Rare Earth Materials: Will We Have Enough? C-Tech Innovation Investigates

Chester, United Kingdom, March 26, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The issues around the possible future restrictions to the supply of critical materials have been the subject of debate for several years. In response to these an international consortium has been brought together to develop new solutions to the European requirement for rare earth metals.

REMANENCE is an ambitious program designed to dramatically increase the amount of rare earth materials recovered and remanufactured from existing waste streams. The project brings together the European industry and academia across the supply chain to develop the innovative technologies, business models and market information required to exploit this valuable resource reducing dependence on primary sources. The partners will develop new and innovative processes for the recovery and recycling of neodymium iron boron magnets (NdFeB) from a range of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). Advanced sensing and mechanical separation techniques combined with innovative processes to recover the rare earth magnets in the WEEE.

REMANENCE brings together Europe’s leading experts in; sensing, disassembly, recycling technology and materials processing in a multi-disciplinary project able to deliver significant technical advances.

C-Tech Innovation Ltd will lead a consortium including; The University of Birmingham, Stena Metall AB, ACREO AB, Leitat Technology Centre, OptiSort AB, Stiftelsen Chalmers Industriteknik, Magnetti Ljubljana and Kolektor Magnet Technology GMBH.

Significantly, the aim will be to recover material in a form that can easily re-enter the primary magnet manufacturing production route, so providing large energy savings and reduced production costs for European manufacturers.

The REMANENCE project is financed by FP7; FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007-2013. FP7 is also designed to respond to Europe's employment needs, competitiveness and quality of life.

The organisations involved in the consortium are:

C-Tech Innovation
The University of Birmingham
Stena Metall AB
ACREO AB, Leitat Technology Centre
OptiSort AB
Stiftelsen Chalmers Industriteknik
Magnetti Ljubljana
Kolektor Magnet Technology GMBH.

About C-Tech Innovation
C-Tech Innovation is an internationally renowned, independent consultancy, research and technology development company with more than 40 years’ experience in providing innovation and business support to companies, universities and government bodies.

Activities range from research to commercialisation of innovative new products and multi-disciplinary consultancy. The company’s worldwide customer base ranges from small start-up companies to large multi-nationals. C-Tech Innovation’s facilities and experienced staff provide a complete, flexible service to customers. Fully equipped laboratories and workshops enable experimental and prototype equipment to be designed, constructed and fully proven in complete confidence. We also offer an end-to-end innovation management service designed to support your business through every step of the innovation journey. It helps you to develop sustainably, supports growth and develops new ways of working. It can equip managers with skills necessary to lead, inspire, ensure long term success and develop a clear competitive advantage.