PERMANET

PERMANET is a sustainable REE network for innovation and supply, covering the entire value chain of rare earth element (REE) permanent magnets (PM). It is structured on five levels:

1. Three sustainable, interconnected technological “hubs”, segmented across the full REE PM value chain and organizing thematic joint R&D and supply ecosystems.
2. Thirteen fully scalable innovations aimed at reaching TRL7 and scaling up deployment across the full value chain.
3. A structural layer of R&D infrastructure, equipment, and services to fuel pilot and demonstration activities.
4. Five enabling “drivers” addressing key conditions for a sustainable and competitive REE supply.
5. All integrated into a single network infrastructure – PERMANET – with its own sustainable organizational model.

The network fosters high-level innovation, from REE extraction from mining tailings and hydrometallurgical processes to oxide reduction and advanced manufacturing methods, leading up to the production of innovative PMs and their testing by end-users in industrial settings in:

1. E-mobility
2. Energy
3. Industrial equipment.

PERMANET also safeguards critical REE resources, such as leading mining projects from the EU and partner countries, as well as end-of-life (EoL) sectors (WEEE, EVs, etc.). The project builds on enabling activities ranging from strategic undertakings to investment support for developing underperforming EU segments in the REE PM value chain. It unlocks viable REE supplies, including unconventional sources, and will demonstrate new, cost-effective and environmentally friendly REE extraction, processing, and separation pathways. The project will establish the first EU hub for circular PM technologies to support market deployment.

PERMANET is designed for full integration with other EU-supported PM hubs and aims to grow into a fully developed pan-European pilot and demonstration infrastructure that remains sustainable beyond the project’s funding period.

TECOS’ role:

TECOS leads WP2, which builds the PERMANET ecosystem, develops its three technological hubs, and anchors the network in a post-funding operational model.

Detailed description:

WP2 will establish the EU-wide PERMANET network around three technical hubs. It will connect a critical mass along the full value chain and the quadruple helix to enhance access to technologies and supply. It will also integrate regional ecosystems, leveraging our interregional partnerships and networks.

WP2 will focus on:

• Establishing a sustainable legal, financial, governance, and operational structure for the PERMANET network.
• Building and integrating a two-tiered network structured around three complementary and synchronized technical hubs.
• Integrating the full linear and circular PM value chain across the entire REE PM ecosystem.
• Expanding the network and replicating investments in REE PM extraction, refining, manufacturing, and access capabilities across the EU via new hub extensions.
• Engaging the financial and corporate investment community through the PERMANET Investor Forum.

For more information contact Simona Knežević Vernon simona.vernon@tecos.si.

The total value of the project amounts to nearly €21 million (€20,819,760.50), of which the EU co-finances almost €16 million (€15,998,160.38).