Process information
| Key Data Set Information | |
| Location | NMG-CN |
| Geographical representativeness description | Bayan Obo (China) |
| Reference year | 2014 |
| Name |
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| Use advice for data set | Users applying this data set in a Life Cycle Assessment must consider the specific nature of the NdFeB magnet production process, with particular attention to the solvent extraction step which involves the separation of neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr). For impact assessment purposes, it is crucial to account for the allocation method based on market prices of rare earth oxides, and also to incorporate a sensitivity analysis via a mass-based allocation approach to estimate uncertainties pertinent to the allocation method. The function of the process data is to analyze the environmental impacts per 1 kg of NdFeB magnet produced. |
| Technical purpose of product or process | This data set represents the production process for neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are critical components in various high-tech applications including electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, wind turbine generators, and hard disk drives. The process encompasses rare earth solvent extraction and precipitation, and in-situ leaching specifically within the Bayan Obo region in China. This data set is primarily valuable for stakeholders and industries involved in the production or utilization of NdFeB magnets. Nd and Pr are essential elements in this process, and despite their extraction and processing being similar, they are separated in the final solvent extraction step. |
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| General comment on data set | This data set represents the production process for neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are critical components in various high-tech applications including electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, wind turbine generators, and hard disk drives. The process encompasses rare earth solvent extraction and precipitation, and in-situ leaching specifically within the Bayan Obo region in China. This data set is primarily valuable for stakeholders and industries involved in the production or utilization of NdFeB magnets. Nd and Pr are essential elements in this process, and despite their extraction and processing being similar, they are separated in the final solvent extraction step. |
| 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