Solvay opens rare earths facility in France, boosts European supply

Solvay has inaugurated a new production line for rare earth elements at its La Rochelle facility, making it the largest such facility outside of China. This expansion aligns with the European Union's goal to achieve 30% self-sufficiency in rare earths by 2030, particularly for the production of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The plant, which has been refining rare earths since 1948, will begin commercial production of these materials and aims to scale up to 4,500 tonnes annually by 2030, contingent upon market demand. CEO Philippe Kehren emphasized the importance of customer interest in driving further investment and the establishment of reliable supply chains in Europe, especially following recent Chinese export restrictions. Solvay is also seeking partnerships with mining and recycling firms to support this initiative. The company hopes to reclaim its historical strength in processing rare earths amid rising global demand.