LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED

Their core work

Less Common Metals (LCM) is a UK-based SME specializing in rare earth metals processing, refining, and alloy production — particularly for permanent magnet applications. They operate at the intersection of raw material extraction and advanced manufacturing, turning critical raw materials from secondary sources (recycled magnets, industrial by-products like bauxite residue) into usable rare earth compounds and alloys. Their work spans the full value chain from extraction and separation of rare earth elements to pilot-scale production of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets and scandium-aluminium alloys, positioning them as a key European player in securing domestic supply of critical materials.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

LCM's early H2020 work (2015-2017) focused on broad critical raw material recovery — extracting scandium from bauxite residue and TiO2 waste, and developing rare earth recycling training networks. From 2018 onward, they sharpened their focus specifically on permanent magnets: first securing rare earth supply chains (SecREEts), then building circular economy processes for NdFeB magnet recycling (SUSMAGPRO), and most recently exploring rare-earth-free alternatives for electromobility (PASSENGER). The trajectory shows a clear move from general CRM extraction toward application-specific magnet technologies tied to the electric vehicle transition.

LCM is moving toward RE-free magnet technologies and electromobility applications, making them a strategic partner for automotive and clean energy projects needing alternatives to scarce rare earth supply.

How they like to work

LCM consistently operates as a specialist participant rather than a project coordinator — all six projects are in partner or third-party roles. They work in large European consortia (84 unique partners across 17 countries), which suggests they are valued as a niche industrial contributor who brings real manufacturing and processing capability that academic-heavy consortia need. Their repeat engagement across closely related topics indicates a reliable, focused partner rather than a generalist chasing diverse calls.

LCM has built a substantial European network of 84 unique consortium partners across 17 countries, reflecting deep integration into the EU critical raw materials research community. Their connections likely span universities, mining companies, magnet manufacturers, and end-users in automotive and energy sectors.

What sets them apart

LCM occupies a rare niche as a private SME with hands-on industrial capability in rare earth processing — most EU expertise in this space sits in universities or large mining groups. They can take lab-scale extraction methods and test them at pilot scale in a real production environment, which is exactly what Innovation Action projects need to bridge the gap between research and market. For any consortium targeting European raw material sovereignty or magnet recycling, LCM brings credibility and physical infrastructure that few other European SMEs can match.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SecREEts
  By far their largest project (EUR 3.2M funding) focused on securing European critical rare earth supply — signals they were a major technical contributor, not a minor subcontractor.
• SUSMAGPRO
  Directly addresses the circular economy for NdFeB magnets with pilot-scale netshape manufacture — the most commercially actionable project in their portfolio.
• PASSENGER
  Their most recent project (2021-2025) targets RE-free magnets for electromobility, representing a strategic pivot toward next-generation technologies.