France and Japan Unite to Launch Europe’s First Rare Earth Recycling Facility
France and Japan are set to establish Europe’s first large-scale rare earth recycling plant in Lacq, France, to reduce reliance on Chinese rare metals. The facility aims to begin operations by 2026, with significant backing from both French and Japanese investors. This project is critical for supplying essential materials for electric vehicles and other technologies.
China’s overwhelming dominance in rare metals has raised concerns across global industries. In response, France and Japan are collaborating to establish Europe’s first large-scale rare earth recycling facility in Lacq, France. This initiative is poised to be the largest producer of refined heavy rare earths in the Western hemisphere, according to a report by the Central News Agency, citing a press release from Carester, a French rare earth refining company.
The facility is scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2026, with automaker Stellantis reportedly committed as a customer. The French firm Caremag, a subsidiary of Carester, has successfully secured EUR 216 million in funding for the project. Notably, EUR 110 million of this funding has come from Japanese entities, including the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and private company Iwatani, while the French government contributes the remaining EUR 106 million.
The project aims to lessen Europe’s dependency on China, which currently supplies a staggering 98% of the continent’s rare earths, as per EnergyNews reports. The Caremag facility aims to recycle 2,000 tonnes of magnets and refine 5,000 tonnes of mining concentrates annually. This output is expected to produce 600 tonnes of Dysprosium and Terbium oxides—representing approximately 15% of global production—and 800 tonnes of Neodymium and Praseodymium oxides, as stated in the press release.
Rare earth elements and the permanent magnets derived from them are pivotal to the electronics sector, featuring in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics. Due to their vital applications, this project holds substantial strategic importance, especially in enhancing clean energy and advancing high-tech manufacturing, as highlighted by the Central News Agency.
In summary, France and Japan’s strategic partnership to develop Europe’s inaugural rare earth recycling facility marks a significant step towards decreasing reliance on Chinese resources. With substantial funding secured and a clear operational timeline, the facility is poised to bolster the production of critical rare earth elements essential for various advanced technologies, aligning with global goals for sustainable energy solutions.
Original Source: www.trendforce.com
