Aim- and TSX-V-listed Mkango Resources subsidiary HyProMag is participating in the £11-million grant-funded PULSE project.

HyProMag is 100% owned by Maginito, which is 79.4% owned by Mkango and 20.6% owned by CoTec Holdings.

The PULSE project will be led by Protean and will deliver a pioneer flexible assembly line for power electronics systems used by in-wheel motors (IWM) and other net-zero products.

IWM generates power directly in a vehicle’s wheels.

By moving power to the wheel, drivers are expected to get improved torque response, enhanced handling, faster acceleration, less charging and greater range.

“We are very pleased to be part of this groundbreaking project and to work with a leading consortium in the field of electric vehicle innovation, validating HyProMag’s hydrogen processing of magnet scrap (HPMS) technology and positioning the company at the forefront of rare earth magnet recycling technology development and commercialisation,” says HyProMag CE William Dawes.

“This consortium has a great commitment to sustainability and scaling the manufacturing capability in the UK, so we are proud to join Project PULSE and continue returning manufacture of neodymium magnets to the UK.

“Building on our existing relationship with Protean, this project will see HyProMag deliver a world first by incorporating short-loop recycled magnets into Protean’s IWM technology, delivering a huge reduction in embedded CO₂,” says HyProMag technical manager Dr Rob Arnold.

Continuing HyProMag’s existing relationships with IWM manufacturer Protean, and former RARE project partner Unipart, Project PULSE will expand the IWM market while directly incorporating power electronics.

Other industrial partners include fuel cell electric vehicle powertrain company Viritech and sensor technology specialists Transense, while academic partners Coventry University and WMG complete the consortium.

PULSE is expected to accelerate development and industrialisation of IWM and fuel cell technology.

Additionally, creation of a flexible power electronics manufacturing capability and a focus on sustainable manufacturing innovation is anticipated to engender job creation and safeguarding, while simultaneously saving in excess of one-million tonnes of CO₂/y in the UK.

HyProMag will also receive £43 000 in grant funding as part of the project.