Rare earths from electronic waste: this is how Italy has a European primacy
The European Union is taking a major step towards securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials with the inauguration of the first rare earth elements recovery plant in Europe, located in Ceccano, Frosinone, Italy. This milestone project is part of the European New-Re program and is supported by EIT RawMaterials, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to reducing dependence on external sources such as China and Russia.
The new facility is designed to recover and process over 2,000 tons of permanent magnets annually, extracted from end-of-life hard disks and electric motors. What sets this plant apart is its innovative hydrometallurgical process, developed by researchers at the University of L’Aquila, which allows for the extraction of rare earth elements with a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional mining and refining methods.
This initiative is a key step towards circular economy principles, ensuring that valuable materials are reintroduced into the industrial cycle instead of being lost as waste. By developing local, sustainable recycling solutions, the EU is enhancing its technological sovereignty and securing access to crucial materials needed for green technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and high-performance electronics.
The project demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to address some of Europe’s most pressing industrial challenges. By fostering collaborations between research institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers, Europe is paving the way for a more resilient, self-sufficient, and environmentally responsible future.
To learn more about this initiative and its impact, read the full article here:
🔗 https://quifinanza.it/green/innovazione-sostenibile/terre-rare-europa-ceccano/885654/
