Rare earth elements undergo multiple process steps from mine (and end-of-life products) to magnet, including beneficiation, chemical leaching and separation, metallisation and alloying.  Many of these process steps present an innovation opportunity for the chemicals industry to improve material recovery, energy efficiency and environmental footprint.

Dr Matthew Reeves is a Knowledge Transfer Manager specialising in materials chemistry and formulation at Innovate UK KTN.  He works to identify innovation and collaboration opportunities in the critical minerals area.