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Process Data set: Rare Earth crushing;Rare Earth;In-situ leaching;neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet (en) en zh

Key Data Set Information
Location NMG-CN
Geographical representativeness description Bayan Obo (China)
Reference year 2014
Name
Rare Earth crushing;Rare Earth;In-situ leaching;neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet
Use advice for data set Users of this data set should apply the allocation method based on market prices of Rare Earth Oxides (REOs) as considered in this study, specifically for the production of 1 kg of NdFeB magnets. When modeling the life cycle assessment, attention should be paid to the methodological advice concerning the inclusion of recycling scenarios or exclusion criteria for materials. It is essential to utilize mass-based allocation as a sensitivity analysis to estimate uncertainties related to the allocation method. The technological applicability mentioned should be carefully adhered to when this data is used in environmental impact analyses or comparisons.
Technical purpose of product or process This data set represents the industrial process involved in the production of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are critical components in various high-tech and clean energy applications such as in wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, and hard disk drives. It encompasses the rare earth crushing, in-situ leaching, and subsequent separation processes specific to the Bayan Obo region in China, where the basic production techniques for neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) are identical until the solvent extraction step where they are separated.
Classification
Class name : Hierarchy level
  • ILCD: Unit processes / Materials production / Non-energetic raw materials
General comment on data set This data set represents the industrial process involved in the production of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are critical components in various high-tech and clean energy applications such as in wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, and hard disk drives. It encompasses the rare earth crushing, in-situ leaching, and subsequent separation processes specific to the Bayan Obo region in China, where the basic production techniques for neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) are identical until the solvent extraction step where they are separated.
Copyright No
Owner of data set
Quantitative reference
Reference flow(s)
  • - 0.012 * 1.0 kg (Mass)
Functional Unit The functional unit is a 1 kg NdFeB magnet
Technological representativeness
Technology description including background system The basic process for Nd and Pr production is the same at all three deposits. It is identical for Nd and Pr except for the last solvent extraction step (SX5) where both are separated.
Flow diagram(s) or picture(s)
  • ZnSwbt4lSo9tUyxMvOZcijcJnSb.png Image
LCI method and allocation
Type of data set Unit process, single operation
LCI Method Principle Attributional
Deviation from LCI method principle / explanations None
Deviations from LCI method approaches / explanations In this study, an allocation method based on the market prices of REOs28 is considered. To estimate uncertainties that refer to the allocation method, a mass-based allocation is undertaken as a sensitivity analysis
Deviation from modelling constants / explanations None
Data sources, treatment and representativeness
Deviation from data cut-off and completeness principles / explanations None
Deviation from data selection and combination principles / explanations None
Deviation from data treatment and extrapolations principles / explanations None
Data source(s) used for this data set
Completeness
Completeness of product model No statement
Validation
Type of review
Dependent internal review
Reviewer name and institution
Data generator
Data set generator / modeller
Data entry by
Time stamp (last saved) 2023-12-17T22:57:34+08:00
Publication and ownership
UUID 9e91e1b0-e38b-408e-8f19-249cd4c462ba
Date of last revision 2024-04-20T15:07:15.491165+08:00
Data set version 00.01.005
Permanent data set URI https://lcadata.tiangong.world/showProcess.xhtml?uuid=9e91e1b0-e38b-408e-8f19-249cd4c462ba&version=01.00.000&stock=TianGong
Owner of data set
Copyright No
License type Free of charge for all users and uses

Inputs

Type of flow Classification Flow Location Mean amount Resulting amount Minimum amount Maximum amount
Product flow
Energy carriers and technologies / Electricity 2.088 MJ2.088 MJ
General comment Bayan Obo: Value per crushing step; data estimated by experts from RWTH Aachen University, 1.0 kWh/t ore (carbonatite)
Product flow
Materials production / Raw materials 0.012 kg0.012 kg
General comment Steel. Bayan Obo: 0.035 kg/t ore, data estimated by experts from RWTH Aachen University
Product flow
Transport services / Other transport 2.3E-4 t*km2.3E-4 t*km
General comment Obo town: 20 km, lorry

Outputs

Type of flow Classification Flow Location Mean amount Resulting amount Minimum amount Maximum amount
Elementary flow
Emissions / Emissions to air / Emissions to air, unspecified 1.035 kg1.035 kg
General comment Bayan Obo: MW calculation is based on Western Regional Air Partnership
Product flow
Materials production / Raw materials 1.496 kg1.496 kg
General comment Radioactive dust. Bayan Obo: based on Th232 and U238 activity in the ore