Technoeconomic analysis of supercritical fluid extraction process for recycling rare earth elements from neodymium iron boron magnets and fluorescent lamp phosphors

This study offers a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the technoeconomics of supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) technology as applied to the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life neodymium iron boron magnets and fluorescent lamp phosphors. Drawing on an array of data sources including laboratory results, literature data, scaling models, scenario analysis, and sensitivity analysis, this study conducts a sound economic analysis of the SCFE process at an industrial scale. The study renders a detailed estimation of the costs and revenues associated with the process and identifies the primary factors that impact its profitability. The findings demonstrate that the SCFE of REEs from these feedstocks can be economically viable under certain circumstances, with the efficiency of extracting terbium, dysprosium, and neodymium and the price of their respective oxides emerging as key drivers of profitability. By providing valuable insights into the feasibility of the SCFE process for REEs recovery, this study informs future research and development activities in the field.