Rare Earth Elements

Neodymium (Nd), Dysprosium (Dy), and Praseodymium (Pr) are just a few of the rare earth elements — precious materials hidden beneath the Earth’s surface that form the technological foundation of the energy transition. They are essential for the production of electric motors, wind turbines, electrical and electronic circuits, and, more broadly, all sectors linked to electrification and high-tech innovation.

Currently, nearly all of these critical raw materials are imported into the European Union from the Far East — particularly from China — creating a strong dependency that exposes the European market to strategic risks.

ITELYUM, through two projects funded by the European Commission (NEWRE and INSPIREE), aims to change this paradigm, following the guiding principle that has always defined its mission: creating value from waste. In collaboration with partners including the Erion Consortium and the University of L’Aquila, the NEWRE project led to the development of a pilot plant at the Ceccano site for the recovery of rare earth elements from WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), while INSPIREE will scale this approach up to industrial level, representing a true turning point. INSPIREE has recently been recognized by the European Commission as a Strategic Project for Europe, for its key contribution both to circularity in WEEE management and to reducing the continent’s dependence on external suppliers.