Rare-Earths: Recycling, Meteorite Alloys, Supply Pressure

Universities and national labs are pursuing materials and circular strategies to relieve pressure on rare-earth supplies.\nA research team including Joseph Goldstein at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is attempting to synthesize an iron–nickel alloy found naturally only in meteorites, aiming to create high-performance supermagnets that reduce reliance on scarce rare-earth elements.\nMeanwhile, recycling efforts are gaining traction: groups such as Ames Laboratory are improving processes to recover neodymium, dysprosium and other critical elements from end-of-life magnets and electronics. Proposals range from chemical separation at scale to consumer-facing take-back systems that repurpose phones or harvest magnetic material.\nPolicy and market signals add urgency. Studies warn that large-scale deployment of clean-energy technologies could create bottlenecks for certain metals, prompting Japan to convene U.S. and EU partners on alternatives and supply diversification. Trade institutions have also urged diplomatic engagement to prevent escalation of export disputes.\nCombining alternative alloy development, better recycling technology, and international coordination could ease supply constraints and support the rapid rollout of low-carbon technologies.