- Technology
Plasma-based rare earth recovery
Refacture employs advanced plasma technology to efficiently recover rare earth elements (REEs) from complex industrial byproducts and waste streams. Leveraging extremely high temperatures (>5,000°C) and precisely controlled conditions, our plasma processes isolate valuable REEs like neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium from end-of-life magnets, electronic waste, and industrial tailings.
Our approach not only reduces environmental impact, it provides an alternative to primary mining while enhancing supply chain resilience for critical industries including electric mobility, electronics, and renewable energy.
How do we do this with Plasma?
Plasma—an ionized gas created by electric arcs—delivers extraordinary temperatures and controlled reactive environments that traditional smelting cannot match.
In our plasma reactors, these ionized gases rapidly heat and selectively melt or vaporize complex compounds containing rare earth elements. By precisely controlling temperature, gas composition, and residence time, we can achieve targeted extraction of REEs, isolating them in purified forms suitable for reuse in strategic applications.
This method transforms what were previously challenging waste streams into valuable resources—addressing critical supply-chain bottlenecks in industries dependent on rare earth materials.
Plasma offers Versatility
Refacture’s plasma recovery system is versatile enough to handle a variety of industrial feedstocks:
- NdFeB Magnets: Efficiently separates critical magnetic REEs like Nd and Dy into recyclable slag or metal – critical for EV motors and wind turbines.
- Electronic Waste: Isolates REEs from complex circuits, effectively recovering valuable materials from discarded electronics.
- Phosphors and Industrial Tailings: Concentrates economically significant REEs such as europium and terbium from low-grade industrial residues.
High Efficiency & Selectivity
Plasma precisely separates rare earth elements from challenging, stable matrices, significantly improving yield compared to conventional thermal and chemical methods. Optimized plasma conditions ensure high recovery rates for REEs, even from heterogeneous feedstocks like e-waste and tailings.
Environmental Impact
Our process dramatically reduces hazardous waste volumes by vitrifying toxic byproducts into stable slags. This environmentally friendly approach significantly cuts landfill use, promotes circular economy principles, and reduces reliance on environmentally damaging primary extraction.
Strategic Importance
Plasma technology directly supports strategic supply chain resilience, securing essential materials required by electric vehicle motors, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics. By reclaiming valuable resources, we help industries reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions.
DISCOVER REFACTURED MATERIALS
Explore how Refacture transforms challenging industrial byproducts into high-quality, strategic materials through advanced plasma techniques—delivering purity, consistency, and industrial-grade performance.
