Definitive agreement secures strategic feedstock to support Solvay’s rare earth production in La Rochelle, France
Solvay today announced that it has signed a long-term supply agreement with Viridis Mining and Minerals for the strategic supply of rare earth feedstock, following the Letter of Intent announced in June 2026. The agreement strengthens and diversifies Solvay’s access to critical supply for its rare earth operations in La Rochelle, France, with shipments expected to start in 2028.
Under the agreement, which has an initial term through 2034, Viridis will supply a mixed rare earth feedstock from its Colossus project in Brazil to Solvay’s La Rochelle facility. Under a separately contemplated agreement, Solvay will license technology and provide technical support to Viridis to produce upgraded, premium carbonate from their Colossus project in Brazil to supply La Rochelle.
The feedstock includes key rare earths for permanent magnets, notably neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), supporting increasing global demand. It also contains an important distribution of additional heavy rare earths, such as samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd) and yttrium (Y). Minimum committed volumes for the magnetic rare earths of Nd, Pr, Dy and Tb represent approximately 70% of the anticipated production capacity of the Colossus project during the initial term, where Solvay also holds the right of first offer on the remaining production.
Solvay’s La Rochelle site is one of the largest rare earth separation and purification facilities outside China and is capable of processing the full range of rare earth elements at industrial scale. Solvay will apply its separation, purification and product development expertise to transform the material into individual, high-purity rare earth oxides and formulations used in permanent magnets and other strategic applications, including electric mobility, renewable energy, advanced electronics and medical applications.
We are pleased to have signed this long-term agreement with Viridis, combining its high-quality resource in Brazil with Solvay’s proven rare earth processing technologies, industrial-scale capabilities in La Rochelle and close understanding of customer requirements. Together, these strengths reinforce our ability to consistently provide the rare earth materials required by demanding and fast-growing markets.
Securing a binding long-term agreement with one of the world’s leading rare earth separation groups provides us with a clear route to global markets, and supports the finalisation of project financing as we advance towards production in 2028. We see this as the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership that will support the development of Colossus, bring advanced rare earth processing technology into Brazil and help establish the country as an important supplier of rare earth materials.
Contact us
Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 8,400 employees. Since 1863, Solvay has harnessed the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we use, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. Solvay’s unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a world-leading company with €4.3 billion in net sales in 2025, Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on Linkedin.
Viridis Mining and Minerals Limited is a resource exploration and development company with assets in Brazil, Canada and Australia. The Company’s Projects comprise:
The Colossus Project, with a Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserve Estimate for Rare Earth Elements following completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study;
The South Kitikmeot Project, where the Company intends to continue gold exploration;
The Boddington West Project, which the Company considers to be prospective for gold;
The Bindoon Project, which the Company considers to be prospective for nickel, copper and platinum group elements; and
The Poochera and Smoky Projects, which the Company considers prospective for kaolin-halloysite.