Conference on enhancing supply chain resilience for rare earths

Augsburg, 19 March 2026 –Rare earths are among the most important raw materials for the key technologies of the 21st century. Deposits are found primarily in China, the USA, Myanmar and the Congo. Political tensions therefore have a direct impact on supply. Achieving greater resilience in the supply chain is therefore the major challenge for Europe when it comes to these valuable raw materials.

This is to be achieved primarily through the recycling of existing permanent magnets, which are manufactured using rare earth elements. How this can be achieved is the central theme of the REEsilience Main Event on 24 March 2026 at the Hosokawa Alpine AG site at Peter-Doerfler Straße 13-25 in Augsburg. Places are limited, and attendance is free of charge.

The REEsilience project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and coordinated by the Institute for Precious and Technology Metals at Pforzheim University. The aim is to establish a more resilient supply chain for rare-earth magnet materials in Europe and to develop alternatives to these critical raw materials. “As an active member of the rare earths network, our technological expertise plays a key role in the processing and utilisation of these valuable materials. It is therefore only natural that we are hosting the event in Augsburg”, says Michael Kuhnen, CEO of Hosokawa Alpine.

Rare earths are used, for example, in the manufacture of magnets, which are employed in electric motors, amongst other applications. They therefore play a key role in electric mobility, aviation, wind turbines and medical technology. “The performance of the magnets depends largely on the quality of their raw materials. In particular, the optimal processing of rare earth elements is crucial, and we have developed the ideal process for this,” emphasises Kuhnen.

The event, which will focus on this topical issue, will be held in English and attended by a select audience of up to 90 guests from industry and politics. Guests will gain insights into securing the supply and sustainability of permanent magnets for Europe and receive an overview of current legislation and its implications. Panel discussions on supply chain resilience and the circular economy for permanent magnets, as well as presentations of solutions from the REEsilience project and related initiatives, round off the programme. “Last but not least, there will be several opportunities for networking and a guided tour of the Hosokawa Alpine company premises,” said Kuhnen.