American Resources Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiary, ReElement Technologies Corporation,a provider of high-performance refining capacity of rare earth and critical battery elements, announced a partnership with EDP Renewables North America to advance sustainable practices in the wind energy sector through the EDPR NA’s newly launched Close the Loop Program.

The focus of this collaboration is efficient and sustainable recycling of neodymium-based permanent magnets from decommissioned wind turbines into magnet-grade rare earth elements, contributing to the development of a circular supply chain for renewable energy equipment and inputs.

EDPR is the world’s fourth-largest wind energy producer and a top five owner and operator of renewables in North America. The partnership leverages EDPR NA’s expertise in wind energy and ReElement's advanced critical mineral refining technology for rare earth and critical battery element.

Neodymium-based permanent magnets are critical components of the renewable energy landscape. By recycling these magnets, EDPR NA and ReElement aim to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of wind turbine components as well the primary extraction and common processing methods utilized today in the production of critical and rare earth mineral inputs.

Unlike traditional mining and processing methods, mostly utilized in China, ReElement’s process of recycling permanent magnets is approximately 3-times more environmentally safe, aligning with the commitment to sustainable practices in the renewable energy industry, the company says. As the company executes and scales the production at its facilities, it will significantly reduce the United States’ and its economic partner’s dependency on foreign nations for the supply of these critical raw materials while also creating a circular life-cycle solution.