France Advances Domestic Production of High-Performance NdFeB Magnets

Orano and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) have demonstrated a pilot line in Grenoble that reliably produces N45UH-grade neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets. The grade combines very high magnetic strength with resistance to demagnetization at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for electric-mobility motors, generators, actuators, magnetic sensors, and defense-grade components. The pilot line integrates the full manufacturing chain from rare-earth refining to final magnet fabrication.

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Europe currently depends heavily on Chinese rare-earth supplies. According to the World Economic Forum, the European Union sources 98 % of its rare-earth magnet demand from Chinese suppliers; China produces roughly 95 % of global rare-earth oxides and provides about 70 % of Europe’s rare-earth imports. Worldwide recovery rates for rare-earth materials remain below 1 %, limiting the availability of recycled feedstock. The Grenoble achievement therefore represents a strategic effort to diversify supply and reduce reliance on external sources.

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Philippe Stohr, director of the Department of Energy at the CEA, said the pilot line validates the ambition set a year earlier and brings France closer to industrial-scale production of high-performance magnets. Both executives indicated that the next steps will focus on improving process efficiency and incorporating recycled raw materials, aligning with broader European consortia—Magellan and Magnolia—dedicated to magnet production from recycled critical metals.

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• EU reliance on Chinese magnet supply: 98 % (World Economic Forum).

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• Chinese share of global rare-earth oxide production: 95 % (World Economic Forum).

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• Chinese contribution to Europe’s rare-earth imports: 70 % (World Economic Forum).

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• Current global rare-earth recovery rate: < 1 % (World Economic Forum).

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• “The results achieved on this pilot line show that the ambition we set out a year ago is now close to becoming a reality with the successful production of this magnet grade,” — Philippe Stohr, director of the Department of Energy at the CEA

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