How Europe is vying for rare earth independence from China
Summary
Europe is taking steps to become less dependent on China for rare earth metals, which are important for technology like smartphones and electric vehicles. The Solvay plant in France, one of only two such facilities in Europe, is expanding to meet the region's increasing demand. The European Union has set goals to lessen reliance on imports and improve local processing and recycling of these vital materials by 2030.Key Facts
- Rare earth metals are essential for many modern technologies, such as smartphones and electric vehicles.
- Currently, 70% of mining and 90% of refining of rare earth metals occur in China.
- Europe is working to reduce its dependence on Chinese imports of these metals.
- Solvay's facility in France, operational for 80 years, is one of only two places in Europe processing rare earths.
- The European Union introduced the Critical Raw Materials Act to decrease reliance on imports by 2030.
- Solvay's plant aims to supply 30% of Europe's rare earth needs by recycling existing materials.
- There are no active rare earth mines in Europe, but projects in Norway and Sweden are developing.
- The process to refine these metals is complex, involving about 1,500 steps.
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