CMI REMAFS takes the 2025 R&D 100 Green Technology Gold

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Achievement  
REMAFS (Rare Earth Metals via Alternative Fluoride Salts) won Gold in the 2025 R&D 100 Special Recognition: Green Technology for a non-toxic process that removes hydrofluoric acid from rare-earth metal production.

Details 

  • REMAFS provides a novel pathway for rare-earth metals production by using an alternative fluoride salt prepared without hydrofluoric acid (HF) and at room temperature.  
  • This HF-free approach improves safety, scalability and lowers environmental impact. 
  • It has been used for high performance permanent magnets production and licensed for rare earth metal production in USA.

Hub Targets Addressed   
Win industry adoption of three CMI developed technologies.

logo for 2025 R&D 100 Gold Award and image of pink powder and gray metal
Top: In the 2025 R&D 100 Awards program, the CMI technology REMAFS – Rare Earth Metals via Alternative Fluoride Salts won gold in the Special Recognition: Green Tech category. Bottom: Sodium neodymium fluoride and neodymium metal produced via the REMAFS process.