Norway begins planning for major rare earths project

The Norwegian government said Wednesday it had begun work on a state planning process for Fensfeltet, a rare earths deposit in southern Norway that it describes as "the largest documented deposit of its kind in Europe," reported Xinhua.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries will prepare a planning program setting out the areas and issues to be assessed for environmental and other impacts, as well as how the planning process will proceed. The government aims to submit the proposed program for public consultation as early as possible in 2027.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Cecilie Myrseth said the deposit, located in Telemark county, could create jobs and support new industries and supply chains based on Norwegian resources.

The government aims to complete the overall plan by 2028 at the latest, with the earliest possible completion at the end of 2027. The plan will determine the proposed location and framework for mineral extraction and processing, including facilities, storage and use of mining tailings, and infrastructure.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Bjornar Skjaeran said the process must also take account of environmental concerns, local communities, safety and emergency preparedness.

The launch of planning does not constitute approval for mining.