Japan and India in Talks to Explore Rare Earth Minerals in Rajasthan, Tech Support Expected

Researchers at Northeastern University have introduced a new technique that can double the efficiency of rare earth element extraction. The study reveals a method for recovering rare earth elements from coal tailings, waste materials left after mining, using chemical treatment combined with a specially designed microwave reactor for precise temperature control. This approach achieves extraction rates two to three times higher than previous methods.

A new rare earth magnet recycling plant has been launched in the West Midlands, strengthening the UK’s position in rare earth recycling sector. The facility, developed by the University of Birmingham and officially opened on 15 January, focuses on separating and recycling rare earth magnets, helping reduce the UK’s dependence on imported rare earth materials, alloys, and magnets.

USA Rare Earth will begin commercial shipments of magnets in April. According to a company statement, the first rare earth magnet production line at its Stillwater, Oklahoma facility has been put into operation and is expected to reach full capacity of 600 mt per year by month-end December. In January this year, USA Rare Earth signed a non-binding agreement with the US Department of Commerce and planned to receive $1.6 billion in funding support to build a mine, thereby providing raw material for its magnet production. USA Rare Earth said that by 2027, the capacity of its Oklahoma magnet plant should reach 1,200 mt per year.