Imerys-press-release French State acquisition stake Emili Lithium

PRESS RELEASE PARIS, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 Imerys announces the French State’s acquisition of a stake in the EMILI lithium project

Imerys announces that Banque des Territoires, acting on behalf of the French government, is investing in the EMILI project by acquiring a minority stake in the project. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the coming months¹. Banque des Territoires is acting on behalf of the French government as the operator of the ‘critical metals’ component of France 2030.

This investment marks a key milestone in the continued development of the EMILI project, a major project of national interest, recognized as strategic at the European level.

The Government's €50 million investment is intended to support the EMILI project in finalizing the definitive feasibility study, a major milestone scheduled for early 2027. This level of study is required before any final investment decision can be made regarding the future lithium production site located in Allier.

A strategic partnership for a critical mineral

Imerys and the State plan to collaborate closely within the framework of this strategic partnership. By securing the development of the EMILI project, this equity stake confirms the alignment of the Group’s objectives with France’s ambitions for economic, industrial, and energy sovereignty.

As a reminder, the EMILI project (Exploitation de Mica Lithinifère), which has been supported by the French President since its launch, is fully aligned with the transport decarbonization trajectory. This integrated project aims to extract and process lithium from the Beauvoir deposit in Allier. Designed according to the highest standards of responsible mining, EMILI aims to supply lithium for approximately 700,000 electric vehicles per year while minimizing its environmental footprint. The Beauvoir deposit is among the five largest hard-rock lithium deposits in the world.

A new French and European value chain

This operation confirms the central role of the EMILI project in creating a French and European value chain for vehicle electrification. By producing local, responsible, and low-carbon lithium, Imerys is meeting the growing demand from French and European automakers and battery manufacturers.

"I am delighted with this acquisition, which makes a concrete contribution to securing supplies of critical minerals and metals. A major geostrategic issue of this century, strategic metals and rare earths are essential to our energy power and sovereignty. I am making this my priority," said Roland Lescure, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty.

"The EMILI project is fully in line with the industrial strategy we are pursuing. The State's commitment alongside Imerys reflects our determination to build a sovereign, competitive, and responsible lithium industry serving French and European industry," stated Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry.

"The State's investment into EMILI's capital constitutes a major recognition of our project's industrial and strategic potential. This partnership provides us with the means to realize our 2026 ambitions and strengthens our commitment to becoming a key player in the French and European energy transition," stated Alessandro Dazza, CEO of Imerys.

With the goal of structuring a viable and sustainable European lithium industry, Imerys is also convinced of the need to establish a minimum European local content requirement: 20% by 2030 and 40% by 2036. All European lithium stakeholders have jointly submitted this request to the President of the European Commission.

About Imerys

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.6 billion in revenue and 12,400 employees in 40 countries in 2024. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.

About the France 2030 Investment Plan:

• Reflects a dual ambition: to sustainably transform key sectors of our economy (healthcare, energy, automotive, aeronautics, and space) through technological innovation, and to position France not just as a participant, but as a leader in the world of tomorrow. From fundamental research and the emergence of an idea to the production of a new product or service, France 2030 supports the entire innovation life cycle through to industrialization.
• Is unprecedented in its scale and ambitious goals: €54 billion will be invested to ensure our companies, universities, and research organizations fully succeed in their transitions within these strategic sectors. The challenge: to enable them to respond competitively to the ecological and attractiveness challenges of the coming world, and to foster the emergence of future leaders in our fields of excellence. France 2030 is defined by two cross-cutting objectives: allocating 50% of its spending to the decarbonization of the economy, and 50% to emerging innovative players, while adhering to the systematic exclusion of projects that would be harmful to the environment (under the "Do No Significant Harm" principle).
• Will be implemented collectively: conceived and deployed in consultation with economic, academic, local, and European stakeholders to determine its strategic directions and flagship actions. Project leaders are invited to submit their proposals through open, rigorous, and selective procedures to benefit from State support.
• Is led by the General Secretariat for Investment on behalf of the Prime Minister and implemented by the Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), the National Research Agency (ANR), Bpifrance, and Banque des Territoires.

More informations on : https://www.gouvernement.fr/france-2030 | @SGPI_avenir

Contacts

Notes

1. The investment remains subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.