This week, China reported new export data showing rare earth shipments were about 23% higher than last year. Meanwhile, Europe is working to reduce dependence on foreign imports, as Sweden’s Norra Kärr project moves forward and Spain invests €414 million in domestic mining and exploration.
China’s Rare Earth Exports Rise by 23% at the Start of the Year
China exported around 23% more rare earth elements in the first two months of this year compared with the same period last year. According to data from Chinese customs authorities, 10,468 tonnes were shipped abroad in January and February.
Trade statistics for these two months are usually reported together to avoid distortions caused by the Chinese New Year festivities.
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Norra Kärr: Swedish Rare Earth Project Clears Another Hurdle
Europe is seeking domestic sources of rare earth elements. The Norra Kärr project in southern Sweden has now moved one step forward: the mining authority Bergsstaten has forwarded the application for an exploitation concession to the Swedish government for final review. However, most of the heavy rare earth elements found there are bound in the mineral Eudialyte. Processing this mineral is considered technically challenging and remains the subject of ongoing research.
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Spain: €414 million for domestic raw-material extraction
The government of Spain has approved an action plan to expand domestic raw-material extraction and allocated a budget of €414 million for its implementation. €182 million of the finances will fund the country’s first national mining exploration program in 50 years. The initiative will not only focus on identifying potential new mining sites but also on re-evaluating former mining areas, which often still contain valuable untapped resources such as rare earth elements.
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REalloys Plans Largest Factory for Heavy Rare Earths Outside China
The U.S. company REalloys plans to build what it says will be the largest facility for producing heavy rare earth metals outside China. The project is being developed in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Research Council, operator of Canada’s first rare earth refinery. The new plant is expected to reach full operational capacity by the end of 2027.
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