Widnes SciBar @ The Hillcrest Hotel

Permanent Magnets, Rare Earths and the Widnes Connection

Hillcrest Hotel, Cronton Lane
Widnes, WA8 9AR
7.30 pm, Wednesday 12th February 2020

Dr Ian Higgins
Managing Director, Less Common Metals Ltd, Ellesmere Port

The development of high-performance permanent magnets based on rare earth alloys has resulted in great industrial advances. The resulting miniaturisation of electronic devices has enabled world-changing growth in both personal computing and mobile phones. Modern applications, such as; wind power and electric vehicles depend on rare earth-based magnets. Even in more traditional applications for pumps, compressors and DC motors, operating efficiency is greatly enhanced through the use of super-strength rare earth magnets.

All of this has come at a cost. Over-dependence on China coupled with often poor industrial practices have led to both strategic and ethical concerns about the use of rare earths.

The technology of permanent magnets, the rare earth supply chain and the role of global geopolitics will be discussed. Efforts to lessen dependence on China will be described and historical links to Northwest England, including West Bank in Widnes, will be explained.

SciBar – Talking science in a relaxed setting
What is it? – Talks about science, research and policy which you can discuss and question
Where is it? – usually at the Hillcrest Hotel, Cronton Lane, Widnes WA8 9AR, but at other venues occasionally
Who is it for? – Widnes SciBar is for anyone with an interest in science, or a wish to know more about science