Resilient NdFeB magnet recycling under COVID-19 pandemic

The geographic representation of NdFeB magnet recycling facilities and material flows from a deterministic model which does not consider supply chain uncertainties
The geographic representation of NdFeB magnet recycling facilities and material flows from a deterministic model which does not consider supply chain uncertainties

CMI researchers at the University of Arizona conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation
A risk-averse stochastic program model and a Benders decomposition algorithm were developed to design a resilient reverse logistics supply chain network for NdFeB magnet recycling under the COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. 

Achievement

  • The model suggests the optimal facility locations, processing capacities, inventory levels, and material flows for NdFeB magnet recyclers that could meet >99% of the demand. 
  • While adding a facility and increasing inventory level would add costs, it may improve long term business profit and resilience.
  • A manuscript describing this work has been published in the journal Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review

Significance and Impact
Optimization of the NdFeB reverse logistics supply chain network will create a more sustainable business under disruptive events like COVID-19. 

Hub Goals Addressed
Modeling and analyses to optimize the economic value and environmental impact of CMI technologies.
 

Optimal results for our proposed research, highlighting the importance of supplier diversification
Optimal results for our proposed research, highlighting the importance of supplier diversification