TheWater leaching efficientSulfation roasting recyclingRecycling of rare earth elements (REEsRare earth elements (REEs)) from NdFeB magnetNdFeB magnets waste is critical for sustainable resource management. This study investigates the selective recoverySelective recovery of REEsRare earth elements (REEs) via sulfation roastingSulfation roasting and water leachingWater leaching. Systematic experiments were conducted on crushed and demagnetized NdFeB magnetNdFeB magnets powders, with roasting performed under varying SO₂/O₂ atmospheres, gas flow rates, and temperatures (500–800 °C). At high roasting temperatures, suboptimal REE recoveryREE recovery is observed due to the formation of RE oxides. The Factsage phase diagram analysis predicted, and experiments confirmed, that selective REERare earth elements (REEs) sulfation is favoured between 600 and 700 °C, while higher temperatures promote oxide formation and lower temperatures favour non-selective sulfation. SEM–EDS analyses demonstrated the formation of REERare earth elements (REEs)-sulfate-rich rims and ironIron oxide cores at optimal conditions. Water leachingWater leaching at room temperature yielded an increase in REERare earth elements (REEs) extractionExtraction efficiency with minimal ironIron dissolution at 700 ℃ compared to that at 600 or 800 ℃. The integrated approach presented here establishes a robust framework for advancing sustainable REE recoveryREE recovery technologies.