The British producer of rare earth metals and alloys aims to strengthen European supply chains.
Less Common Metals (LCM) has announced plans to build a new production facility in Lacq, France, with an investment of €110 million. The news was shared by the UK-based company via a social media post. As one of the few producers of rare earth metals outside of China, LCM stated it is in a “unique position” to support European supply chains. The announcement came just one day after the EU and the UK agreed to deepen their cooperation.
To enhance Europe’s rare earth supply, LCM is already working with UK-based recycler Ionic Technologies and German magnet manufacturer Vacuumschmelze (we reported).
Chairman Grant Smith highlighted France’s strong industrial base and strategic continental location as key reasons for selecting the site. In addition to LCM’s project, a separate facility for rare earth recycling and refining is planned in Lacq by the French company Caremag, a subsidiary of Carester. France also hosts one of the few non-Chinese plants for rare earth separation and processing. Operated by Solvay, the facility recently expanded its product range to include neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), a critical material for magnets.
Photo: iStock / ALotOfPeople
