The transition to a net-zero society with sustainable green technologies and renewable energy sources, requires access to a wide range of mineral resources. Both the EU and many other major economies have identified raw materials that are particularly critical to their industry and business development. These are commonly known as "Critical Raw Materials" (CRM).
Every three years since 2011, the European Commission has calculated the supply risk and economic significance of the raw materials that the EU depends upon for industrial operation and development.
The results are presented in lists of "Critical Raw Materials" (CRM), which include the minerals and metals with the highest supply risk and the greatest economic importance for the EU economy. Most major economies maintain a list of critical raw materials. When NGU uses the term "critical" to describe minerals and metals, we are referring to the EU list of critical raw materials.
In 2023, the European Commission also introduced the term "strategic raw materials" based on expected future production and needs. The EU list of critical and strategic raw materials for 2023 include 34 minerals and metals.
Supply risk primarily arises when the production of certain raw materials is concentrated in very few countries, potentially countries with poor environmental, social and governance standards.
To increase production and reduce the supply risk, it is necessary to increase the number of producing countries with good governance systems in place. In addition, we must make sure to recycle as much as we can. These are central premises for NGU's mineral mapping
Which critical raw materials are produced in Norway?
The Trælen graphite mine in North Norway is the most important producer of natural crystalline graphite in Europe. It is also the highest-grade flake graphite producer in the World.
Nepheline syenite (feldspar minerals) is produced on the island of Senja off the coast of Northernmost Norway.
In addition, Norway extracts high-purity quartz, which is needed for the production of silicon, and titanium minerals, which can be used for the production of titanium metal.
Which critical raw materials may be produced in the future?
NGU to prioritizes mapping of areas in Norway which are prospective for critical raw materials. Norwegian geology has a potential for hosting undiscovered deposits of critical metals and minerals, such as copper, nickel, cobalt, phosphate, rare earth elements, and natural graphite. These are raw materials that are essential for renewable energy production, for food production, and for low CO2-emission industry and transport.
At Engebø, in Western Norway, a new mine for titanium minerals (rutile) and garnet will begin production in 2024. In the Fen Deposit south of Oslo, exploration companies have documented the largest resource of rare earth elements in continental Europe, and in Southwest Norway, a world class deposit of phosphate, titanium minerals and vanadium-rich magnetite is maturing.
Copper mining has a centuries long history in Norway, but the Nussir copper deposit in North Norway remains the largest deposit that has been found in Norway. The project is mature, but mining has not been initiated.
Norwegian deposits of dolomite and olivine can be major resources for future production of magnesium. Even if Norway is a significant producer of natural graphite already today, the potential for additional production is large.
The Norwegian potential for hosting deposits of critical raw materials was recently reviewed in a report commissioned by Nordic Innovation on critical raw materials in the Nordic countries.
The future development of Norwegian mineral production relies on the exploration industry using the knowledge, maps and data provided by the Geological Survey of Norway to locate and define geologically sound exploration targets.
The role of the Geological Survey of Norway is to assess and document the Norwegian resource potential through geological, geophysical and geochemical mapping, and deep understanding of the underlying geological processes.
We make our knowledge and services available for better commercial targeting and risk reduction, but defining targets and developing successful exploration projects into active mines is the responsibility of the industry.
