BUSINESS

Norway Takes Over Planning of Europe’s Largest Rare Earth Mine

Published: Apr. 24, 2026 6:08 p.m. GMT+8

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Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere. Photo: IC Photo

Norway’s government said Wednesday it will take over planning for the Fen field, Europe’s largest rare earth deposit, to accelerate development of the project to produce the critical minerals.

The move aims to expedite local production as Europe currently has no operating rare earth mines and relies heavily on Chinese imports, a vulnerability highlighted by recent supply chain disruptions stemming from escalating U.S.-China trade tensions.

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Norway's government takes over Fen field planning, Europe's largest rare earth deposit, to accelerate development amid EU reliance on Chinese imports (46% REE, >80% magnets).
Fen holds 15.9M metric tons REO (81% above 2024 estimate), 19% NdPr; production starts late 2031, 800t NdPr by 2032 (5% EU demand).
U.S.-China trade tensions disrupt supplies; Sweden has two early-stage projects.

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Who’s Who

Rare Earths Norway: Rare Earths Norway operates the Fen project, Europe's largest rare earth deposit in Telemark, Norway. It holds 15.9 million metric tons of rare earth oxide (81% more than 2024 estimate), with 19% as NdPr for magnets in EVs, wind turbines, and defense. Production starts late 2031, reaching 800 tons NdPr by 2032 (5% EU demand).

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