Sweden’s hidden rare earth deposits could help break China’s grip
Swedish researchers are investigating the potential for domestic rare earth element extraction to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. The study emphasizes that while Sweden has viable deposits, the extraction process remains environmentally challenging and geopolitically sensitive.
Why it matters
Securing a domestic supply of rare earth elements is vital for the transition to green energy and reducing geopolitical vulnerability to trade restrictions.
Swedish researchers are exploring how the country's mineral resources could support cleaner production of rare earth elements (REE) and the powerful magnets made from them. As part of the Sustainable materials and material flows research area, Martin Sahlberg is studying whether Sweden's deposits could become the foundation for a more sustainable magnet industry.
Many of the materials needed for cleaner energy systems and advanced technologies are still produced through processes that carry significant environmental costs. Rare earth magnets, for example, are largely manufactured in China, where environmental rules and industrial standards differ from those in Sweden.
Rare Earth Magnets and Global Supply Risks
"It's a geopolitical problem," says Martin Sahlberg, Professor of Materials Chemistry at Uppsala University.
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