Strengthening Europe’s Circular Economy: An Interview with the PERMANENT Project Coordinator

How can we improve the recovery of critical raw materials from e-waste and industrial residues? The PERMANENT project, funded by the EU, is developing innovative solutions to enhance recycling efficiency and reduce Europe’s dependency on raw material imports.

Read the full interview with the project coordinator to learn more about its goals, challenges, and impact

As the coordinator of PERMANET, what is Técnicas Reunidas’ role in the project?

Técnicas Reunidas (TR) is the coordinator of the project. TR drives the overall project implementation effort, aiming among other things to ensure the efficient management and coordination of PERMANET in line with EC and industrial standards, provide effective governance, internal communication, delivery modalities, procedures, strategic guidance, carry out quality, risk, ethical, IPR and gender management to the best standards, provide quality control as well as proper actions and mitigation measures to guide the project toward successful exploitation and impacts of the Network and underlying Hubs, pave the way for the Network and HUBs to remain sustainable after the EC financial support ends.

Another of our important roles within this project is as Leader of Work Package 3, Hub 1 – Sustainable supply of Rare Earth Elements (REE) Work Package. The main objective is to create a fully-fledged Tech Hub to secure reliable REE streams from deposits and sources in the EU S3P ‘Mining Regions’ Partnership Regions. Deposits and sources were selected based on sustainability parameters but also their high potential for replicability, nurturing our large-scale integration ambitions. TRSA will implement, scale up and procure the process Raretech™ to reach TRL7 and produce REE’s carbonate or REE’s oxide (Nd203-Pr203) from monazite concentrates coming from any source (tailings, monazites, xenotimes, bastnaesite etc.). The process allows to obtain a family of products of commercial value, all of them free of radioactive components: Trisodium phosphate (TSP), Cerium hydroxide, Mixed rare earth metal carbonates, Nd/Pr oxide, Mixed heavy rare earth carbonate, among others.

What innovative approaches or technologies is PERMANET exploring to improve the recycling and recovery of Rare Earths?

Pan-EU Ecosystem Structuring around 3 Tech Hubs demonstrating the PERMANET Model: Three ‘Tech Hubs’ structure the pilot and demonstration activities of PERMANET and segment its innovation communities. These Hubs organize and connect innovations, hereby validating the PERMANET model for a responsive, efficient and sustainable EU REE supply chain.

HUB 1 - Sustainable REE supply: Hub 1 will anchor strategic deposits for the provision of REE and REE from mining tailings. It will boost the optimization of REE access and efficiency but also builds a critical mass of sustainable and circular REE supply. Strategic activities will entail the expansion of our supply sources coupled with the development of a stockpiling strategy. Our Innovations will cover the production and refinement of REE from standard and non-conventional deposits. At their core will be the processing and refining methods for 1) the production of REE from monazite concentrates and 2) the production of REE concentrate from iron ore. It will be complemented by the Demonstration of 2 fully scalable hydrometallurgical processes for the efficient and green production REE’s carbonate and REE’s oxides from concentrates from miscellaneous mining sources.

HUB 2 - Circular REE Innovation: Hub 2 will structure and demonstrate Circular PM tech across various waste streams. Strategic activities will focus on the consolidation of waste streams through a dedicated marketplace piloted for WEEE with our collectors. Dedicated tools (dismantling protocols, safety guidance, etc.) will be developed for the entire industry. Leading-edge Innovations will be implemented at each step, including 1) innovative collection, 2) multiclass sorting, 3) Modular Disassembly and Pre-Treatment, 4) hydrogen decrepitation (mechanical) and 5) two long-loop (hydrometallurgical) processes that shall shape top-quality precursors.

HUB 3 - Innovative magnet production & user-driven testing: Hub 3 covers the remaining segments of the value chain. The Hub’s Strategic activities will provide a red line stemming from the end-user and percolating along upstream segments of the value chain (both ex-ante/ex-post demonstration). It will also position 3 manufacturing tech paths with varying strengths, ensuring production flexibility toward user needs (performance, costs, complexity, physical requirements, etc.). The Hub will demonstrate a series of Innovations, including 1) Two innovative and scalable oxide reduction processes (green reduction and sublimation), 2) Two Pilots for flake production from scraps and gas atomization from standard and wire filament to complement other powder preparation routes; 3) Three efficient PM Tech Production Lines on innovative Sintering, Bonding and Hybrid Printing (combining Fused Deposition Modelling and Fused Filament Fabrication) manufacturing processes. The resulting PM will be tested and validated by end-users in automotive, industry and energy applications.

