Caremag
Be the pioneer of the recycling of rare-earth permanent magnets from end-of-life equipment in Europe
Caremag's project is to build an environmentally friendly production unit for pure rare-earth oxides (Neodymium, Praseodymium, Terbium, Dysprosium) in France from two main sources:
- - Permanent magnets to be recycled (2000t) from:
- • Production scraps from magnet manufacturing plants (swarfs) or turbine or motor assembly plants (scraps);
- • End-of-life equipment.
- - Rare earth concentrates from mines (5,000t) to fill the plant in the first few years and support the economic ramp-up of recycling.
In run phase, the CAREMAG unit will produce 100t of Praseodymium, 500t of Neodymium, 400t of Dysprosium and 90t of Terbium.
The unit obtained its construction and operating permits in 2023. Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2024, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.
In addition to producing pure oxides from recycled magnets or mining concentrates, the CAREMAG project also offers a pre-treatment/dismantling solution for equipment containing rare-earth-based permanent magnets (wind turbines, electric car motors). The availability of this pre-treatment stage increases CAREMAG's access to magnets for recycling. Today, there is no established dismantling channel in France.
The CAREMAG project offers one of the essential building blocks for environmental-friendly production of rare earth oxides, while remaining competitive with the competition thanks to innovations in a proven process.
Compared with existing recycling units in Asia, the CAREMAG process reduces CO2 emissions by 60% and water consumption by 98%, making it a unique project worldwide.
In addition, the Caremag project includes the recycling of 80% of direct CO2 emissions within the process.
The CAREMAG project also includes virtuous innovations such as the recycling of 80% of direct CO2 emissions within the process, and the valorization of co-products: boron and ammonium nitrate (fertilizer).
Key figures
- • Project progress: All operating and environmental permits were granted. The plant start-up is planned in the first quarter of 2026.
- • Recovered products: Pure rare earth oxides (Nd, Pr, Tb, Dy).
- • and as a co-product: Borax and ammonium nitrate concentrate as product for agricultural applications.
- • Investment: €170 million
- • 92 jobs created
- • Location : Lacq - south-west France
CAREMAG today
Caremag is not just an industrial project, it's also a company in its own right, with 16 employees working at 3 sites: the head office in Lyon (69), 3 laboratories at Axel'One in Villeurbanne (69) and a dismantling unit in Vénissieux (69).
