Resilient NdFeB magnet recycling under the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic: Stochastic programming and Benders decomposition

Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets are the most powerful per unit volume sold in commercial market. Despite increasing demand for clean energy applications such as electric vehicles and wind turbines, disruptive events including COVID-19 pandemic have caused significant uncertainties supply NdFeB magnets. Therefore, this study aims to alleviate risk of shortage containing critical materials, rare-earth elements (REEs), through development a resilient reverse chain logistics network design. We develop scenarios model unique impact on proposed business, incorporating both disruption intensity recovery rate. formulate chance-constrained two-stage stochastic programming maximize profit while guaranteeing resiliency against risks. To solve problem large-scale instances, we an efficient Benders decomposition algorithm that reduces computational time by 98.5% average compared default CPLEX algorithm. When applied United States, suggests optimal facility locations, processing capacities, inventory levels, material flows magnet recyclers could meet 99.7% demand. best our knowledge, is first incorporate impacts design recycling network, leveraging risk-averse programming.