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  4. REE Mineral Resource Estimate

The International Energy Agency expects demand for rare earth elements (REEs) to grow between three and sevenfold by 2040. This group of seventeen metallic elements is essential in high-tech products, from cell phones to flat-screen monitors and defense systems. However, it is their role in green energy transition technologies – alongside Chinese dominance of the current REE supply chain – that has brought them to wider attention in recent years.

Governments and end-users worldwide are now looking for domestic or nearshore rare earth element mining projects to secure access to sustainable REE supplies. For example, the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) lists REEs as strategic raw materials. Yet, there is currently no extraction of REEs in Europe.

Location

  • Norway
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Tackling Europe’s rare earth element supply risks

Rare Earths Norway’s Fen carbonatite complex in Telemark, Norway, aims to change that. It holds significant potential to become an important supplier of REEs to Europe, providing critical support to the continent’s green industrial transformation. The company announced its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in June 2024.

Prepared by WSP, the MRE indicates that the Fen resource is the largest REE deposit evaluated in continental Europe, with significant potential upside. The work estimates a Mineral Resource to a depth of ~500m below mean sea level (MSL). However, previous exploration drilling showed mineralization continues to about 1km MSL.

According to the MRE, about 17% of the Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) content estimated at Fen is neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) and praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11). These are essential ingredients in permanent solid magnets used in manufacturing wind turbines and hybrid/electric vehicles, among other things. The EU considers the supply risks associated with these magnet-related REEs to be the most critical among materials included in the CRMA.
  

To the Mineral Resource Estimate and beyond

WSP has been involved in the Fen project since 2021, initially undertaking data compilation and pre-scoping work based on historical borehole data. We helped plan and execute exploration drilling and chemical analysis to improve our understanding of the geology and conducted on-site training for the Rare Earths Norway team on the appropriate geological logging procedures necessary to define the Mineral Resource Estimate. We have also worked from the start of the project to identify and mitigate any potential challenges early via a series of risk workshops.

WSP experts from the UK, Australia and Canada have since completed an initial Scoping Study, another crucial step for Rare Earths Norway. This includes ongoing work on mine design, planning, metallurgy, and mine waste disposal, with a focus on risk mitigation and gaining support for the project from local authorities.
 

Occupational health and safety in rare earth mining

Rare earth element mining and processing also raise occupational health questions. Although there is limited data (e.g., only one REE, yttrium, has an OSHA occupational exposure limit), the evidence suggests that REE exposure has the potential to negatively impact health. Meanwhile, deposits mined for REEs also commonly contain naturally occurring radioactive materials, such as uranium and thorium, which emit hazardous ionizing radiation.

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Rare Earths Norway recognized these risks early and has engaged with WSP occupational hygienists on plans to mitigate any harmful impacts. This forward-thinking approach allows occupational health to be considered in the mine design to control or eliminate the potential hazards.
 

Multidisciplinary support for rare earth mine project developments

A long and complex road lies ahead before commercial mining begins at Fen. Partnering with a multidisciplinary team, with experts in all aspects of the mine development process, including occupational health and safety, can help companies like Rare Earths Norway navigate the way and bring essential supplies of critical minerals to market.

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Services

Services Provided to Rare Earth Norway:

  • Data compilation and pre-scoping work

  • Exploration drilling planning and execution

  • Chemical analysis

  • Geological logging procedure training

  • Risk workshops

  • Occupational health and safety

  • Scoping Study Inputs

    • Mineral Resource Estimate

    • Conceptual Mine Design, schedule, and optimization

    • Project Infrastructure

    • Hydrogeology and Rock Mechanics

    • Mine Waste Disposal

    • Environmental and Social

    • CAPEX and OPEX analysis

    • Financial Analysis

    • Risk Analysis

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Experts

WSP Experts from:

  • United Kingdom

  • Australia

  • Canada

  • Norway

  • Sweden

  • Ireland

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Disciplines

WSP Subject Matter Experts in:

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