shakeout, page-45

BotFodder...

"The real sticking point for me with REE is no-one really knows how much of the stuff you need for any given application" and " Since the bubble I'm sure there's been a lot of focus on recycling and optimising their usage"

Take magnets for example.

You cannot "trim" or optimise an N52 strength magnet.

It is what it is.

In applications you could get a lower strength magnet but this would likely result in the generator/motor being larger which is more expensive and has a higher weight, life cycle and carbon footprint.. all to be avoided.

Note that generator design is a balance of its parts. You cant reduce one part without increasing another whilst keeping the same performance.

Also, if you know of any company/country doing rare earth recycling using neodymium magnets, please tell me. I have several tonnes to recycle. I know of no commercial operations doing this...only researchers at AMES and another group in Japan working on this.