Neo Performance Materials has successfully launched a pilot separation line at its Silmet plant in Estonia. heavy rare earth elements (HREE) by solvent extraction method. The line is already operating at its designed capacity, and is now fine-tuning the product purity before moving on to regular production.
The line produced the first solutions of separated terbium and dysprosium – these are intermediate products for the subsequent production of metals. All raw materials (rare earth carbonate) are processed entirely in Europe. The success confirms the technical reliability of the equipment and marks the creation in Europe of its own production of heavy rare earth elements.
Terbium and dysprosium are critical components for high-power sintered rare earth magnets. Such magnets are used in robotics, traction motors for electric vehicles, wind generators and industrial automation.
With the new line, Neo strengthens the secure European supply chain for these materials for its growing magnetic production and to diversify its global supply.
Company CEO Rahim Suleman called the launch a critical step in the company’s strategy to create the most vertically integrated rare earth magnet value chain in Europe. Now the chain covers both the lungs and heavy rare earth elements, allowing selected elements to be separated and brought to final applications.
Neo will be able to supply its European permanent magnet plant in Estonia with reliable, traceable and high-quality heavy rare earth materials for the most demanding customers. Commercial production at the magnetic plant is expected in the second half of 2026 and is currently undergoing customer qualification.
Europe gets its own production of key components for green energy and high technology, independent of Asian suppliers.
Source: Mining Weekly
Image: Mining Weekly
