REE Minerals has started preparatory work for the extraction of rare earth elements from the Fen field near Ulefoss, Norway, Europe’s largest deposit of light rare earth elements.
The current work lays the groundwork for the extraction of raw materials for the EU-backed SUPREEMO project. This project aims to improve Europe’s access to rare earth elements and reduce its current near-total dependence on imports from China.
Samples have been extracted from two trenches at the Fen field as part of the preparations. Depending on the timing of necessary approvals from the Directorate of Mining, further materials are expected to be extracted this summer. The work is carried out in cooperation with the Danish mining consultancy firm 21st NORTH.
“Although we’re still in a preparatory stage, it is very satisfying to see actual work going on at the Fen field. At REE Minerals, we’re proud to contribute to the SUPREEMO project. Our goal is that this will improve Europe’s technological and geopolitical position by increasing the region’s self-reliance within critical raw materials.”
