Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 9, Solvay S.A., based in Brussels, Belgium, has launched its rare earths production line for permanent magnets at its La Rochelle facility in France. This step strengthens the company’s role as a key player in the global rare earths market and supports Europe’s strategic objectives. The expansion bolsters an existing plant, notable as the largest outside China capable of separating all rare earth materials, enhancing regional supply capabilities.

The La Rochelle site now produces rare earths for permanent magnets, vital for electric vehicle motors, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and defense applications. This marks the beginning of Solvay’s plan to meet 30% of Europe’s demand by 2030. The facility will use a mix of sourced rare earths and recycled materials, adhering to the Critical Raw Materials Act, and relies on a variety of suppliers and mining partners.

Solvay is collaborating with emerging mining and recycling firms to build a sustainable and dependable supply chain. This effort aims to boost Europe’s industrial competitiveness and technological independence, focusing on local production rather than imports. The initiative aligns with the Clean Industrial Deal, emphasizing green technology development.

Philippe Kehren, Solvay CEO, emphasized the need for cooperation, stating: “At Solvay, we call for strong partnerships and collaboration with authorities, suppliers, and customers to create a competitive and robust value chain for rare earths in Europe. Our expertise, supported by the right partners, will drive the growth and success of the rare earths sector. We have ambitious plans to foster a reliable value chain for high-performance permanent magnets. It is crucial to embark on this journey and embrace the opportunity Solvay offers to enhance Europe’s leadership in sustainable technologies.”

An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Special Chem business, added: “While expanding the site’s capacity, we are reinventing our process that leverages our unique know-how in rare earths separation to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% and halve water consumption by 2030. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability strengthens our leadership and competitiveness in the rare earths industry, making us the preferred choice for our customers in Europe and beyond.” These improvements highlight Solvay’s focus on efficiency and environmental responsibility.

With over 75 years of experience, Solvay excels in rare earths separation, recycling, purification, and formulation. The La Rochelle expansion builds on this expertise, positioning the company to meet growing demand driven by sustainable technology trends. The production line supports Europe’s consumption needs without relying heavily on external sources.

This development at La Rochelle underscores Solvay’s long-term vision. By enhancing its facility and forging strategic partnerships, the company contributes to a resilient rare earths supply chain, vital for advanced industries across the continent and beyond.