Norway is preparing to exploit Europe’s largest rare earth deposit. The project aims to reduce dependence on China

Norway is preparing to exploit the Fen Complex, considered the largest known deposit of rare earths in Europe. Located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Oslo, the deposit is believed to contain 15.9 million tons of rare earth oxides, which are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy production, and military equipment.

The Norwegian government wants to have a plan for developing the mining facilities by 2028 at the latest, preferably sooner. Rare Earths Norway, the company holding the extraction rights, estimates that mining could begin in the first half of the 2030s.

However, the project is being delayed by environmental protection concerns. Studies have identified 78 endangered animal and plant species in the area, including rare beetles, trees, mosses, and fungi. The company says the mine will be “invisible” because extraction and crushing will take place underground. Processing facilities will be built on the surface, and their location is being assessed.

At the beginning of the year, the government took over planning work and the assessment of alternative sites from the municipality. The project could strengthen Europe’s supply of critical raw materials at a time when Europe is heavily dependent on China, while no rare earth deposits are currently being exploited on the continent.