Most relevant data for mineral exploration in Norway.
Dataset with occurrences, prospects and deposits of mineral resources: Industrial minerals, metals and natural stone
Map of Mineral resources - Industrial minerals, metals and natural stone
Datasets on regional geophysics (fixed wing, helicopter, compilations), petrophysics and gravity.
Data can be viewed and downloaded from the Geoscience Portal.
Predictive uranium map (in Norwegian only).
Map of available geochemistry data sets, with links to reports and data. Contact geokjemidatabase@ngu.no to get access to downloadable data.
Overview of printed bedrock maps and quaternary maps, preliminary map products and digital map data sets. In Norwegian only.
Publications
Ongoing projects
National geochemical mapping
Establish geochemical maps of southern Norway with a sampling density of 1 per 30 km², corresponding to approximately 4,000 sample points (south of Nordland County).
Once the overview maps are completed, clearly defined anomalies will be mapped in detail with the aim of facilitating further exploration.
Period: 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Malin Andersson
MERØ - Bedrock mapping in the Meråker-Røros area
The MERØ project is part of “Geological Resources in Trøndelag” (only in Norwegian), a collaboration between Trøndelag County Municipality and NGU to improve knowledge of regional geological resources.
It will conduct new mapping in the Meråker–Røros area, selected for its geological and societal importance as a historic mining district, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and key area for studying the Iapetus Ocean closure and Caledonian orogeny.
Period: 01.04.2019 - 30.06.2027.
Project leader: Anna Ksienzyk
Airborne geophysical mapping of Norway (FLYGE)
Airborne geophysical mapping provides key data for geological mapping in Norway. This includes magnetic, radiometric, and electromagnetic measurements used to improve bedrock maps and assess resources and geohazards.
Norway has about 65% coverage. This is lower than Sweden and Finland, and partly at insufficient resolution. Previous projects have demonstrated strong societal value and high interest from public authorities and the exploration industry.
Period: 20.01.2020 - 31.12.2029.
Project leader: Frode Ofstad
Assessment of the potential of critical metals in magmatic sulfide mineral systems
Addresses key knowledge gaps on the distribution and concentration of critical metals in magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide deposits in southern Norway.
The supply of such raw materials is essential for the green energy transition, yet remains poorly understood in Norway. The project aims to improve this knowledge and support future resource development.
Period: 01.03.2022 - 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Eduardo T. Mansur
Critical metals (P-REE) potential in the southern part of Oslo Rift - Vestfold-Telemark
Focuses on phosphate deposits in the Larvik region to improve understanding of their formation, distribution, and potential as sources of critical raw materials, particularly Fe–Ti–P–REE.
Building on previous NGU studies, the project includes mapping and sampling in the Kodal–Larvik–Skien–Tønsberg–Siljan area, method development, and analysis of geological processes controlling mineralization.
The region is considered key for understanding Norwegian phosphate deposits, and results will support exploration models, resource assessments, and the development of accessible data products and databases.
Period: 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2027.
Project leader: Nolwenn Coint
Fe–Ti–(V) deposits in Møre og Romsdal
Fe–Ti–V occurrences in Møre og Romsdal are part of the program “Geological Basis for Industry, Møre og Romsdal,” a three-year collaboration between Møre og Romsdal County Municipality and NGU.
The program aims to improve data and knowledge to a level that can stimulate new industry development based on geological resources.
Period: 01.05.2022 30.04.2026.
Project leader: Kerstin Saalmann
UNFC Classification of Norwegian Mineral Resources
The aim is to classify Norwegian mineral resources according to the UNFC (United Nations Framework Classification for Resources), an internationally harmonized system used by authorities, industry, and investors.
The project will support resource management at national and international levels and help ensure Norway’s inclusion in future European resource inventories.
Period: 09.01.2023 - 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Janja Knežević Solberg
Critical Minerals in Norway – An Overview
Aims to compile and communicate information on critical minerals in Norway. It will produce a report summarizing their occurrence, distribution, and geological setting, along with recommendations for further mapping and analysis.
In addition, accessible digital products will be developed to present key information on critical minerals to a broader audience.
Period: 13.02.2023 - 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Terje Bjerkgård
The Bjerkreim-Sokndal layered intrusion and associated P-Ti-V mineralization
Improves knowledge of P and Ti–V resources in the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion in Rogaland by compiling existing data, incorporating results from recent exploration, and applying NGU’s analytical techniques.
Work focuses on existing material and drill cores, including a deep core stored at Løkken, to update resource understanding, characterize mineralization, and investigate formation processes.
Will also make information more accessible and strengthen the knowledge base for these important mineral resources.
Period: 01.05.2023 - 01.12.2027.
Project leader: Eduardo T. Mansur
Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits in Norway
Reviews and characterize VMS mineral systems in Norway with a focus on critical metals such as Cu, Co, Ni, Bi, Te, Ge, and In. Initial work will focus on Caledonian units in Trøndelag and Innlandet to assess how geological setting and tectono-metamorphic processes influence metal distribution.
Combines mapping and laboratory studies to evaluate regional mineralizing processes and identify areas with the highest potential for critical metals.
Period: 01.02.2023 - 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Iain Henderson
Addressing the contrast in apparent Fennoscandian ore potential between Norway and Sweden by looking at Proterozoic mantle evolution
The transition to more sustainable energy sources depends on access to critical metals, many of which the EU largely imports from limited and potentially unreliable sources. While the Fennoscandian Shield is a key supplier of metals in Europe, Norway has fewer known deposits and active mines than Sweden.
As future discoveries are expected to occur at greater depths, this project examines whether the contrast reflects differences in exploration intensity or real variations in mineral potential. It aims to identify the geological and tectonic factors behind these differences and provide guidance for future exploration in Norway.