How do you see PERMANET contributing to the EU’s broader green transition and strategic autonomy?

PERMANET is a Sustainable REE Innovation and Supply Network covering the full Rare Earth Elements (REE) Permanent Magnet (PM) value chain. The Network accelerates leading-edge innovations, from REE extraction from mining tailings and hydrometallurgical processes to oxide reduction and innovative production processes, all the way to the production of innovative PM and their testing by end users in industrial environment across 1) E-Mobility 2) Energy 3) Industrial Equipment. PERMANET also secures key sources of REE such as leading mining projects from the EU and Partner Countries, as well as End of Life (EoL) sectors. The project relies on enabling activities ranging from strategic venturing to investment support to build sub-optimal EU REE PM Segments. The project unlocks viable reserves of REE including unconventional sources and will demonstrate novel, cost-effective, and environmentally sound REE extraction, processing, and separation routes, as well as demonstrate the first EU hub for PM boosting circular PM technologies to deploy at market scale. The project is ready to be fully integrated with other EU-backed PM Hubs and aims to grow into a fully-fledged Pan-EU pilot and demonstration infrastructure to remain sustainable post-funding.

What role does international cooperation play in securing a stable supply of Critical Raw Materials?

International cooperation is crucial in securing a stable supply of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) for several reasons:

Diversification of Supply Sources: By collaborating with multiple countries, regions can diversify their sources of CRMs, reducing dependency on a single supplier and mitigating risks associated with geopolitical tensions or supply chain disruptions

Trade Agreements and Frameworks: International trade agreements and cooperation frameworks facilitate the exchange of CRMs between countries. These agreements can ensure a predictable and stable supply by establishing clear trade rules and reducing barriers

Technological and Environmental Standards: Cooperation allows countries to share best practices and establish common standards for the extraction, processing, and recycling of CRMs. This ensures that the supply chains are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable and socially responsible

Investment in Infrastructure: Joint investments in mining, processing facilities, and recycling plants can enhance the capacity to produce and manage CRMs. International partnerships can provide the necessary funding and expertise to develop these infrastructures

Research and Development: Collaborative R&D initiatives can lead to innovations in CRM extraction and processing technologies. By pooling resources and knowledge, countries can accelerate technological advancements and improve the efficiency and sustainability of CRM supply chains

Geopolitical Stability: International cooperation can help stabilize regions rich in CRMs by promoting good governance and economic development. This reduces the risk of conflicts and ensures a more reliable supply of these essential materials

What sets PERMANET apart from other projects in the same field? What is its added value?

PERMANET stands out from other projects in the field of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REE PM) due to several unique features and added values:

Innovative Network of EU Actors: PERMANET establishes a robust network of European stakeholders, including industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. This collaborative approach ensures a resilient and sustainable supply chain for REE PM in Europe

Comprehensive Value Chain Coverage: The project addresses the entire value chain of REE PM, from sustainable supply and circular innovation to advanced magnet production and user-driven testing. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the supply chain are optimized and integrated

Technological Hubs: PERMANET implements three technological hubs focused on thematic collaborative R&D and supply ecosystems. These hubs concentrate on Sustainable REE Supply, Circular REE Innovation, and Innovative Magnet Production, fostering targeted advancements in each area

Enabling Engines: To boost the scaling of technologies, PERMANET employs five enabling engines that address key conditions for a sustainable and competitive REE supply. These engines facilitate the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies

Testing and Scaling Innovations: During the project, 13 technological innovations will be tested and scaled up. This commitment to innovation ensures that the latest advancements are rapidly integrated into the supply chain

Focus on Sustainability: PERMANET prioritizes environmental sustainability by promoting best practices in the extraction, processing, and recycling of REE PM. This focus on sustainability ensures that the supply chain is not only efficient but also environmentally responsible

PERMANET's unique network, comprehensive value chain coverage, technological hubs, enabling engines, commitment to innovation, and focus on sustainability set it apart from other projects in the field, providing significant added value to the European REE PM industry.