Less Common Metals
Less Common Metals is a UK-based manufacturer of rare earth metals (Nd, NdPr, Dy, Tb, Y) and specialty alloys, supplying permanent magnet, aerospace, defense, and EV manufacturers outside Chinese-controlled supply chains.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersStellenbosch, South Africa
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Less Common Metals does
Less Common Metals Limited (LCM) is a UK-based manufacturer founded in 1992 that specializes in rare earth metals, complex alloy systems, and inorganic analytical laboratory services. The company operates a 67,000 square foot facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, producing neodymium (Nd), neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), dysprosium-iron (DyFe), terbium (Tb), and yttrium metals via fused salt electrolysis, NdFeB strip-cast alloys, SmCo alloy powders via solid-state co-reduction, and bespoke specialty alloys (NiV, CrAl, CoCr, LaNi, TiFe, Inconel) using vacuum induction melting.
Its technology stack is metallurgical rather than software-based, anchored by molten salt electrolysis cells (expanded from a 2-cell to a 6-cell configuration with 330 tonnes per annum capacity), strip casting equipment, induction furnaces, and an on-site ICP-OES analytical laboratory (LCM Labs). LCM also holds exclusive European representation for Grirem Advanced Materials' anisotropic bonded NdFeB powders. Certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and a pending ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation, supporting qualification into defense and aerospace supply chains.
LCM operates a B2B direct sales model selling metals and alloys to permanent magnet manufacturers (Arnold Magnetic Technologies, Vacuumschmelze, Permag, GKN), aerospace and defense contractors, EV and clean energy companies (via the Ford-Ionic recycled magnet consortium), and chemical majors (Solvay) under long-term supply agreements; batch sizes range from 5-6 kg for R&D to industrial tonnage. Following its November 2025 acquisition by USA Rare Earth for $100 million in cash plus 6.74 million shares, LCM now functions as the midstream metal-making subsidiary of USAR's mine-to-magnet strategy, and is investing approximately €110 million in a planned 3,750 MTPA metals and alloys plant in Lacq, France, through LCM Europe SAS with a 12.5% stake in Carester.
Less Common Metals firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Less Common Metals
- Legal name
- Less Common Metals Limited
- Website
- https://lesscommonmetals.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Less Common Metals is a UK-based manufacturer of rare earth metals (Nd, NdPr, Dy, Tb, Y) and specialty alloys, supplying permanent magnet, aerospace, defense, and EV manufacturers outside Chinese-controlled supply chains.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Less Common Metals industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Rare Earth Metals and Specialty Alloys
- NAICS
- Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining (33141), Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) (331492), Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and Processing (3314)
- SIC
- Primary Smelting & Refining Of Nonferrous Metals (3330), Secondary Smelting & Refining Of Nonferrous Metals (3341)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rare Earths Separation & Refining (Oxides/Metals) (IMAKAFAH)
Keywords
Where Less Common Metals is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Stellenbosch
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
Less Common Metals business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Rare Earth Metals and Alloys Sales: Manufacturing and selling rare earth metals (Nd, NdPr, Dy, Tb, Sm) and alloys (NdFeB, SmCo) to permanent magnet manufacturers, defense contractors, and industrial customers. Revenue is generated through direct product sales with quantities ranging from 5kg to industrial-scale batches.
- Laboratory Analysis Services: Commercial analytical services offered to external clients including elemental composition analysis, metallography, and physical testing. The lab operates as a QC department but also serves external customers.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Less Common Metals product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Less Common Metals manufactures and supplies rare earth metals and specialty alloys — primarily NdFeB strip cast alloys, samarium-cobalt (SmCo) alloys, hydrogen storage alloys, and bonded permanent magnet powders — for use in permanent magnets serving defense, aerospace, EV, and clean energy markets. The company operates a full in-house metallurgical production chain from raw rare earth materials to finished alloy forms, and complements manufacturing with laboratory analytical services through LCM Labs.
