Sofía Riaño, a postdoctoral researcher from KU Leuven, presented part of the work developed for the European H2020 NEOHIRE (NEOdymium-Iron-Boron base materials, fabrication techniques and recycling solutions to HIghly REduce the consumption of Rare Earths in Permanent Magnets for Wind Energy Application) at the 21st International Solvent Extraction Conference (ISEC) in Miyazaki, Japan on the 5th of November, 2017. The audience consisted mainly of researchers and industry members whom have large experience on the field of solvent extraction.
Sofía´s presentation “Recovery of Neodymium and Dysprosium from NdFeB magnets using Ionic Liquid Technology” highlighted the importance of rare earth recycling using green chemical recycling processes. In contrast to the increasing rare earth elements (REEs) demand, the supply of such materials is currently experiencing a shortage. The recycling of REEs from NdFeB magnets through solvent extraction with ionic liquids is an interesting alternative to overcome this situation while reducing the impact of the balance problem and environmental issues related to mining.
