A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for attaching and detaching the magnetic material where upon release of the magnetic material, the residual magnetic flux of the released magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and an input coupled to the armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a lift or release material signal from an operator interface panel to lift or release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a control signal that is at least partially responsive to the voltage output of the armature to effectively maintain the voltage output of the armature to a set-point value.