Norway’s government has taken direct control of the Fensfeltet rare earth mineral deposit in Telemark, a decision that could halve the time needed to start mining operations compared to municipal handling. Alf Reistad, CEO of Rare Earths Norway, stated the state’s involvement will remove administrative bottlenecks that have delayed similar projects for years.
The government announced last week it would manage the site through a new state-owned company, ending years of uncertainty over ownership and environmental permits. Reistad said the change means the company can now focus on technical preparations instead of legal disputes with local authorities. The Fensfeltet deposit contains rare earth elements critical for electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.
Municipal officials in Nome had previously estimated the permitting process could take up to ten years if left to local authorities. Reistad argued the state’s faster timeline is possible because the government can bypass some environmental impact assessments and coordinate directly with national agencies. The company still needs final approval from the Norwegian Environment Agency before drilling can begin.
Industry analysts note Norway’s strategic shift comes as Europe seeks to secure its own supply of rare earths amid rising demand from green technology sectors. The Fensfeltet project is one of the largest undeveloped rare earth deposits in Europe. Reistad confirmed the company aims to start small-scale production within five years if permits are granted on schedule.
Source: tu.no