Mitsubishi Materials Develops New Recycling System of Rare Earth Magnet

Mitsubishi Materials announced on Thursday the firm developed new technology to recycle rare earth magnet inside home electronics. The new process is to separate Nd-Fe-B magnet effectively from compressor of air conditioners and motors of laundry machines. The firm aims to commercialize the business by automatic magnet separation for cost reduction. The firm will supply collected magnet to alloy makers.

The technology development project is commissioned by Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry since fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010 ending in March 2011, the project is newly sponsored by New Energy & Industrial Technology Development Organization. The firm tries to develop more effective process to separate and collect magnets in cooperation with Panasonic Eco Technology Kanto, a joint company between Panasonic and Mitsubishi Materials.

Mitsubishi Materials operates joint venture to recycle home electronics at 6 recycling sites under 5 companies in cooperation with Japanese major appliance makers. Mitsubishi Materials surveyed how much neodymium magnet is used inside air conditioners and laundry machines recycled at the joint venture sites in fiscal 2009. The survey resulted 6% of air conditioners and 1% of laundry machines mounted neodymium magnet.

Appliance makers are increasing adoption of neodymium magnet for energy saving. According to Japan Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Industry Association, domestic air conditioner shipment totaled 7.4 million sets in fiscal 2007, about 60% of which mounted neodymium magnet. Mitsubishi Materials forecasts these magnets will be recycled after 10 years and the recycling volume could reach 400 tonnes per year including air conditioners and laundry machines.

China accounts for more than 90% of world rare earth production such for neodymium and dysprosium. Japan imports most rare earths from China. Chinese government recently reduces rare earth export due to expanding domestic demand and resource protection policy. China’s rare earth embargo to Japan is one of the most serious matter nowadays. Mitsubishi Materials builds up rare earth recycling system for stable material supply.