Product overview
Less Common Metals (LCM) is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of complex alloy systems and rare earth metals, operating as a midstream processor in the rare earth supply chain. Its portfolio encompasses metal making (via fused salt electrolysis producing Nd, NdPr, DyFe, and Tb metals at its Cheshire facility with 330 tons per annum capacity), NdFeB strip cast alloys, SmCo alloys via co-reduction, isotropic and anisotropic bonded NdFeB powders (with exclusive European representation of Grirem Advanced Materials), speciality alloys (NiV, CrAl, CoCr, LaNi, TiFe, Inconel), and hydrogen storage alloys. LCM also operates LCM Labs, an ISO 9001:2015-accredited quality control laboratory offering ICP-OES, LECO, SEM-EDX, and XRD analytical services. As a subsidiary of USA Rare Earth (acquired November 2025), LCM provides the critical midstream metal-making capability in USAR's integrated mine-to-magnet rare earth supply chain spanning Texas, Oklahoma, UK, France, and Brazil.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LCM Labs: In-house laboratory services for inorganic material analysis including ICP-OES, LECO, optical microscopy, SEM-EDX, and XRD analysis
Products and services
- NdFeB strip cast alloys
- Samarium-cobalt (SmCo) alloys
- Hydrogen storage alloys
- Bonded permanent magnet powders
- Raw rare earth materials
- Speciality alloys (custom)
- Metal making services
- LCM Labs laboratory analysis services
Quantifiable outcome
- 15-20% increase in energy efficiency achieved in electrolysis process
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Less Common Metals
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Less Common Metals technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Less Common Metals partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Mkango Resources / HyProMagminorPartnership in REACT UK project for recycled NdFeB magnet supply chain. LCM participates in consortium with HyProMag, EMR Group, Jaguar Land Rover, and University of Birmingham to recover, recycle, and remanufacture magnets from end-of-life electric vehicles.
- CarestercoreUSA Rare Earth (including LCM subsidiary) acquired 12.5% stake in French rare earth processor Carester. LCM Europe SAS will build metal/alloy production facility co-located with Carester's Caremag oxide processing plant in Lacq, France.
- Arnold Magnetic TechnologiescoreMulti-year supply agreement for rare earth materials for Arnold's advanced permanent magnet production. LCM supplies alloy feedstock for Arnold's magnet manufacturing operations serving aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy sectors.
- SolvaycorePartnership for supplying rare earth oxides including samarium for European market. LCM provides rare earth metals and alloys while Solvay supplies oxides for permanent magnet production serving aerospace and defense customers.
- PermagminorSupply agreement for samarium metals to Permag for high-performance magnets for European and global markets, with volumes expected to grow over 3-5 years.
- USA Rare EarthcoreUSA Rare Earth completed acquisition of Less Common Metals in November 2025 for approximately $100 million cash plus 6.74 million shares. The acquisition integrates LCM's rare earth metal and alloy manufacturing into USA Rare Earth's mine-to-magnet supply chain strategy, with LCM serving as the critical midstream metal-making capability for USA Rare Earth's Oklahoma magnet facility and Round Top deposit.
- Vacuumschmelze (VAC)coreVAC provides pre-consumer magnet scrap for the REEVALUATE project. LCM converts recycled oxides to metals/alloys which are supplied back to VAC for new magnet production, creating a closed-loop circular supply chain.
- Ionic Rare Earths / Ionic TechnologiescorePartnership for recycling rare earth elements from spent magnets and industrial scrap. Ionic Technologies provides high-purity rare earth oxides (99.9% purity) which LCM converts to metals and alloys for magnet manufacturing. Part of Ford/Ionic project for 100% recycled EV magnets and REEVALUATE circular economy project.
- Xplore! Science Discovery CentreminorEducational partnership delivering 'Mine to Magnet' workshops to primary school students about rare earth metals and green technology careers. Funded by Innovate UK, reaching thousands of students across Northwest England and North Wales.
- Ford / Ford TechnologiescoreCollaboration to establish UK-based circular supply chain for recycled rare earth magnets for electric vehicles. Ford validated 100% recycled rare earth magnets produced through Ionic-LCM-Ford consortium for EV motor applications.
