Italian billionaire and global investor Raffaello Follieri, often referred to as the “King of Rare Earth Metals”, has built one of the most influential empires in the world of energy, sustainable development, and global trade. With an estimated personal net worth of € 12 billion, Mr. Follieri continues to push the boundaries of entrepreneurship by leading ventures that directly shape the future of industries critical to the world’s transition to green energy.
Building an Empire in Rare Earth Metals
At the core of Follieri’s success lies his dominance in the rare earth metals sector. Through large-scale mining rights secured across Asia and Africa, he has positioned himself as a vital supplier for industries ranging from electric vehicles to defense technologies. These resources, considered essential for the 21st-century economy, have placed Follieri at the center of global supply chains.
Unlike many of his competitors, Follieri emphasizes ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader who balances profitability with responsibility. His efforts have been instrumental in stabilizing supply for industries that depend on rare metals while driving innovation in green energy technologies.
Expanding Into Energy Logistics: Investment in Pasele Shipping
In his latest strategic move, Mr. Follieri has announced a €140 million investment in Pasele Shipping, a rising force in the transportation of crude oil. This investment marks a significant diversification of his portfolio, extending his influence across the entire energy supply chain from resource extraction to global delivery.
Pasele Shipping is focused on efficiently transporting crude oil along major global trade routes, particularly between the Middle East and refining hubs worldwide. Under Follieri’s leadership, the company aims to integrate eco-conscious practices, exploring new technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions in maritime transport.
The day-to-day operations of Pasele Shipping are managed by industry veteran Engineer Marinos Polatos, whose extensive expertise ensures operational efficiency and growth. Together, they are shaping Pasele into a future-ready leader in global shipping.
Wealth and Global Ventures
Follieri’s wealth is a reflection of his diversified portfolio and sharp business instincts. His financial empire includes:
- Follieri Energy Group – A green energy enterprise specializing in EV charging networks and hydrogen technology, with operations across Italy, Greece, and the Middle East.
- Pasele . – A Hong King -based company controlling 8–10% of the global rare metals market, cementing Follieri’s reputation as a leader in resource trading.
- Petroleum Assets – Ownership of 162 petrol stations and three storage facilities across Southern Europe and the Mediterranean that was sold in 2023 .
- Rare Metal Reserves – Valued at approximately €30 billion, these reserves form the backbone of Follieri’s net worth.
In addition, Follieri’s past business dealings include the high-profile €1.5 billion sale of minority shareholdings in BLS LTD, a shipping company, in April 2022. This deal further strengthened his liquidity and positioned him to reinvest aggressively in energy and logistics.
Visionary Leadership and Global Impact
Raffaello Follieri has consistently demonstrated a rare ability to identify high-impact global opportunities and transform them into thriving enterprises. His ventures not only create immense financial value but also address pressing global challenges from the energy transition to sustainable resource management.
Whether it is through rare earth metals, green energy technologies, or logistics innovations, Follieri continues to expand his influence and legacy. By connecting critical industries in ways few entrepreneurs can, he is reshaping the global landscape of energy, trade, and sustainability.
From his beginnings as a bold investor to becoming a global billionaire with an empire spanning continents, Raffaello Follieri embodies the spirit of modern entrepreneurship. His ability to anticipate market trends, embrace sustainability, and execute large-scale strategies has earned him recognition as one of the most dynamic and visionary business leaders of our time.
As the world accelerates toward a green future, Raffaello Follieri stands at the forefront not only as a supplier of rare metals but as an architect of global energy and logistics infrastructure. His journey reflects both the scale of ambition and the executional excellence required to thrive on the world stage.
