Norway’s Fen rare earth discovery offers Europe a chance to cut China dependence

A major reassessment of rare earth resources in southern Norway is raising hopes across Europe that the continent could reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals used in green energy, defence and advanced technology.

New estimates released by Rare Earths Norway show that the Fen Carbonatite Complex holds far larger resources of rare earth elements than previously thought, potentially turning the site into one of Europe’s most strategically important mineral projects.

According to the updated assessment prepared under the JORC Code, an international mining reporting standard, by consulting firm WSP, the total rare earth oxide content in the Fen deposit has increased from 8.8 million tonnes in 2024 to 15.9 million tonnes in 2026. The revision represents an increase of roughly 80% and confirms the Norwegian site as by far the largest rare earth deposit on the European mainland.

The project is located near the village of Ulefoss in Telemark and has long been considered a promising geological site. The new figures, however, elevate Fen from a potential resource to what industry leaders increasingly describe as a strategic asset for Europe’s industrial future.

A strategic resource for Europe

Rare earth elements are essential for a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence systems.

About 19% of the oxides identified in the Fen deposit consist of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr), two rare earth metals used to produce high-performance permanent magnets. These magnets are crucial components in electric motors and renewable energy technologies.

Without them, many of the technologies underpinning Europe’s green transition would be far more difficult to manufacture.

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Bernd Schäfer, CEO of EIT RawMaterials, described the updated estimate as a turning point for Europe’s industrial strategy.

“By nearly doubling its known size, Rare Earths Norway has moved from being a promising discovery to a world-class strategic asset,” Schäfer said. “Europe cannot afford to remain almost entirely dependent on a single source for the rare earth magnets that power our defence systems, wind turbines and electric mobility.”

Europe currently has no operating rare earth mines and remains heavily dependent on imports. China dominates both mining and processing, accounting for the vast majority of global refining capacity.

The development of the Fen project is therefore seen as a potential contribution to Europe’s efforts to diversify supply chains for critical raw materials.

A dramatic increase in estimated resources

The revised estimate follows additional exploration drilling conducted in 2025.

In total, the company has analysed roughly 30,000 metres of drill core, including around 10,000 metres from the most recent drilling campaign. According to Rare Earths Norway, this additional geological information has significantly improved the understanding of the deposit.

For the first time, parts of the resource have also been classified in the “Indicated” category, reflecting a higher level of geological confidence.

The deposit is also considerably larger than other known European rare earth resources. By comparison, the Per Geijer deposit near Kiruna in Sweden has been estimated at about 2.2 million tonnes of rare earth oxides.

The scale of the Norwegian project therefore places it in a different category in terms of potential supply for the European market.

Plans for production in the next decade

Despite the encouraging figures, the Fen project is still in the development phase.

Rare Earths Norway expects production to begin toward the end of 2031. The company estimates that the mine could produce around 800 tonnes of NdPr annually by 2032, which would cover roughly 5% of the European Union’s demand for these materials.

The project already holds an extraction permit but still requires an operating permit before mining can begin.

Alf Reistad, managing director of Rare Earths Norway, said the significant expansion of the resource estimate strengthens the strategic importance of the project.

“We expect that the increase in the resource estimate will make the project even more strategically important for Norway and the EU,” Reistad said, adding that supportive regulatory frameworks will be crucial for establishing Europe’s first rare earth extraction project.

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Building a European value chain

The project also forms part of broader ambitions to establish a European supply chain for rare earth materials.

Rare Earths Norway is working with partners including Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria to develop mining technologies for the site. The company plans to use a method known as raise mining, which is expected to enable efficient extraction with reduced environmental impact.

The development concept includes what the company calls an “Invisible Mine”, in which most operations would take place underground to minimise disruption at the surface.

The project could also generate additional by-products. According to the company, the deposit contains significant quantities of niobium and thorium. Rare Earths Norway has already signed letters of intent for the future sale of thorium with Thor Medical in Norway and Copenhagen Atomics in Denmark.

Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, said the discovery could help reduce dependence on external suppliers.

“Critical minerals are essential for green energy, technology and defence,” Myrseth said. “The resources found in the Fen deposit can make us less dependent on other countries, which is important for Norway and our allies.”

For Europe, however, the discovery represents only the first step. Turning the Fen deposit into a functioning mine – and building the industrial capacity needed to process the materials – will be crucial if the continent hopes to secure a reliable domestic supply of rare earth elements in the coming decades.

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Sources: Reuters, IO+, Rare Earths Norway, mining.com

Caption: The Fen complex near Ulefoss in Nome Municipality contains significant deposits of rare earth elements essential for global industry. The Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) has mapped the distribution of rock types across the Fen area. Credit: Nolwenn Coint/NGU.