European rare earths refiner Solvay has struck a deal with an Australian company that will allow it to increase supplies for crucial magnet production outside China, calling it an “important step” in diversifying global supply chains.
欧洲稀土精炼商索尔维(Solvay)与一家澳大利亚公司达成协议，使其能够增加供应在中国以外生产关键磁体所需的原材料。索尔维称，这是朝着分散全球供应链迈出的“重要一步”。
The Belgian chemicals group said on Wednesday it had signed a long-term agreement with Viridis Mining and Minerals which will supply its rare earths operations in La Rochelle, France, from an upcoming Brazilian mine. Shipments to Solvay are expected to start in 2028.
这家比利时化工集团周三称其与Viridis Mining and Minerals签署了一项长期协议。根据协议，Viridis将从其即将投产的巴西稀土矿，向索尔维位于法国拉罗谢尔(La Rochelle)的稀土加工厂供应原料。预计将从2028年起向索尔维发货。
The deal comes as competition for non-Chinese rare earths supply could heat up further in the coming weeks as Beijing and Washington negotiate a further extension of a trade truce beyond January. The Pentagon has also said it will stop buying magnets and other critical parts sourced from China in January.
这项协议达成之际，对中国以外稀土供应的争夺可能会在未来几周进一步加剧，其背景是中美正在就延长1月到期的贸易“休战”进行谈判。五角大楼也已宣布将从1月起停止从中国采购磁体和其他关键部件。