Solvay has signed a letter of intent with Viridis Mining and Minerals to secure a future supply of rare earth feedstocks from Brazil for processing at its La Rochelle facility in France, as Europe seeks to strengthen access to critical materials used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
The companies said the agreement, which remains subject to a definitive contract, would begin supplying feedstocks by 2028. The arrangement covers key permanent magnet rare earth elements including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium, which are widely used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and other advanced technologies.
Partnership Aims to Diversify Rare Earth Supply
The proposed collaboration would connect Viridis’ rare earth operations in Brazil with Solvay’s processing capabilities in France, providing an alternative source of materials outside traditional supply chains.
Solvay said its La Rochelle site is one of the largest rare earth separation facilities outside China and among the few industrial plants globally capable of separating the full range of rare earth elements at commercial scale.
Under the agreement, Solvay would process feedstocks supplied by Viridis into high-purity rare earth oxides for commercial applications, using its separation technology and refining expertise.
Focus on Magnet Materials for EVs and Renewable Energy
Demand for rare earth elements has increased as automakers and renewable energy developers expand production of electric motors and permanent magnet technologies.
The companies said the partnership is intended to help secure long-term supplies of critical materials while supporting efforts to build more resilient and geographically diversified supply chains.
Solvay Targets Expanded European Market Presence
An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Special Chem business, said the proposed agreement would strengthen the company’s upstream sourcing strategy and support growing demand for high-purity rare earth products.
“This proposed transaction would mark a significant milestone in strengthening and diversifying our upstream supply chain,” Nuyttens said.
“By partnering with Viridis, we would ensure another reliable source of raw materials that would allow us to maximise our processing capacity and meet the growing global demand for high-purity, sustainably processed rare earth elements.”
Nuyttens added that the initiative supports Solvay’s plans to expand rare earth processing capabilities at its French facility.
“This includes industrial scale separation of dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) by September 2026 at our La Rochelle site in France. Solvay maintains its target of supplying 30% of the European market for magnet-grade light and heavy rare earths by 2030.”