- PASSENGER Project ConsortiumminorEU-funded project developing rare-earth-free permanent magnets. LCM leads Pilot Plant 1 for Mn-Al-C alloy casting. Consortium of 20 partners including universities and research organizations across Europe.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Less Common Metals competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Neo Performance Materials: Global processor of rare earth and rare metal-based materials with operations in magnet alloys and magnetic powders. Highly comparable to LCM as a Western rare earth downstream processor serving magnet manufacturers, automotive, and electronics end markets.
- Lynas Rare Earths: Australian-headquartered producer of separated rare earth materials including NdPr oxide and metal, supplying markets ex-China. Directly comparable as a Western rare earth processor with strategic government backing and similar ex-China positioning.
- MP Materials: US-based rare earth miner and producer of NdPr oxide with downstream magnet ambitions. Comparable as a Western integrated rare earth player pursuing mine-to-magnet vertical integration, with overlapping end-markets in EV and defense.
- Solvay: Belgian chemical group with rare earth separation operations supplying samarium oxide and rare earth materials. Directly comparable as a European rare earth processor serving aerospace, defense, and automotive magnet customers, and an LCM partner/supplier.
Emerging players
- Energy Fuels: US producer of rare earth oxides (including NdPr and Dy) from monazite processing and now expanding into metal-making. Comparable emerging Western player building ex-China rare earth metal capability, with overlapping EV and defense customer focus.
- Vacuumschmelze (VAC): German manufacturer of permanent magnets (NdFeB and SmCo) for EV, industrial, and aerospace markets. Comparable as a downstream customer and recycling partner through the REEVALUATE closed-loop project, sharing rare earth magnet supply chain exposure.
- Ionic Rare Earths / Ionic Technologies: UK/Australian recycler producing high-purity rare earth oxides from spent magnets. Comparable as a recycling-focused rare earth upstream partner supplying oxides to LCM for metal conversion, with overlapping circular-economy partnerships (Ford, REACT UK).
- Arnold Magnetic Technologies: US manufacturer of high-performance permanent magnets and magnetic assemblies for aerospace, defense, EV, and energy. Comparable as a downstream customer with multi-year LCM supply agreement, sharing Western magnet supply chain exposure.
- HyProMag / Mkango Resources: UK-based rare earth magnet recycling venture (Mkango subsidiary) recovering NdFeB from end-of-life products. Comparable as a recycling partner in the REACT UK consortium, sharing circular rare earth supply chain integration with LCM.
Broad incumbents
- USA Rare Earth: Parent company of LCM and integrated mine-to-magnet rare earth platform with mining (Round Top), processing, and magnet manufacturing assets. Comparable as the upstream/integrated entity that consumes LCM's metal-making output and shares the same Western supply chain thesis.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Less Common Metals social profiles
Digital presenceLess Common Metals compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Less Common Metals financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Less Common Metals leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Less Common Metals funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Less Common Metals M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Less Common Metals
What does Less Common Metals do?
Less Common Metals manufactures and supplies rare earth metals and specialty alloys — primarily NdFeB strip cast alloys, samarium-cobalt (SmCo) alloys, hydrogen storage alloys, and bonded permanent magnet powders — for use in permanent magnets serving defense, aerospace, EV, and clean energy markets. The company operates a full in-house metallurgical production chain from raw rare earth materials to finished alloy forms, and complements manufacturing with laboratory analytical services through LCM Labs.
Is Less Common Metals a public or private company?
Less Common Metals is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Less Common Metals founded?
Less Common Metals was founded in 1992. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Less Common Metals based?
Less Common Metals is headquartered in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Less Common Metals make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Rare Earth Metals and Alloys Sales are the primary driver. The others are laboratory Analysis Services.
Who are Less Common Metals's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Neo Performance Materials, Lynas Rare Earths, MP Materials and Solvay. Emerging players are Energy Fuels, Vacuumschmelze (VAC), Ionic Rare Earths / Ionic Technologies, Arnold Magnetic Technologies and HyProMag / Mkango Resources. USA Rare Earth is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Less Common Metals have an API?
No public API is recorded for Less Common Metals.
What industry is Less Common Metals in?
Less Common Metals's product category is Rare Earth Metals and Specialty Alloys. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAKAFAH, Rare Earths Separation & Refining (Oxides/Metals). Its NAICS code is 33141 and its SIC code is 3330.