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Sweden Mines Rare Earths for EU's Future
10 Jan
Summary
- Sweden's Kiruna mine is accelerating rare earth extraction for EU self-sufficiency.
- China dominates global rare earth supply, creating geopolitical tensions.
- Developing Europe's rare earth supply chain could take 10-15 years.
In the sub-zero temperatures of Kiruna, Sweden, a team of 20 are working 900 meters below ground to extract rare earth elements crucial for high-tech products. This effort is part of the EU's urgent mission to reduce its reliance on China, which currently holds a near-monopoly on these essential materials, creating significant geopolitical tensions. The Per Geijer deposit in Kiruna contains 17 rare earth elements, including neodymium and praseodymium, vital for magnets used in electric cars and military jets.
The operation involves complex tunneling, remote drilling, and controlled explosions, followed by meticulous rock scaling and stabilization. State-owned LKAB is focused on incrementally developing the deposit, rather than exposing its entirety, to accelerate the process. Experts estimate that establishing a complete rare earth supply chain in Europe, from mine to refined product, could take 10 to 15 years, highlighting the immense challenge of de-risking EU supply chains.
Historically, environmental regulations in the West led to the closure of many mines, while China, with fewer concerns, built its dominant position. LKAB has invested €80 million in a demonstration plant and partnered with a Norwegian company to develop environmentally friendly refining processes. Despite these efforts, China's control over the final processing of rare earths means Europe remains vulnerable to supply disruptions, underscoring the strategic importance of the Kiruna operation.
