American Resources, a next-generation supplier of raw materials for new infrastructure and electrification markets, has announced that, in conjunction with its sponsored research partnership with Purdue University, it has successfully achieved the use of high-purity technology for rare earth element (REE) neodymium (Nd) using its exclusively licensed ligand-assisted replacement ("LAD") chromatography process. Through the recycling of discarded permanent magnets, the company can separate and purify the inherent neodymium with a purity of 99.5%, which is the standard required for the manufacture of high-quality permanent magnets.
Mark Jensen, CEO of American Resources, commented: "with purification technology, as part of our capture, processing, purification technology chain, we can produce separated rare earth elements with a purity of 99.5% or higher, which will change the rules of the game for the commercialization and manufacture of permanent magnets. Today we can say that we have achieved this result with Purdue University's technical partners in terms of globally competitive cost points and environmental standards. This achievement is very exciting and equally important for our country, and the demand for rare earth elements is growing at a rate of 12% a year. We are not aware of any other technology in the world that can compete on cost or environmental standards, and based on these results, we are fully committed to bringing this technology to market as efficiently as possible. "
Neodymium belongs to lanthanide and is a rare earth element. Independently developed by General Motors and Sumitomo Special Metals in 1984, neodymium magnets are considered to be the most powerful permanent magnet type commercially available. In many applications that require powerful permanent magnets, this magnet has replaced other types of magnets, such as motors, hard drives and magnetic fasteners.
Linda Wang, professor of chemical engineering at Maxine Spencer Nichols at Purdue University, said: "reaching a purity level of 99.5% is a remarkable milestone that demonstrates our ability to help restore the domestic supply chain of these critical materials and meet market demand within a specified time frame. In addition, our technological process chain enables us to strengthen the domestic supply chain of these critical materials in the most sustainable, environmentally friendly and beneficial way ever. We believe this is where the United States needs to promote innovation to become truly energy independent and compete with China. We are proud of our relationship with American resources and the efforts of Purdue University faculty and students. "
Under a recently expanded research program sponsored by Purdue University, the company is improving and further promoting its REE purification technology for a variety of raw materials, including the recovery of waste permanent magnets, waste lithium-ion batteries and coal waste and by-products using LAD chromatography. In addition, the company's key and REE purification facilities are in the final stages of site selection, which will initially be developed as a small facility with the ability to scale to full commercialization.
American Resources continues to focus on operating efficiently and simplifying operations, becoming a new era supplier of raw materials for infrastructure and electrification markets in the most sustainable way, while helping the world achieve its carbon neutrality goals. By operating at low or no legacy costs and having one of the largest and most innovative growth channels in the industry, American Resources is committed to maximizing value for investors by positioning its vast asset base as the way best suited to the new age economy, while being able to expand its business to meet the growth of the markets it serves.
