mining for valuable metals in our waste at large scale

Today’s advanced technology relies heavily on rare earth elements extracted from the earth. These elements are essential for the functioning of computers, electric motors, and batteries that we use daily, and the demand is expected to rise as Europe transitions toward more sustainable technologies. The LIFE INSPIREE initiative aims to “mine” these precious metals from discarded computers and electronic devices.

Currently, most rare earth metals are sourced from outside the European Union. However, the European Critical Raw Materials Act seeks to diversify and secure the supply chain, including a target for recycling to account for 25% of the necessary materials. LIFE INSPIREE is pioneering a method to extract rare earth metals at a significant scale from the magnets found in computer hard disk drives, electric motors, household devices, and other electronic waste across Europe. The project aims to enhance an industrial process capable of recovering up to 700 tonnes of valuable rare earth elements annually, such as neodymium, palladium, and dysprosium.

This initiative is one of 47 projects identified as strategic under the Critical Raw Materials Act, highlighting its importance in assisting the EU to meet the rising demand for recycled rare earth metals. Being included in this list grants the project enhanced access to funding and a more efficient permitting process. Rare earth metals are also critical for the operation of wind turbines. Project coordinator Francesco Gallo notes, “Rare earth elements like neodymium are vital for our digital and green future, yet Europe remains heavily reliant on imports to satisfy its needs. Our goal is to transform rare earths from an imported vulnerability into a recovered asset. By reclaiming these essential materials from electronic waste, we not only decrease our dependence but also add value to what was previously considered discarded.”

The EU imports approximately 12,900 tonnes of rare earth elements annually, primarily from China and Russia. Demand is projected to grow sixfold by 2030 and sevenfold by 2050, while currently, less than 1% of rare earth elements are recycled within the EU. The project collaborates with Italian waste management firms and the University of L’Aquila to enhance two processing plants that focus on magnets derived from electronic waste. The first facility dismantles magnets from about 1,000 tonnes of electric rotors each year, which are then processed at a second plant where the rare earth elements are extracted. The final product is a sand mixture containing 30% pure neodymium and other rare earth metals, which can be reused in new magnets.

By 2040, the partners of the project aim to expand their operations further, recycling over 20,000 tonnes of magnets annually from diverse sources, including discarded consumer electronics, LCD screens, and lithium-ion batteries. LIFE INSPIREE aligns with the EU’s Waste Framework Directive, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Critical Raw Materials Act.

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