France and Japan Collaborate to Launch Europe’s First Rare Earth Recycling Plant
France and Japan are set to construct Europe’s first large-scale rare earth recycling facility in Lacq, aiming to reduce reliance on China’s supply. Scheduled to operate by late 2026, the plant will recycle substantial amounts of magnets and refined minerals, producing vital oxides for high-tech industries.
France and Japan are collaborating to establish Europe’s first major rare earth recycling facility, situated in Lacq, France. This initiative aims to address China’s dominance in rare metal supplies, with China currently providing 98% of Europe’s rare earth elements. This plant is projected to be the leading producer of purified heavy rare earths in the Western region, commencing operations by late 2026.
Caremag, a subsidiary of French rare earth refining company Carester, has secured €216 million in funding for this project. The financing includes €110 million from Japanese partners such as the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and private company Iwatani, with the French government contributing an additional €106 million.
The facility’s operational capacity will include the recycling of 2,000 tonnes of magnets and refinement of 5,000 tonnes of mineral concentrates each year. Its anticipated output includes 600 tonnes of Dysprosium and Terbium oxides, which constitutes about 15% of global production, in addition to 800 tonnes of Neodymium and Praseodymium oxides, thereby enhancing Europe’s rare earth supply capability.
Rare earth elements are integral to various technologies, particularly in the electronics sector, and are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics. This project is not only strategic in reducing reliance on external sources but also pivotal in advancing clean energy solutions and high-tech manufacturing, thereby promoting economic security and technological independence in Europe.
In summary, the partnership between France and Japan signifies a crucial step towards reducing Europe’s dependence on China’s rare earth supplies. The establishment of the rare earth recycling plant in Lacq is set to yield significant outputs crucial for various high-tech industries. With substantial funding secured, the initiative promises to bolster Europe’s position in the global supply chain for rare earth elements, particularly as demand for clean energy technologies continues to grow.
Original Source: www.trendforce.com
