Solvay signs agreement to secure rare earths from Brazil starting in 2028
Announced on November 4, 2026, this definitive agreement follows the letter of intent made public in June 2026. It is expected to supply the Belgian chemical group's La Rochelle site from 2028, with a raw material sourced from a Brazilian mining project that has not yet entered production.
A Brazilian raw material intended for the La Rochelle site
Solvay has signed a long-term supply agreement with Viridis Mining and Minerals. It covers a mixed rare earth raw material extracted from the Colossus project in Brazil and delivered to the La Rochelle site, where the group operates its rare earth activities.
According to Solvay, the agreement strengthens and diversifies its access to a supply deemed critical for these operations. The first shipments are expected in 2028.
This raw material contains the rare earths used in permanent magnets, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. It also includes other heavy rare earths, such as samarium, gadolinium and yttrium.
Committed volumes at around 70% of planned capacity through 2034
The agreement runs for an initial term through 2034. Over this period, the minimum committed volumes for the four magnetic rare earths (neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium) represent approximately 70% of the Colossus project's anticipated production capacity.
Solvay also holds a right of first offer on the remainder of production. A separate agreement, under consideration at this stage, also provides that Solvay will grant Viridis a technology licence and provide technical support.
This cooperation would aim to produce in Brazil, at the Colossus project, a higher-grade carbonate intended to supply La Rochelle.
Separation in La Rochelle, financing underway for Colossus
Solvay presents its La Rochelle site as one of the largest rare earth separation and purification facilities outside China, capable of processing all of these elements on an industrial scale. The material will be converted there into individual high-purity oxides and into formulations intended in particular for permanent magnets.
The group cites electric mobility, renewable energy, advanced electronics and medical applications as target markets. “Together, these strengths enhance our ability to consistently supply the rare earths required by demanding and fast-growing markets,” said Stéphane Diaz, Chief Executive Officer of Solvay's Rare Earths business.
On the supplier side, Rafael Moreno, CEO of Viridis, indicated that the agreement “supports the finalization of the project's financing as we move toward production in 2028”. He sees it as “the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership”.
