The FINANCIAL — Hitachi Ltd. (6501) said on December 6 it has developed technology that makes it easier to collect rare-earth minerals from used hard-drive motors and air conditioners, according to Nikkei.com.
The technology enables parts to be disassembled quickly, making it easier to separate rare earths from used products. The process includes collecting the materials after they are separated. The company claims the technology enables the disassembly of about 100 products per hour, compared with just 12 products if done manually.
The electrical machinery maker plans to use the technology in-house as early as 2013.
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