Solvay and Viridis LOI for Brazil-to-La Rochelle rare-earth supply
- Solvay and Viridis signed an LOI to secure strategic rare earth feedstock supply by 2028 and work toward a definitive sourcing agreement.
- Viridis is expected to supply feedstocks from Brazil to Solvay’s La Rochelle plant, with Solvay providing separation expertise and processing technology.
- Feedstock targets magnet-grade neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), plus heavy rare earths samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd) and yttrium (Y).
- Solvay plans industrial-scale separation of Dy and Tb at La Rochelle by September 2026 and targets supplying 30% of the European magnet-grade market by 2030.
Deal outline
Solvay has entered a Letter of Intent with Viridis Mining and Minerals to secure a strategic supply of rare earth feedstocks by 2028; both parties will work to finalise a definitive sourcing agreement.
Feedstock and processing
Under the LOI, Viridis is expected to supply critical rare earth feedstocks from Brazil to Solvay’s La Rochelle plant. Solvay will contribute recognised rare earth separation expertise and processing technology to refine raw materials into high-purity oxide elements for electric vehicle motors, renewable energy, advanced electronics and defence systems.
Materials and capacity targets
The feedstock includes magnet-grade neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), and additional heavy rare earths such as samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd) and yttrium (Y). Solvay stated plans for industrial-scale separation of Dy and Tb at La Rochelle by September 2026 and maintains a target to supply 30% of the European market for magnet-grade light and heavy rare earths by 2030.
Facility role and conditions
Solvay’s La Rochelle facility is described as one of the largest rare earth separation plants outside China and one of the few sites capable of processing all rare earth elements at industrial scale. The contemplated transaction remains subject to definitive documentation, compliance with applicable requirements and customary conditions, so completion and final terms are not assured.
Source: Solvay
