French Economy and Industry Ministers to Announce National Rare Earths Plan at Carester Factory in Lacq

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Roland Lescure, France's Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial Sovereignty, alongside Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry, will visit the Caremag factory site in Lacq, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. This visit will coincide with the announcement of the 'National Rare Earths Plan,' a government initiative aimed at reinforcing France and Europe's supply chain and industrial sovereignty by enhancing the full value chain of critical minerals essential for the energy transition.

The Caremag factory, currently under construction by Carester—a company specializing in the extraction, treatment, and recycling of strategic minerals, including rare earths—is expected to open by December 2023. This initiative underlines the government's commitment to bolstering domestic capabilities in strategic mineral recycling and reducing dependence on external suppliers.

The National Rare Earths Plan represents a key component of France's broader economic and industrial strategy to secure critical mineral resources vital for industrial development and energy policies. By developing this facility and implementing the plan, France aims to strengthen its economic resilience and industrial sovereignty amid rising global competition for these resources.

Roland Lescure emphasized the importance of this project in supporting both energy transition and industrial sovereignty for France and Europe. The visit highlights the proactive steps the French government is taking to anchor strategic mining and recycling activities within national borders.