From Waste to Value: Recycling Rare Earths and Magnets

Rudolfovo is participating in the new RECOVREE research and development programme, which was selected for co-funding under the JR RR PROGRAMI public call (TRL 3–6). The programme will develop advanced technologies for rare earth recycling and the reuse of high-performance magnets.

Rare earth elements are essential for many modern technologies, including electric motors, electric vehicles and wind turbines. As Europe remains highly dependent on imports of these raw materials, RECOVREE addresses an important challenge: how to efficiently process waste magnets into high-quality raw materials and new high-value magnets. The programme brings together AI-supported sorting, chemical extraction, the development of new alloys and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Rudolfovo will contribute to the project primarily with its expertise in virtual twins and extended reality (XR) technologies. Together with Iskra Pio, it will participate in the development of a digital platform for the simulation, optimisation and safer planning of a pilot production line for recycled magnets.

The objective of the programme is to develop a comprehensive pathway from waste magnets to new high-performance products and to advance the technologies from laboratory-level TRL 3–4 to pilot demonstrations at TRL 5–6.

The consortium brings together 11 partners and is led by the Jožef Stefan Institute. In addition to research organisations, the consortium includes industrial partners active in magnet production, recycling, automation and process technologies.

The RECOVREE programme will contribute to the circular economy, more efficient use of critical raw materials and greater European technological and raw-material independence. By integrating virtual twins and XR technologies, Rudolfovo will help support the transfer of research solutions into industrial environments.