In a surprising twist, we now understand why Molycorp has been closely associated with the Ames Laboratory in Iowa—there's hope for new applications of cerium, a rare earth element. The U.S. Department of Energy’s national lab is set to receive $4.5 million in funding from ARPA-E’s Rare Earth Alternatives in Critical Technologies (REACT) program. This initiative aims to explore innovative ways to reduce reliance on traditional rare earths like neodymium.
One of the two projects focuses on developing high-strength permanent magnets using cerium. This research will investigate combining cerium with other metals to create powerful magnets that can withstand high temperatures—ideal for use in electric vehicle motors. Key partners include General Motors, NovaTorque, and Molycorp Minerals.
Cerium is four times more abundant than neodymium, making it a promising alternative. Molycorp will play a crucial role by supplying the materials needed for commercialization over the next three years. Once its Mountain Pass mine is fully operational, cerium is expected to be one of Molycorp’s top two rare earth outputs, alongside lanthanum.
If successful, this project could revolutionize magnet manufacturing by shifting production to cerium, a resource more readily available in the U.S. “This high-risk, high-reward research could open a new path for strong magnets made from cerium,†said Mark Johnson, ARPA-E Program Director for REACT.
The second project, led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in collaboration with Ames, aims to replace rare earths in wind turbines and electric vehicles with manganese-based magnets. These composites could double magnetic strength while using cheaper, more abundant materials.
If successful, these manganese magnets could significantly reduce U.S. dependence on imported rare earths and improve the efficiency of green technologies. In 2011, the DOE allocated $156 million to ARPA-E for 60 high-risk, high-reward projects focused on renewable energy, efficiency, and security. The future of clean technology is getting more exciting by the day.
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