Arnold Magnetic enters samarium oxide supply agreement with Solvay, Less Common Metals

Arnold Magnetic Technologies partners with Solvay to ensure samarium oxide supply for the European Aerospace Industry's demand.

New York-based Arnold Magnetic Technologies, a subsidiary of US conglomerate Compass Diversified, has entered a multi-year supply agreement for Western-origin samarium oxide through its continuing relationship with UK metal and alloy maker Less Common Metals and a new partnership with Belgian specialty chemical manufacturer Solvay, the company said on Tuesday December 2.

“As market demand accelerates for sustainable, Western-sourced magnet materials, Arnold is taking decisive action to guarantee supply and provide commercial flexibility for our customers,” Aaron Williams, chief commercial officer of Arnold Magnetic Technologies, said.

“We are very pleased to partner with LCM and Arnold Magnetic Technologies to provide essential resources for high-performance applications, particularly in the strategic domain of the European Aerospace Industry,” An Nuyttens, president of GBU Special Chem at Solvay, said.

Samarium is a heavy rare earth element used in samarium-cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets, which are primarily used for defense applications. SmCo magnets and all products containing samarium have been under Chinese export controls since April 4 2025.

This latest news follows Solvay’s announcement on November 13 that it has signed two separate deals to supply rare earth oxides to US magnet makers Noveon Magnetics and Permag.

Arnold has manufacturing facilities in the UK, US, Switzerland, Thailand and China and produces engineered magnetic assemblies in addition to high-performance permanent magnets, precision foil products, and highly loaded composites needed for motors, generators, sensors, and other systems and components.

UK-based rare earths metal maker and specialty alloy producer LCM was acquired by American miner USA Rare Earth on November 18.

Need to stay in the loop on the critical minerals market? Access Fastmarkets’ price data, news analysis and forecasting to help you make informed decisions. Speak to one of our experts to find out more.

What to read next
US-based Lyten is linking its battery manufacturing ambitions to the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure, while using former Northvolt assets to accelerate its scale-up, its chief marketing officer said in an interview on Thursday April 23.
From ultra-fast charging and vertical integration to global expansion and shifting consumer expectations, Stella explains how BYD is redefining what it means to be a carmaker, positioning the vehicle as a technology hub rather than simply a mode of transport.
In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter speaks with Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD, one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle and battery companies. From ultra-fast charging and vertical integration to global expansion and shifting consumer expectations, Stella explains how BYD is redefining what it means to be a carmaker.
The US has stepped up calls for its allies to accept higher costs for sourcing critical minerals outside China, arguing that supply chain security must take precedence over price efficiency – a stance that is reshaping expectations across metals markets but has yet to translate into durable pricing support.
Fastmarkets has corrected its EN-BD-0032 Renewable diesel, del Los Angeles, $/gal assessment that was published incorrectly on Friday April 17 due to a reporter error.
Fastmarkets has corrected the price for MB-STE-0524 Steel scrap No1 busheling, consumer buying price, delivered mill Chicago, $/gross ton, weekly composite, which was published incorrectly on April 10 and April 17 at $449 per gross ton due to a procedural error. It has been corrected to $450 per gross ton.