The Orano group and CEA recently inaugurated a pilot line dedicated to the recycling and manufacture of high-performance permanent magnets based on rare earths. The ceremony was held at the CEA's premises in Grenoble, in the presence of Benjamin Gallezot, France Interministerial Delegate for
This project, which is a first in Europe, reflects a circular economy approach aimed at diversifying the supply sources for high-performance magnets, which are essential to the energy transition, particularly for the development of electric mobility (electric vehicle traction motors) and renewable energies (wind turbines).
Working together since 2022, teams from Orano and CEA Liten have risen to the technical challenge to develop a state-of-the-art pilot line capable of achieving the most exacting magnetic performance standards. The studies conducted focused in particular on a “short-loop” recycling process that maximizes the reuse of rare earths present in metallic form in end-of-life magnets to rebuild new high[1]performance magnets.
The pilot line will enable the continued development of new and innovative processes, the technical testing of these processes, and the validation of their principles, with a view to meeting the needs of manufacturers in the sector, who will be able to implement them on an industrial scale. The results of this permanent magnet recycling pilot project are expected by the end of 2026.
Recycling of magnets is an important way of protecting the environment as it limits the pressure on natural resources. Not only that, magnets are currently mainly refined and produced outside Europe.
The project therefore contributes to French and European autonomy in the procurement of strategic materials.
Award winners under the "France Relance" recovery plan and the European Union's “Horizon Europe” research and innovation program, the project is supported by two complementary collaborative consortia in Europe and France - Magellan1 and Magnolia2- which are developing various technologies for manufacturing magnets from recycled critical metals.
The Magellan Consortium was created in 2024. It brings together 14 key players from eight European countries (with Orano acting as coordinator).
Its mission is to propose a value chain for the recycling and manufacture of permanent magnets in Europe.
The French Magnolia Consortium was created in 2022. It is based on five key, complementary players (Orano as coordinator, CEA Liten, Valeo, Paprec, and Daimantel). Its aim is to foster the emergence of a French industrial sector for the recycling and manufacture of used sintered magnets.
For Guillaume Dureau, Orano's SEVP, Projects BU & Director of Innovation, R&D and New Activities: "The Magnets and rare earths project is aligned with Orano's strategy to diversify its activities. Building on our purpose and expertise in the nuclear fuel cycle, we are proud to be able to contribute to the effective management of the critical metals supply chain and to Europe's strategic autonomy, while preserving natural resources through recycling. The project responds to a need for high-performance magnets that are essential to the energy transition. I commend the commitment of the CEA and Orano teams, who have overcome numerous technical challenges to reach this important milestone.
