The town of Ulefoss, Norway, sits atop the continent's largest deposit of rare earth elements, crucial components in numerous technologies. This deposit, known as the Fen complex, could significantly reduce the European Union's dependence on China for these materials. Rare Earths Norway (REN) plans to mine the deposit, aiming for full-scale operations by 2030, but faces challenges in balancing economic benefits with environmental and community concerns.

Local residents express concerns about potential environmental impacts, particularly the risk of ground subsidence similar to that experienced in Kiruna, Sweden, where a mining operation caused the relocation of the town. REN aims to mitigate these risks through an "invisible mine" approach involving a deep tunnel and the refilling of excavated spaces. The project has, however, garnered more support than similar initiatives due to Ulefoss's history as an industrial mining community.

The successful extraction of rare earth elements from the Fen complex would be a major step toward securing Europe's supply chain for these critical materials, currently dominated by China. Norway's close ties with the EU make this project highly relevant to Europe's efforts to reduce its reliance on China for vital technological components.

Impact Statement: Successful mining operations in Ulefoss could significantly impact the EU's technological independence and reduce its vulnerability to geopolitical pressures related to rare earth element supply chains.