Norwegian Government Assumes Control Over Planning of Europe's Largest Rare Earth Deposit to Boost Development
The Norwegian government has taken over the planning of the Fen rare earth deposit, which is Europe's largest, to expedite its development. This decision follows a recent resource upgrade that nearly doubled the estimated size of the deposit to 15.9 million metric tons of rare earth oxide. The move aims to support Europe's efforts to reduce its reliance on China, the dominant producer of rare earth elements. The Fen deposit, located in Telemark, Norway, is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the region's supply security and competitiveness. The government intervened at the request of local authorities to address potential land-use disputes and balance national interests. Rare Earths Norway, the developer of the project, anticipates production to commence in late 2031, with an output of 800 tons of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) by 2032, meeting about 5% of the European Union's demand. 
