Sander started as a PhD researcher at the Industrial Ecology department of CML in June 2019.

More information about Sander van Nielen

Professional experience

Sander van Nielen obtained his MSc in Industrial Ecology in Leiden in 2016. Afterwards, he worked at the municipal engineering department in Rotterdam for two years. Now he is back at CML, doing PhD research on the recycling of rare earth magnets. His research focusses on the development of ex-ante LCA methods and the resilience of supply chains. By combining insights from industry partners with sophisticated computational methods, more insight in the environmental aspects of magnet recycling will be created.

Research topic

The supply of rare earth elements for permanent magnet production is characterised by several challenges. Sander’s research concerns the environmental effects of the supply chain, while links with financial and social consequences are also addressed. As part of the EU Horizon 2020 project SUSMAGPRO, Sander will investigate what the benefits are of novel recycling techniques for NdFeB magnets. Methods that will be used include Material Flow Analysis (MFA), ex-ante Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and techno-economic assessment.

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Activities