Italy is taking a major step toward strengthening Europe’s supply chain for critical raw materials with the approval of what is expected to become the continent’s first industrial-scale facility dedicated to recovering rare earth elements from permanent magnets found in electronic waste. The project marks an important milestone for both the circular economy and Europe’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported strategic materials.
The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) has authorized the LIFE INSPIREE project, which will be developed at the Itelyum Regeneration facility in Ceccano, in the province of Frosinone. The plant will recover valuable rare earth elements from end-of-life permanent magnets contained in discarded electrical and electronic equipment, creating a domestic source of materials that are essential for advanced manufacturing.
