Who
Solvay (Special Chem)
Solvay S.A.
What
rare earths — separate, refine, recycle
Capacity Nameplate capacity
4,000 t/yr rare earth-based formulation products (catalysis, automotive pollution control, polishing, electronics)
Actual output
Gated — subscribe to see actual output
Who they sell to
Gated — subscribe to see offtake agreements
Notes
Operating. Solvay describes it as the biggest plant outside China capable of separating all rare earth materials; new permanent-magnet production line inaugurated (2025). Feedstock from mining and recycled sources per CRMA. Pending review. Products stated: [rare earths (all 17 REE incl. NdPr/Dy/Tb)] Solvay calls La Rochelle the biggest plant outside China able to separate all rare earth materials; its own site description gives about 4,000 t/yr of rare earth-based formulation products. A new line inaugurated in April 2025 added rare earth materials for permanent magnets.