US Start-up Aims to Break China's Rare-Earth Magnet Monopoly

A US start-up is developing alternative magnet technology to reduce dependence on China-dominated rare-earth supply chains.

Current high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense systems are typically neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) alloys that rely on heavy rare earths such as dysprosium for high-temperature stability. China controls much of the mining, refining and magnet manufacturing, creating strategic vulnerability.

The company focuses on new alloy chemistries and manufacturing processes that lower or eliminate heavy-rare-earth content while preserving magnetic performance. Approaches under development include refined powder metallurgy, bonded-magnet routes and advanced sintering or additive manufacturing to control microstructure and coercivity without dysprosium additions. Recycling of end-of-life magnets and more efficient feedstock refining are also part of the strategy to expand domestic supply.

If scalable, the technology could ease pressure on procurement for EV and renewable-energy supply chains and strengthen domestic industrial resilience. Challenges remain in matching the temperature and corrosion performance of incumbent magnets at commercial scale and cost. Observers say successful commercialization will require sustained capital for pilot plants and close coordination with manufacturers and standards bodies.