Russian scientist have developed unique technology that allows for a furnace refining method to obtain quality ligature and alloys - in particular: Tb-Fe, Nd-Co, Dy-Fe, Nd-Fe, Nd-Fe-B, on an industrial scale. This is not in niobium and tantalum crucibles, but in crucibles of plain steel.

The implementation of the technology for the production of fluorides and the preparation of their alloys, ligatures and magnets is only possible at JSC ‘Siberian Chemical Complex’ (SCC). This is for good reason:
1) the SCC technology of their production has been proven in industrial environments;
2) there is existing production of elemental fluorine;
3) advanced research and development;
4) plus there are applications for alloys and ligatures on behalf of Russian magnet manufacturers at 100 - 120 t/year.
If we speak in respect to neodymium alloy and ligatures one could argue that fluorinated oxides of rare earth elemental fluorine are expensive, though, from my perspective, they are beneficial for the quality of the manufactured products — the preparation of fluoride alloys and alloys of medium — heavy group elements on the basis of this technology would be economically justified. It should be borne in mind that scientific research is indispensible for this high-tech REM production on an industrial scale. Since in global practice there are no examples of the ladle refining method used for the production of ligatures Tb-Fe, Nd-Co, Dy-Fe and, in particular, Nd- Fe, Nd-Fe-B weighing more than 2 - 5 tons, and not in niobium and tantalum crucibles but in crucibles of plain steel. For the grinding of such ligatures and alloys we offer the proven Hydride technology wich allow us to obtain powders of hydrides Nd-Fe, which are considered to be corrosion resistant in dry air conditions and can be directly used for the production of high-energy magnets, which is practically impossible for the production of magnets from metal powders Nd -Fe-B (as they need a protective atmosphere). We prepared a feasibility study for production involving the processing of 2,000 tons of concentrate per year to provide 400 tons of oxides of rare earth metals, including 120—150 tons of oxides of the medium-heavy REM group. If this is realised in the next 15—20 years this problem will be solved. Of course, the issue of utilization of thorium also demands the immediate solution, but JSC ‘SCC’ possesses the necessary competencies for this. At long last a new laboratory stand has been created for the laboratory base at the Seversky Institute of Technology of the National Research Nuclear University (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute). The stand’s purpose is to obtain alloys and magnets for scientific research and we hope that this year we will receive REM alloys and be able to certify the resulting production. Benefits of the ladle purification fluoride technology:
• The ability to obtain anhydrous fluoride rare earth and transition metals of any kind from REM waste;
• Lack of heating equipment required;
• The use of steel crucibles for producing calcium alloys in the form of powders or bars;
• The price of alloys and ligatures produced from waste is 20-30% lower than for Chinese manufacturers.