Carbon Footprint of Neodymium Magnets and How to Calculate It
CO₂e emissions across the entire life cycle of magnets
The carbon footprint of neodymium magnets is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout their life cycle – from raw material extraction, production, and transportation, to disposal or recycling. NdFeB magnets are essential to industry, but their production involves high energy consumption and significant emissions.
Key Aspects of the Carbon Footprint of Magnets:
1. What Is the Carbon Footprint of Neodymium Magnets?
- Includes emissions of CO₂, CH₄, N₂O at all stages of a product’s life cycle.
- Major contributors: raw material extraction, production, and electricity use.
- Magnets do not emit during use, but their applications can affect overall energy efficiency.
2. How to Calculate the Carbon Footprint?
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used – either cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave.
- Emissions are categorized into scopes 1, 2, and 3 according to the GHG Protocol.
- Requires data on energy use, materials, transportation, and recycling.
3. Sample Calculation
- Neodymium: 0.3 kg × 50 kg CO₂e/kg = 15 kg CO₂e
- Iron: 0.65 kg × 2 kg CO₂e/kg = 1.3 kg CO₂e
- Energy: 50 kWh × 0.8 kg CO₂e/kWh = 40 kg CO₂e
- Transport: 1000 km = 0.01 kg CO₂e
- Total footprint: approx. 56.56 kg CO₂e per 1 kg of magnet
4. Factors Affecting the Carbon Footprint
- Energy mix – coal (China) vs. renewables (Norway)
- Efficiency of mining and manufacturing processes
- Location of raw material sources – China vs. Australia
- Level and availability of recycling
5. How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Magnets?
- Use of renewable energy in the production process.
- Development of NdFeB magnet recycling technologies.
- Designing smaller and more efficient magnets.
- Choosing low-emission transport and local suppliers.
6. Challenges in Carbon Footprint Calculation
- Lack of detailed data across the supply chain.
- Complexity of processes and technological variations.
- Uncertainty regarding energy sources and mining methods.
Why Is the Carbon Footprint of Magnets Important?
Neodymium magnets are a key component in modern technologies – from electric vehicles to wind turbines. Understanding and reducing their carbon footprint is crucial to achieving climate goals and promoting sustainable industrial and energy development.
When Should the Carbon Footprint Be Analyzed?
Carbon footprint analysis should be conducted as early as the product design stage and during the selection of suppliers, technologies, and energy sources. More and more companies and institutions are introducing reporting obligations in line with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 standards.