Revised rare earth processing facility plans set for approval

Updated plans for a rare earth processing facility on the Humber are recommended for approval next week (26 May 2022).Pensana submitted plans to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for development at the Saltend Chemicals Park (SCP).The proposed facility would produce 4,500 tonnes per annum of rare earth oxides for use in the production of magnets used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and other renewable industries.The development is expected to create 90 full-time and 30 part-time jobs.Planning permission was granted in April 2021 for a facility at the north west corner of SCP.The new application proposes development on an alternative 35-acre plot, known as the ‘Reedmere’ site, at the park.Pensana is now planning a second phase of the facility for the recycling of magnets, which is set to be subject to a subsequent planning application, and requires a larger site to accommodate both phases.The new application is recommended for approval, subject to the signing of a legal agreement, in an officer’s report prepared for a meeting of the council’s planning committee on 26 May.In January, Pensana partnered with Equinor New Energy to explore options for magnet recycling using hydrogen at the Saltend facility.