US recyclers harvest rare earths from old wind turbines (opens the source in a new tab)
- The WSJ says Paladin EnviroTech is pulling rare-earth magnets from retired wind turbines in Iowa, hoping to cut US reliance on China.
- Only a fraction of older turbines carry rare earths, but newer, more powerful ones hold much more, so supply grows as fleets are replaced.
- Dismantling huge parts and separating the metals cheaply are the hard parts; most recyclers so far chased copper instead.
- 20%
- of replaced Highland turbines hold rare earths (WSJ)
- ~500
- turbines Paladin has lined up (WSJ)
Why it matters Recycling is a faster, smaller route than new mines to ease dependence on China for the magnets in motors, drones and scanners, if the economics work.
Other side Few turbines carry rare earths, and battery-recycling ventures have stumbled before on supply and cost. This can complement new mines, not replace them.