Mapping complexity: Analyzing rare earth production life cycle inventories with network analysis

Abstract

Understanding the significance of process clusters in life cycle inventory networks is crucial for optimizing supply chains, especially for critical elements like rare earth elements (REEs) production. This study employs network analysis (NA) to examine life cycle networks using facility-level energy/material data, extracting information from LCA networks. Based on Chinese facility reports, the investigation evaluates the environmental footprint of various rare earth production pathways, vital to the clean energy sector. It also considers rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing and magnet recycling. Using network metrics, including indegree/outdegree strength, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality, the study assesses the resilience and sustainability of REEs production networks. Results highlight vulnerable nodes like "Neodymium Oxide" and "Nd Metal," aiding in identifying environmentally impactful materials and energy flows to develop more sustainable processes for meeting growing demand while enhancing environmental performance.