Period: 01.05.2023 - 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Trond Slagstad
Assessing the fertility and subsurface distribution of magmatic systems in the Karasjok Greenstone Belt, Finnmark
Investigates intrusive systems in the Karasjok Greenstone Belt to assess their potential to host magmatic sulphide deposits containing Ni, Cu, PGE, and associated critical metals. It also aims to develop and test geophysical methods for identifying such deposits by integrating multiple datasets and analytical approaches.
The region provides a suitable setting for both method development and testing. The results will improve understanding of mineral potential and support future exploration.
Period: 15.04.2023-15.04.2027.
Project leader: Trond Slagstad
Mapping the critical metal potential in secondary mineral resources
Examines the resource potential of mining waste in abandoned tailings facilities, and where relevant active tailings deposits, through characterization, sampling, mapping, and volume estimation.
The work will assess Norwegian tailings as possible secondary resources and provide recommendations for further work.
Period: 01.08.2023 - 31.07.2026.
Project leader: Agnes M. Raaness
DNA: Distribution of Norwegian Apatite
Assesses apatite occurrences in Norway, including those in Rogaland and the Oslo Rift, to evaluate their resource potential and regional significance.
By examining selected sites across the country, the project aims to identify and prioritize areas for future larger-scale studies.
Period: 01.03.2024 - 31.03.2028.
Project leader: Nolwenn Coint
BARK – The Bedrock of Telemark
Looks at societal challenges related to climate change and the need for critical and strategic minerals for the green transition. It focuses on three main goals: improving understanding of mineral resource potential in the Telemark copper province through detailed mapping and sampling; developing adapted bedrock mapping to support infrastructure planning and reduce geological risk; and producing modern 1:50,000 bedrock maps to strengthen the geological knowledge base for resource management and land-use planning.
Period: 01.04.2024 – 13.12.2029.
Project leader: Espen Torgersen
Graphite follow-up in Vesterålen and Senja
Investigates airborne geophysical anomalies related to graphite mineralisation in Brenna and Møkland (Vesterålen) and Bukken (Senja), building on recent drilling and exploration.
It combines ground and drone geophysics, sampling, and geological mapping to better understand the relationship between geophysical signals and graphite-bearing rocks.
The project also includes deeper electromagnetic surveys.
Period: 01.04.2024 – 31.12.2026.
Project leader: Vikas Chand Baranwal
Graphite – Deposits and Formation Processes
Data collection, quality improvement, and understanding the formation processes of graphite deposits in Norway.
It covers both Caledonian deposits in northern Østerdalen and southwestern Norway, and Precambrian graphite provinces in areas including Bamble–Kristiansand, Nordland, Vesterålen, and Senja.
Also includes updating and maintaining existing graphite datasets in NGU’s databases and publications.
Period: 01.04.2024 – 31.12.2028.
Project leader: Janja Knežević Solberg
Bedrock and Mineral Mapping (BaMM) in the Alvdal–Kvikne Transect
Aims to improve understanding of the geological history, structure, and mineral potential of the Gula Nappe Complex, with emphasis on VMS and magmatic Ni–Co deposits.
It includes bedrock mapping, studies of known mineral occurrences, geochemical and geophysical investigations, database updates, and communication of results.
Period: 01.06.2024 – 01.07.2029.
Project leader: Johannes Jakob
The Raitevarre Copper Mineralization
Aims to improve the understanding of the formation of the Raitevarre mineralization and to determine whether its host rocks belong to the overlying Tanaelv migmatite belt, which could significantly expand the exploration area.
Raitevarre is interpreted as a magmatic-hydrothermal Cu–Au occurrence, and preliminary age and isotope data suggest it may represent an unusually early example of a porphyry-type system.
The project will also assess the regional extent of similar host rocks to evaluate their exploration potential.
Period: 03.03.2025 – 05.03.2029.
Project leader: Hanne-Kristin Paulsen
The Nordland Program – Resource and Bedrock Mapping
The Nordland Program is a collaboration between NGU and Nordland County Municipality (NFK) to map and assess resource potential in Nordland.
It includes projects on geophysical mapping, bedrock and resource mapping for selected minerals, and assessment of historical tailings.
This project serves a coordinating role, managing communication, stakeholder engagement, and steering group activities.
Period: 01.10.2025 – 31.12.2028.
Project leader: Kari Aslaksen Aasly
Useful pages
People
Igneous petrology
Magmatic sulphide deposits
Geochemistry
Isotope geochemistry
Regional geology
Precambrian basement geology
Magmatic sulphide deposits
Magmatic Fe-Ti-P deposits
LA-ICP-MS analyses
Igneous petrology
Geochemistry
Regional geology
Volcanogenic massive sulphides deposits
Caledonian Geology
Geological Mapping
Optical Microscopy
Critical Raw Materials
Structural geology
Machine Learning
Regional geology
3D modelling
Bedrock mapping
Sedimentology
Provenance
Precambrian basement
UNFC
Magmatic-hydrothermal deposits
Machine Learning
Geochemistry
LA-ICP-MS analyses
Volcanogenic massive sulphides deposits
Epithermal gold deposits
Magmatic-hydrothermal deposits
Regional geology
Precambrian basement
Magmatic-hydrothermal systems
Volcanogenic massive sulphides deposits
Geochemistry
Isotope geochemistry
Igneous petrography
Magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits
Fluid-rock interaction
Mineralogy
Igneous petrology
Structural geology
Tectonics
3D modeling
Regional prospectivity
Volcanogenic massive sulphides deposits
Magmatic sulphide deposits
Ore microscopy
Gelogical mapping
Automated mineralogy
SEM (scanning electron microscopy)
Mineralogy
Sample size & representativity
Concrete/Aggregate/Cement/Lime Mortars
Thin section preparation
Optical microscopy