German Magnet Maker Vacuumschmelze Sold to US Energy Fuels for $1.9 Billion

Vacuumschmelze (VAC), the only Western producer of permanent magnets essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines and robotics, has been acquired by U.S. resource company Energy Fuels for about $1.9 billion. The seller is private‑equity firm Ara Partners, which had bought the stakes from Apollo earlier this year. The transaction is seen as part of a broader U.S. push to reshape supply chains for strategic metals and lessen dependence on China.

At the same time, a European Commission audit highlights that the EU remains heavily reliant on China for critical rare‑earths and other key raw materials, undermining its goal of strategic autonomy under the Critical Raw Materials Act. Analysts warn that without substantial policy shifts, Europe's green and digital transition will stay vulnerable to Chinese control of the supply chain.