Neo Performance Materials (TSX:NEO) has commissioned its heavy rare earth element (HREE) solvent extraction small-scale production line at its Silmet facility in Estonia.
The solvent extraction line is operating at nameplate capacity, with efforts now focusing on delivering stable product purity prior to transitioning to routine production capacity.
Neo Performance says the operation has produced its first separated terbium and dysprosium process solutions, precursor products for metal making, from mixed rare earth carbonate feedstock, with all processing completed entirely in Europe.
CEO Rahim Suleman says the commissioning represents a critical step in the company’s strategy to build the most vertically integrated rare earth magnetics value chain in Europe.
“Our rare earth value chain now spans both light and heavy rare earth processing, enabling the separation and finishing of select elements into value-added, engineered end-use applications,” Suleman says.
“This achievement enables Neo to provide secure, traceable, and high-quality heavy rare earth materials to our European permanent magnet facility, supporting our customers’ most demanding applications.”
Dysprosium and terbium are essential inputs for high-performance sintered rare earth permanent magnets used in robotics, electric vehicle traction motors, wind turbines, and industrial automation applications.
By developing this separation capability at Silmet, Neo Performance is advancing a secure, Europe-based supply of these critical materials to support its growing magnet manufacturing operations and to serve the broader strategic objectives of supply chain diversification.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Neo Performance Materials
