Solvay and Viridis Mining Partner to Secure Rare Earth Supply for EV and Technology Markets

Solvay and Viridis Mining and Minerals have signed a letter of intent (LoI) on June 1 to establish a long-term strategic supply arrangement for rare earth materials. The companies will now advance discussions toward a definitive sourcing agreement targeted for completion before supply operations begin in 2028. Under the proposed collaboration, Viridis is expected to provide critical rare earth feedstocks sourced from Brazil, while Solvay will contribute its expertise in rare earth separation and advanced processing technologies to support the development and acceleration of the supply chain.

The planned supply route will connect Brazilian rare earth resources with Solvay’s processing operations at its La Rochelle facility in France. Through this arrangement, Solvay intends to apply its established capabilities in rare earth processing and separation to transform feedstock materials into high-purity rare earth oxides. These materials are essential for a range of strategic industries, including electric vehicle motors, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and defense-related technologies.

The feedstock covered by the collaboration includes several critical rare earth elements widely used in permanent magnet production. These include neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb), which are important for manufacturing high-performance magnets required in modern electrification technologies. The material stream also contains significant quantities of additional heavy rare earth elements such as samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), and yttrium (Y), further enhancing the strategic value of the proposed supply partnership.

Key Rare Earth Elements Included in the Planned Supply Chain

The collaboration reflects growing industry efforts to strengthen and diversify rare earth supply chains amid increasing demand from electrification, clean energy, and high-technology sectors. By combining Brazilian feedstock resources with advanced European processing expertise, the proposed partnership aims to support a more resilient supply network for critical materials that play a vital role in next-generation mobility and industrial technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Solvay and Viridis Mining partnership?
The partnership is intended to establish a strategic supply chain for rare earth materials between Brazil and France by 2028. Viridis Mining is expected to supply rare earth feedstocks, while Solvay will provide separation and processing expertise. The collaboration aims to produce high-purity rare earth oxides required for electric vehicle motors, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and defense applications. It also supports the development of a more secure and diversified supply chain for critical raw materials.

Which rare earth elements are included in the agreement?
The planned supply arrangement includes key rare earth elements used in permanent magnet production, such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. The feedstock also contains important heavy rare earth elements including samarium, gadolinium, and yttrium. These materials are essential for manufacturing high-performance magnets and advanced technology components used across electric mobility, renewable energy, industrial electronics, and defense sectors, making them strategically important for future technology development.