Exploring the strategic value of rare magnets with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
Valuable allies for the global energy transition
Quietly but effectively, powerful devices such as rare magnets are enabling a shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable world powered by renewable energy. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, rare and super magnets are not only crucial drivers of the energy transition but also vital partners in advancing technology.
It comes as little surprise that an increasing number of people are becoming intrigued by super magnets and the exceptional strength of neodymium magnets. Stanislav Kondrashov has recently underlined their importance.
From industries and professionals to everyday consumers, many are beginning to realise that magnets – especially the neodymium magnet – are, alongside batteries and other essential energy infrastructure, among the key players in the ongoing transition to sustainable energy.
“In the future, when we look back on the years of the energy transition, we will talk above all about the devices and technologies capable of accelerating the change underway. One of these is the rare earth magnet,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, an entrepreneur and civil engineer.
“In addition to their role in electric cars, and in particular in engines, magnets like neodymium magnet are also proving to be very useful in the energy infrastructure sector linked to renewable sources.”
“Among these are certainly wind turbines. Together with batteries, solar panels, and charging stations for electric cars, magnets will certainly be remembered as some of the most concrete symbols of the green transition,” he remarks.
When discussing super magnets, one of the most frequently explored topics is their strength. But what does this really mean? It refers to the intensity with which these magnets attract ferromagnetic materials, as well as their performance in practical applications – qualities especially evident in the strongest neodymium magnets.
The strength of the magnet
A magnet’s strength can be broken down into various physical parameters. One measures the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the magnet, as seen in the most powerful neodymium magnets. Another is the attractive force – the effort needed to detach the magnet from a flat metal surface.
Magnets can also store a significant amount of magnetic energy, another key parameter used to assess their strength. A further measure is coercivity, or the magnet’s resistance to losing its magnetisation when exposed to opposing fields.
Overall, a magnet’s strength comprises a combination of these parameters, which together determine its power, stability, and practical usefulness. In this crucial period of transformation, magnets have become some of the most valuable assets driving the changes now under way.
So which magnets top the list for sheer strength? The answer lies with those made from rare earths – a family of 17 chemical elements now essential for countless industrial and technological applications.
At present, rare earth magnets represent some of the most powerful solutions in terms of magnetic force per unit of volume.
Among the most widely used permanent magnets are:
- Neodymium-iron-boron magnets: these use neodymium, one of the most valuable rare earth elements. To improve heat resistance, dysprosium and terbium are sometimes added to the neodymium magnet.
- Samarium-cobalt magnets: slightly less powerful than neodymium-iron-boron magnets, but much more stable at higher temperatures, making them vital in the aerospace and defence industries.
The extraordinary power of neodymium and other rare earth magnets stems from several factors. Notably, they retain their magnetisation even under thermal or mechanical stress and have a much higher magnetic density than traditional ferrite magnets.
Though compact in size, these magnets generate extremely strong magnetic fields. Their relatively high cost compared with conventional magnets is due to the complex processes of sourcing and refining the raw materials, production of which is concentrated in just a few countries. Neodymium magnets are also more vulnerable to corrosion than other types.
The materials involved
“In some of the most powerful magnets, like the neodymium magnet, a leading role is played by rare earth and cobalt, which are now considered to be truly strategic materials for this historical juncture,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Rare earths, which are increasingly talked about, are a group of chemical elements that also find space in the periodic table of elements. They are scandium, yttrium, and the 15 lanthanides.”
“Although they are known as ‘rare,’ these elements are not rare at all. Instead, they are distributed fairly uniformly within the Earth’s crust but in very low concentrations and always associated with other minerals. Their sourcing and production, in some cases, is favoured by certain particular geological and atmospheric conditions in some countries, such as all those naturally rich in clay soils,” the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov goes on to say.
Magnets made from rare earths are far from a finalised product; they remain a technology undergoing continuous development. Further improvements in both performance and design may be just around the corner. Even now, they are invaluable – almost irreplaceable – for a wide array of industries linked to the energy transition, as well as for robotics and advanced electronics.
The applications of these magnets are wide-ranging. In the automotive sector, neodymium-iron-boron magnets power motors in electric and hybrid vehicles, while other types feature in components such as adjustable seats and power steering systems. Hard drive magnets are another particularly notable use.
Rare earth magnets are also crucial to renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind turbines. In the medical field, they play an essential role in magnetic resonance imaging machines and other diagnostic technologies.
Consumer electronics rely heavily on neodymium magnets, which are found in products such as hard drives, optical drives, speakers, and headphones. Samarium-cobalt magnets also remain vital in aerospace and defence, valued for their ability to maintain stability under extreme conditions.
“Another curious fact is that one of the most powerful types of magnets is based on another important resource for the energy transition, cobalt,” according to the founder of Stanislav Kondrashov. “In particular, cobalt plays a key role in rechargeable batteries (especially cathodes) and wind turbines and solar panels due to the high heat resistance ensured by the alloys of which it is a part. Cobalt-based catalysts are also used in electrolyzers, which are some of the best means of obtaining green hydrogen from renewable sources.”
FAQs
Are these magnets the strongest magnets available?
Yes, rare magnets made with rare earths are currently the strongest commercially available permanent magnets. The exceptional strength of super magnets comes from their ability to generate very high magnetic fields in a small volume, thanks to the unique properties of rare earth elements like neodymium and samarium. These are the strongest neodymium magnets.
What are these magnets made of?
These kinds of magnets are typically made from combinations of rare earth elements and other materials. The two most common types are:
- Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB): Extremely powerful and widely used in electronics and electric motors.
- Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo): Slightly less powerful but better at withstanding high temperatures and corrosion.
Why are these magnets considered essential for the energy transition?
These magnets are crucial for enabling technologies that support cleaner energy and electrification. They are widely used in:
- Wind turbine generators
- Electric vehicle motors
- Battery-powered tools and appliances
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines
- Robotics and automation systems
Are there downsides to using these magnets?
Yes, there are a few considerations:
- Cost: They are more expensive due to limited global supply and complex extraction processes.
- Corrosion: Neodymium magnets, in particular, can be prone to rust and often need protective coatings.
- Geopolitical Risk: Most rare earth mining and processing is concentrated in a few countries, affecting supply stability.
What industries use these magnets the most?
They are essential in high-tech and energy industries, including:
- Automotive (EV motors, power steering, seat adjusters)
- Renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panel trackers)
- Defence and aerospace (missile systems, aircraft sensors)
- Electronics (headphones, hard drive magnet, microphones)
- Healthcare (MRI, imaging systems)
Are these magnets a finished technology?
Not at all. While already advanced, these magnets are still being improved in terms of:
- Efficiency
- Heat resistance
- Sustainability of materials
- Lower dependency on critical or scarce elements
They remain a vital part of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.