SUSMAGPRO

The SUSMAGPRO project is a European Union (EU) funded project which was launched in Germany, June 2019.  SUSMAGPRO is a four-year project which has a primary focus on the Sustainable Recovery, Re-Processing and Reuse of Rare Earth Magnets.  Bunting are proud to be part of the project and inject our knowledge and global expertise on Magnets and Magnetic Assemblies.  Bunting are amongst the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of Magnets, Magnetic Assemblies and Magnetisers.

The Sustainable Recovery, Reprocessing and Reuse of Rare-Earth Magnets in a Circular Economy project (SUSMAGPRO) receives its funding from Horizon 2020 programme of the European Commission.  There are 19 project partners and one associated partner from nine European Countries).

Rare-Earth Magnets

Rare-Earth Magnets are used extensively throughout a number of high-tech industries including:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Electronics
• E-Mobility
• Wind Power Generation
• Consumer Goods

China holds the majority of the worlds reserves of rare-earth materials and exports anywhere between 2000 and 3000 tonnes of rare-earth elements (REE) to Europe each year of which less than 1% are currently recycled.

The SUSMAGPRO project is wanting to create and demonstrate four pilot-plant solutions for the clean and sustainable recycling of permanent magnets at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL’s) 6-7 (technology or system prototype demonstrated in relevant / operational environment).  This would allow secondary RRE material to be remanufactured into new magnetic products.  The second phase of the project will see these products on display as part of a travelling roadshow.  These combined actions will enable Europe better involvement in the worldwide renewable energy systems (RES) device markets in turn enabling the future of zero-carbon mobility and energy.

Bunting’s primary role in the project is the marketing of the recycled magnets or magnetic material.

Bunting had designed, manufactured and supplied magnets and magnetic assemblies for over 60 years and the team will draw upon this experience in order to gain maximum potential for the secondary REE.

The Bunting project team are working with many organisations, the University of Birmingham are one such example who are now recovering Neodymium Powder from scrap computer hard drives through a process they have developed.

A successful Rare Earth Magnet recycling process could potentially release vast reserves of REE material which both environmental and economic benefits.

The Bunting Project team is headed up Dr. Chris Riley the Groups Magnetics Engineer of Bunting’s European operation. Please don’t hesitate to in touch with Chris if you require any further information.