Project Portugal 2030

Summary

The primary goal of BioNeoMagnet is to drastically reduce the environmental footprint associated with the extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs). This is achieved through the innovative approach of biological extraction and recycling, specifically targeting the rare earth element Neodymium (Nd) extracted from decommissioned wind turbines. By implementing this process, the recovered Nd can be repurposed to produce new, eco-friendly Permanent Magnets (PMs). In a world increasingly committed to sustainability, the team is confident that this proposal, once implemented, will assume a pivotal role in shaping the future among this emergent research field. This project will serve as the initial step towards the establishment of the first biotechnological route comprising the leaching and recovery/precipitation of Nd —a pioneering initiative set to make its mark in Portugal and Europe. The main objectives of the project include: - Developing a low-impact technology for the recovery of CRMs, with a specific focus on Neodymium. - Pioneering a sustainable enzymatic/BioFenton leaching process for the solubilization of REE from end-of-life permanent magnets (Bio-Inspired Leaching). - Identifying patentable/freedom-to-operate protein/peptides (prot/pep) for selective Nd binding/precipitation and develop a sustainable bioprocess for Nd recovery and oxidation from EoLPMs. - Developing different strategies for Fe recovery from solution after Nd selective recovery and analyzing the feasibility of using the recovered Fe in added-value applications, such as the manufacture of new magnets. - Designing of a virtual simulation of a pre-pilot experimental set-up for the bioleaching, selective prot/pep binding of Nd and Fe recovery processes. - Establishing of LCA methodologies to assess resource inputs, waste generation, and the overall products lifecycle associated with the processes proposed (bioleaching, protein/peptide selective recovery of Nd and Fe recovery processes). - Effectively communicating the most significant project findings, progress, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders, disseminate project results to the wider community and engage in outreach activities to raise awareness and promote the project's impact.