A major theft of hafnium crystals from a Framatome plant in Isère has triggered a police investigation, with stolen goods valued at millions of euros.
Theft of strategic metal reported
A preliminary investigation has begun after a significant quantity of hafnium crystals, a rare metal used in aerospace and nuclear industries, was stolen from a Framatome plant in Jarrie, Isère, during the night of Wednesday to Thursday. Theft details and damage
The stolen material weighed several hundred kilograms, and the damage is estimated at several million euros, according to the Grenoble prosecutor's office and the regional newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré. No arrests yet
No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is being handled by the research section of the Grenoble gendarmerie. Four vehicles, including an SUV, suspected of being used in the theft, were later found burned in the area. Plant's security and history
The Jarrie site, located near Grenoble, is classified as a Seveso high threshold facility, indicating it handles hazardous substances. It also produces zirconium for the nuclear industry. This is not the first time the plant has been targeted; a similar break-in occurred in July 2023. Past thefts and legal actions
In July, over 150 kilograms of hafnium and 500,000 euros in cash were found at the home of an employee, leading to his investigation and imprisonment. In June, a local deputy highlighted five additional thefts at the site since 2019 in a parliamentary question to the government.
