France and Japan Join Forces to Build Europe’s First Rare Earth Recycling Plant
France and Japan are building Europe’s first large-scale rare earth recycling plant in Lacq, anticipated to begin operations by the end of 2026. The EUR 216 million facility, primarily funded by Japanese and French sources, aims to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earth supplies. It will recycle significant quantities of rare earth materials vital for electronics and clean energy applications.
China’s dominance in rare metals has raised concerns in various industries worldwide. In response, France and Japan are collaborating to establish Europe’s first large-scale rare earth recycling facility in Lacq, France, as reported by Central News Agency referencing a press release from Carester, a French rare earth refining company. This facility aims to be the largest producer of purified heavy rare earths in the Western region.
The facility is set to commence operations by the end of 2026, with notable support from the automaker Stellantis, which plans to utilize its services. Caremag, a subsidiary of Carester, has successfully secured funding amounting to EUR 216 million, with EUR 110 million sourced from Japanese entities, including the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Iwatani, alongside EUR 106 million from the French government.
The initiative seeks to diminish Europe’s reliance on China, which currently supplies 98% of the rare earth metals used in the region, as per EnergyNews. The Caremag facility will have the capability to process 2,000 tonnes of magnets and refine 5,000 tonnes of mining concentrates each year. It is expected to produce 600 tonnes of Dysprosium and Terbium oxides, representing approximately 15% of the global production, along with 800 tonnes of Neodymium and Praseodymium oxides.
Rare earth elements, like those produced by this plant, are vital to the electronics industry and have extensive applications in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics. Consequently, this project holds significant strategic importance, particularly in fostering advancements in clean energy and high-tech manufacturing, emphasized Central News Agency.
In summary, the collaborative effort between France and Japan to establish a rare earth recycling facility signifies a strategic move to mitigate dependence on China for such critical materials. With funding secured and an operational target set for 2026, this initiative is poised to enhance Europe’s capacity to produce essential rare earth elements, thereby reinforcing advancements in sustainable technologies and high-tech manufacturing.
Original Source: www.trendforce.com
