Solvay and Viridis Mining and Minerals have signed a non-binding letter of intent (LoI) for the supply of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from Brazil to Solvay’s La Rochelle facility in France.
The agreement aims to secure critical feedstocks to improve diversification and resilience within the global rare earth materials supply chain
The parties are currently targeting a definitive sourcing agreement. According to the announced terms, Viridis is expected to provide mixed rare earth feedstocks from its Colossus Rare Earth Project in Brazil. These materials would be processed at the La Rochelle plant, which is described as one of the largest rare earth separation facilities outside China.
Solvay would contribute its rare earth separation expertise and processing technology to accelerate the development and supply of feedstock from Brazil. The feedstocks identified include neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. These are required for the production of permanent magnets used in renewable energy, electric vehicle motors, advanced electronics and defence systems.