Norway Tests China’s Mineral Grip
A €24 million project in southern Norway will test whether Europe can turn buried mineral wealth into greater control over its industrial future.
Norwegian developer Rare Earths Norway (REN) announced its investment decision on November 3. In an existing industrial building at Ulefoss, in Telemark county, a pilot plant will process ore from the Fen Complex, known locally as Fensfeltet.
Operations are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027. European partners will receive materials for test production of metals and permanent magnets, components used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense equipment.
Chief executive Håvard Moe says the plant will validate the processing method and generate operating data. The company lists public funding of €5.4 million from Innovation Norway and €1.9 million from the Telemark Development Fund.
