Economy

It requires approximately 1500 processes

It is a complex process to turn materials into powders that are the end product of this plant

It is important to have our own sourcing

Projects in Norway and Sweden are amongst the most advanced but it is likely to be another decade before they are ready

There are no operational rare earth mines in Europe

The facility aims to provide 30% of Europe's rare earths by 2030

As demand grows more virgin material will be needed from Brazil Canada and Australia

They can probably produce 30% of the rare earths needed by Europe by recycling end of life motors and other equipment

The focus is on recycling rare earths already in Europe

The plant outside of China can process all 17 different rare earths

Europe has two rare earth processing facilities one in Estonia and one in western France

If a material comes almost 100% from one location you want to diversify your sourcing

The market is growing fast and there is greater demand for shorter supply chains

The future of Solvay's plant will be critical to those ambitions

Europe is trying to reduce its dependence on importing key metals from China

Around 70% of rare earths mining and 90% of refining happens in China

Tourists trek to waterfalls and queue for snacks and T-shirts at the visitor centre

Solvay is expanding its processing plant to meet surging demand across Europe

Rare earth metals have been pumped out of the La Rochelle plant for almost 80 years

Solvay's facility is one of two rare earth processing facilities in Europe