LKAB Builds Facility for Critical Minerals - First of Its Kind in Europe
The Swedish state owned mining company LKAB, located in northern Sweden, is now in the process of building the new demonstration plant for refining phosphorus and rare earth metals in Luleå.
The facility is the first in a planned industrial park and an important step in the company's ambition to broaden its business with new minerals through increased resource utilization.
At the same time, the investment has clear geopolitical dimensions with the potential to significantly increase Europe's self-sufficiency in critical minerals.
"The world has opened its eyes to metals and minerals again. Today, Europe is almost completely dependent on imports of phosphorus and rare earth metals, while demand is increasing sharply. By extracting these critical minerals, we can use more of the material we already mine and strengthen our future competitiveness, while increasing security of supply and preparedness in Europe. This facility is an important building block to make that possible", says Jan Moström, president and CEO LKAB.
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