Europe's largest deposit of rare earth metals found in Kiruna, Sweden newshub

Europe’s largest deposit of rare earth metals found in Kiruna, Sweden

The mining company LKAB has made the largest find in Europe of rare earth metals. One million tonnes may be mined next to LKAB’s mine in Kiruna.

It is the largest known deposit of rare earth metals in our part of the world and could become a significant building block for obtaining the critical raw materials that are absolutely crucial to enable the green transition. We are facing a supply problem. Without mines, we have no electric cars, says Jan Moström, president and CEO of LKAB.

He continues to tell us that the find is not defined, only a small part has been examined.

Important metals

The rare earth metals in the Per Geijer area in Kiruna are necessary for, among other things, the manufacture of electric cars and wind turbines. Currently, the metals in question come from China.

China is completely dominant, both in mining and refining. It involves risk. China may no longer want to supply raw materials, but for example, only finished cars, says Jan Moström.

Circular industrial park

LKAB is already planning a circular industrial park in Luleå with new technology for the extraction and processing of phosphorus, earth elements and fluorine based on today’s existing mine production. Where, instead of depositing this as waste as today, new sustainable products are created. Planned start of production is 2027, says Leif Boström, director of the Special Products business area at LKAB.

Source: svt/newshub