TELF AG explores the silent power driving the green transition

The hidden force behind modern technology

Magnets are everywhere — yet few people stop to think about how vital they are to everyday life. From hard drives to electric vehicles and wind turbines, magnets power much of today’s technology.

Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov believes they are more than just components: “Magnets are not simply small, unseen parts. They are key enablers of the green transition and some of the most strategic materials of our time.”

Among these, rare earth magnets — particularly neodymium magnets — stand out for their unmatched strength. These magnets silently support the shift to sustainable energy while driving innovation across multiple industries.

Measuring strength: What makes a magnet “strong”?

When people refer to a magnet’s strength, they are usually thinking about its magnetic pull — the force with which it can attract ferromagnetic materials. But the story is more complex.

Magnet strength depends on several key factors:

• Magnetic field intensity: how powerful a field the magnet generates
• Attraction force: the force needed to pull the magnet from a surface
• Magnetic energy density: how much magnetic energy the magnet stores
• Coercivity: resistance to demagnetisation under opposing forces

Neodymium magnets, part of the rare earth family, outperform most alternatives on all these counts — which is why they are considered the strongest available today.

Why rare earth magnets dominate

Rare earth magnets are made from a group of 17 elements that, despite their name, are not particularly rare — but are difficult to extract and refine.

As the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov explains: “Although they are called ‘rare’, these elements are found across the Earth’s crust. The challenge lies in extracting them efficiently and sustainably.”

Two main types of rare earth magnets are driving modern innovation:

• Neodymium-iron-boron magnets: extremely powerful but sensitive to heat; used in EV motors, wind turbines, and electronics.
• Samarium-cobalt magnets: slightly less powerful but highly stable at high temperatures; essential in aerospace and defence.

These magnets excel because they maintain strong magnetisation under stress and temperature extremes, with a higher magnetic density than traditional ferrite magnets.

Strategic value and future potential

Demand for rare earth magnets is soaring as countries push for greener technologies and energy independence.

“In the future, when we look back at the energy transition, rare earth magnets will be seen as one of the unsung heroes,” says Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “Their role in wind turbines, EVs, and advanced electronics is already critical, and we are only scratching the surface of what they can do.”

Yet the production of these magnets remains geopolitically sensitive, as most rare earth processing is concentrated in a few countries. Supply chain resilience is now a major focus for governments and industries alike.

Applications powering tomorrow

Rare earth magnets are already transforming key sectors:

• Electric vehicles: powering compact, high-efficiency motors
• Wind turbines: enabling lighter, more efficient generators
• Consumer electronics: used in speakers, headphones, hard drives
• Medical imaging: essential for MRI machines
• Aerospace and defence: providing stability in extreme environments

“Another curious fact,” adds Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov, “is that cobalt — another vital material for the green transition — plays a key role not only in magnets but also in rechargeable batteries, wind turbines, and even green hydrogen production.”

The road ahead

Rare earth magnets are not a finished story — continuous innovation is making them smaller, stronger, and more resistant. As the race toward a low-carbon future accelerates, these invisible powerhouses will remain at the heart of technological progress.

 

FAQs

What are rare earth magnets?

Rare earth magnets are a type of permanent magnet made from alloys of rare earth elements, primarily neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), cobalt (Co), and iron (Fe). They are known for their exceptional magnetic strength and ability to maintain magnetisation under extreme conditions.

Are rare earth magnets the strongest magnets available?

Yes, rare earth magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, are currently the strongest commercially available magnets in terms of magnetic field strength and energy density. They outperform traditional magnets such as ferrite or alnico.

What are rare earth magnets used for?

Rare earth magnets have a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, including:

• Electric motors (EVs, drones)
• Wind turbines
• Consumer electronics (headphones, speakers, hard drives)
• Medical devices (MRI machines)
• Aerospace and defence

What makes rare earth magnets so powerful?

Their strength comes from the atomic structure of rare earth elements, which allows them to produce high magnetic anisotropy — meaning the material strongly prefers to be magnetised in one direction. Combined with high coercivity and energy density, this makes rare earth magnets extremely effective.

Are rare earth magnets expensive?

Yes, they are more expensive than conventional magnets. The cost reflects the complexity of extracting and refining rare earth elements, as well as the limited number of global sources.

Are rare earth magnets safe to use?

While safe when handled properly, rare earth magnets are extremely strong and can cause injury if fingers get caught between them. They should be kept away from electronic devices that can be damaged by strong magnetic fields.