequently licensed to HyProMag, also based in Birmingham. Researchers at the Birmingham Energy Institute hope to develop a semi-continuous HPMS process in collaboration with the SCREAM partners.

A neodymium magnet is also known as NdFeB is the most widely used type of rare-earth magnet. It is a permanent magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron to form the Nd₂Fe₁₄B tetragonal crystalline structure.

The resulting rare earth metals will be processed into sintered magnets on a production line at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham. These magnets will then be independently characterized for magnetic, corrosive, and mechanical properties and then tested in a variety of applications including loudspeakers, retaining clips, magnetic separators, and automotive drive motors.

"As HyProMag progresses in the manufacturing of regenerative magnets, the ability to demonstrate our products in a range of applications with diverse needs is critical," said Nick Mann, HyProMag's general manager of operations. "We are delighted to be working with such an excellent consortium to deliver a quality product of the highest standard and in doing so build a future relationship. This project will take our magnet manufacturing to the next level and demonstrate our ability to provide an alternative to our current supply route."

Gordon Day, Managing Director of GKN Automotive Innovation Centre, added: "This leading SCREAM research project brings together key leaders from multiple industries and is critical to ensuring a safe and sustainable supply chain for the next generation of electric powertrains. Rare earth magnets are a key component of electric motors and developing a robust solution for recycling and reusing NdFeB magnets will help us to reduce our environmental impact in the future."

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