Solvay opens rare earth line for permanent magnets at La Rochelle and starts commercial production

Solvay/La Rochelle rare earth separation

Solvay inaugurated a new production line at its La Rochelle plant in France and began commercial output of rare earths for permanent magnets, used in EV motors, wind turbines, electronics and defence. The site is the largest outside China able to separate every rare earth element, and the line is the first step toward Solvay's goal of meeting 30% of European demand by 2030.

• La Rochelle opened in 1948, covers 40 hectares and employs over 300 people.
• Feedstock is to come from several mining and recycling partners, in line with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
• The reworked process targets 40% lower CO2 emissions and half the water use by 2030.