Rare earth metals and magnets are used across heating, energy and clean technology applications but face increasing scrutiny due to their environmental impact and supply-chain volatility. In 2024, rare earth elements for magnets were placed on the UK's critical minerals list due to their essential role in green technologies coupled with the lack of a domestic supply.
Since 2021, ADEY has supplied the project, led by HyProMag Ltd, with magnets for recycling and contributed practical testing to help ensure that magnets produced from recycled materials meet the performance and reliability standards required in heating system applications, such as magnetic filtration. By contributing real-world testing feedback, ADEY’s involvement has helped ensure the development of a recycling process which reflects the reliability, consistency and performance standards required in HVAC environments and other use applications.
Adrian Weichart, R&D director at ADEY said: 'As a manufacturer built on magnetic technology, we have a responsibility to lead the way in sustainable sourcing. This collaboration is about more than research - it's about ensuring recycled materials perform flawlessly in real-world heating systems.
“The opening of the rare earth magnet recycling facility in Tyseley marks a significant milestone for the research programme and highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in exploring potential pathways for material reuse and lifecycle carbon reduction.”
Professor Allan Walton, from the University of Birmingham, said: “After several years of development, establishing an operational recycling and magnet manufacturing capability at Tyseley is a huge step forward in addressing the challenges associated with critical materials in the UK. It demonstrates how, with the right support, university-led innovation can be translated into commercial-scale processes to create more resilient domestic supply chains. As an industry validation partner, ADEY has been essential to this success alongside the backing we have received from Innovate UK, HyProMag and Mkango Resources.”
As the project now moves into real world applications and supply of recycled rare earth magnets, the opening of the Tyseley facility is proof that collaborative, evidence-led innovation can improve lifecycle carbon reduction. ADEY’s participation aligns with its broader approach to sustainability, combining measurable environmental action with a continued focus on product performance and quality.