KU Leuven has recently launched a new EIT RawMaterials KAVA upscaling project: REE-FLEX. This initiative aims to reinforce the European Union’s ability to separate rare earth elements, which are essential for permanent magnets used in smartphones, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and defence technologies.
REE-FLEX stands for “Skid REE SX pilot unit in nitrate route designed for flexible input streams.” This high-TRL EIT Upscaling project focuses on the separation of both light and heavy rare earths through next-generation solvent extraction technology. It integrates artificial intelligence and real-time analysis to reduce operational and capital expenditure, lower the ecological footprint, and improve feed flexibility.
CARESTER will deploy the REE-FLEX skid solvent extraction pilot unit to support both EU and non-EU customers in designing future rare earth separation plants.
Project Partners
The REE-FLEX consortium brings together complementary expertise:
• CARESTER: A French company aiming to become the leading Western facility for heavy rare earth separation and the production of rare earth oxides from recycled magnets.
• KU Leuven: SOLVOMET R&I Centre (Koen Binnemans) is recognised for its advanced expertise in rare earth solvent extraction. Peter Tom Jones will coordinate the REE-FLEX project. SOLVOMET is part of SIM2 KU Leuven interdisciplinary institute.
Budget and Timeline
REE-FLEX is a three-year project supported under the KAVA 13 call. The total budget is EUR 4.7 million, combining EIT RawMaterials funding with co-funding from Carester and KU Leuven. The project officially began on 1 September 2025. A public abstract is available in the comment section, and further updates will be shared via the EIT REE-FLEX LinkedIn page.
Why REE-FLEX Matters
Today, rare earth processing and magnet production are concentrated in a single non-EU country. Recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets and related technologies have increased concerns across industrialised nations and have triggered strategic responses.
The European Union possesses strong rare earth expertise that must be reactivated, a fact recognised by EIT RawMaterials through its support of REE-FLEX. Carester will play a central role by offering an EU-based solution for recycling rare earths from permanent magnets through its Caremag facility. In parallel, Carester is constructing the largest heavy rare earth separation facility in the Western world, designed to meet the highest environmental standards.
With REE-FLEX, Europe is taking a significant step toward strengthening its strategic autonomy in rare earth processing and building a more resilient and sustainable supply chain.
