Plans in for $125m rare earth processing facility

A proposed $125m (£91.2m) rare earth processing facility in East Yorkshire has taken a step forward with the submission of a planning application.Pensana Rare Earths plc has submitted a planning application for the proposed rare earth oxide separation facility at the Saltend Chemicals Park.The facility is being designed by Wood Group and could become one of the world’s largest producers of rare earth oxides, key components in the manufacture of powerful permanent magnets, which are used in a range of advanced industries including electric vehicles and offshore wind turbines. It is expected to create about 100 direct jobs once constructed and in operation.Pensana said the application supports its commitment to establish the world’s first fully sustainable mine to magnet metal supply chain in the UK.The Saltend Chemicals Park is a cluster of chemicals and renewable energy businesses, including BP Chemicals, Ineos, Nippon Gohsei and Air Products, located on the Humber estuary.The 370-acre site has had £500m of investment over recent years and is managed by the px Group, a provider of services in complex industrial sectors.Pensana Rare Earth, a London and ASX listed rare earth developer, is currently bringing forward a flagship mine project in Angola that would supply the Saltend facility.