The Norwegian government has begun work on a state planning process for Fensfeltet, a rare earths deposit in southern Norway that it describes as “the largest documented deposit of its kind in Europe.”
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries will prepare a planning program setting out the areas and issues to be assessed for environmental and other impacts, as well as how the planning process will proceed. The government aims to submit the proposed program for public consultation as early as possible in 2027.
The government aims to complete the overall plan by 2028 at the latest, with the earliest possible completion at the end of 2027. The plan will determine the proposed location and framework for mineral extraction and processing, including facilities, storage and use of mining tailings, and infrastructure.
The launch of planning does not constitute approval for mining. ■