Process information
| Key Data Set Information | |
| Location | NMG-CN |
| Geographical representativeness description | Bayan Obo (China) |
| Reference year | 2014 |
| Name |
|
| Use advice for data set | When utilizing the data set for the rare earth extraction process, it is crucial to adhere to the market price allocation method provided for Nd and Pr, as specified for the functional unit of a 1 kg NdFeB magnet. Users should note that a mass-based allocation has been applied for sensitivity analysis; this should be considered when estimating uncertainties linked with the allocation method. The specified technological applicability is essential for ensuring accurate representation in Life Cycle Assessments and should guide the inclusion of upstream processes and the evaluation of environmental impacts. |
| Technical purpose of product or process | The rare earth extraction process described is employed for the production of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets. These magnets are used in various high-tech applications such as in the fabrication of electric motors for electric vehicles, wind turbine generators, hard disk drives, and other devices requiring strong permanent magnets. The in-situ leaching method at the Bayan Obo site in China specifically extracts neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), which are essential components of the NdFeB magnet. The technical quality of these rare earth elements allows for their use in commercial-scale magnet production, not limited to specialized laboratory settings. |
| Classification |
Class name
:
Hierarchy level
|
| General comment on data set | The rare earth extraction process described is employed for the production of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets. These magnets are used in various high-tech applications such as in the fabrication of electric motors for electric vehicles, wind turbine generators, hard disk drives, and other devices requiring strong permanent magnets. The in-situ leaching method at the Bayan Obo site in China specifically extracts neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), which are essential components of the NdFeB magnet. The technical quality of these rare earth elements allows for their use in commercial-scale magnet production, not limited to specialized laboratory settings. |
| Copyright | No |
| Owner of data set | |
| Quantitative reference | |
| Reference flow(s) | |
| 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) | |
Modelling and validation
Administrative information
Inputs and Outputs