Chemistry September 6 and September 16, 2022, Rimini, Italy. In one of the laboratories at the Rimini Scientific Center of the University of Bologna, magnets extracted from end-of-life electric motors are isolated. These magnets undergo a chemical process to recover three rare earth elements that constitute them: neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium. These elements play a crucial role in addressing the digital transition by tackling the challenge of sourcing raw materials (such as rare earths) that are integral to the critical components of renewable technologies and electronics. Gianluca Torta has been dedicated to this research for a year and a half, yielding excellent results and nearing a solution.

Wind energy31 /05 Faroe Island Nolsoy ( Danmark) The use of permanent magnet generators in wind turbines is crucial to maximize harnessed wind energy. These magnets typically contain around 30% by weight of Rare Earths, including neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), and dysprosium (Dy), along with other cost-effective ferrous materials, thereby reducing energy production costs. Wind turbine blades constitute a key pillar in the ecological transition, tapping into an inexhaustible source of energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions, unlike traditional energy sources. The employment of permanent magnets signifies a step forward towards a sustainable energy system, diminishing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner, more environmentally respectful future.

Dead Man walking October 6, 2022, Milos, Greece. The importance of striking a balance between energy needs and environmental conservation becomes evident. Initiating a transition towards cleaner energy sources becomes imperative, reflecting a commitment to redefining our relationship with harmful fossil carbon and ensuring a healthier future for the planet. This transformation, crucial for our planet, can occur through the progress of research and innovation led by dedicated and passionate researchers. It will be thanks to their determination and discoveries that we can outline a new energy path, less harmful to the environment and more sustainable for future generations.

Chemical Formulas 16 September 2022 Rimini Italy Chemist Gianluca Torta, in his laboratory at the Rimini Scientific Center of the University of Bologna, is poised to inscribe a formula on the glass partition of a laboratory hood. This specialized hood is utilized to shield researchers from fumes during chemical reactions. The extraction of rare earths from magnets entails an intricate procedure that necessitates the utilization of various chemicals, all of which must be handled meticulously to ensure both safety and environmental protection.

Rotors and gym September 6, 2022, Fano (PU) / January 31, 2023, Rimini, Italy. The retrieval of magnets from end-of-life engines and the determination of chemist Gianluca Torta also in private life For two and a half years, the researcher has been committed to studying the recovery and reuse of rare earths present in the rotors of end-of-life electric motors. He balances his role as a chemist with the routine of a 28-year-old man who engages in weightlifting and maintains physical fitness using the communal spaces of a garage in the building where he resides in Fano, located in the province of Pesaro and Urbino.

Magnet 6 September 2023 Rimini Italy magnet was patented in the 1980s, during the twentieth century, and comprises 3 out of the 17 rare earth elements. In the hands of research chemist Gianluca Torta, the magnet, although small, holds significant value for both ecological and digital transitions. The demand for magnets' volume is projected to constitute 39% of the global rare earth demand by 2030. Prioritizing the recovery and reuse of the rare earths it contains is crucial to address the difficulty in accessing the resource from both a geopolitical standpoint and for obtaining economically sustainable mines. Additionally, this is important to reduce the environmental impact associated with their extraction. Only through these efforts can we achieve a clean and sustainable energy and digital transition.

The night of Energy March 7, 2023, Codigoro FE, Italy. The persistent utilization of fossil fuels by companies reveals an energy dependence on these resources, despite the growing environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. This reluctance to transition to more sustainable sources, such as renewable energies, can stem from factors like familiarity and transition costs. This situation underscores the importance of addressing the ecological transition, in which rare earth elements play a crucial role in green technologies. These materials are essential for devices, vehicles, and sustainable energy technologies. Promoting research and the adoption of rare earth elements to reduce dependence on unsustainable sources is essential for an ecological and sustainable future.

Urban mining Stazione Ecologica Hera, Bologna, Italia. L'urban mining, conosciuto anche come "mining urbano" o "recupero urbano", è il processo di recupero di risorse preziose da prodotti obsoleti e rifiuti urbani, affrontando la domanda di risorse e la gestione dei rifiuti. Attraverso il recupero di materiali da dispositivi elettronici e apparecchiature obsolete, si promuove il riciclaggio e si riduce la dipendenza dalle risorse estratte. Questo approccio rappresenta una risposta innovativa alle sfide ambientali e promuove l'economia circolare, favorendo il recupero sostenibile di risorse già presenti nelle città. La transizione digitale dipende anche dall'assicurarsi un accesso a terre rare sostenibili. La ricerca nella transizione energetica ha come obiettivo lo sviluppo di soluzioni a basso impatto ambientale per la produzione, l'uso e la conservazione dell’energia.

he researcher, the scientist. 16 September 2023, in Rimini, Italy, at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Scientific Campus of Rimini at the University of Bologna, Gianluca Torta studied and obtained a degree in industrial chemistry and a Ph.D. in climate change. For two and a half years, at the same university, he has been conducting fundamental research for ecological transition: the extraction of three rare earth elements present in magnets of electric motors at the end of their useful life. Scientific research and researchers are crucial for innovation and progress, thanks to their dedication to discovery and in-depth analysis. Through tireless efforts, they develop new knowledge and identify solutions to complex challenges, promoting the development of advanced technologies to support sustainable development. Their ability to explore the unknown and challenge existing knowledge paves the way for new opportunities and advancements in various fields, contributing to the continuous evolution of society and the improvement of the quality of life.