Swedish scientists are investigating the potential of domestic rare earth element deposits to establish a more sustainable magnet industry, potentially reducing global reliance on Chinese production. Researchers at Uppsala University, led by Professor Martin Sahlberg, are studying how Sweden’s known mineral deposits in Kiruna, Bergslagen, and Norra Kärr could become the foundation for extracting rare earth elements with lower environmental impact than current international methods.
Rare earth magnets are currently manufactured almost exclusively in China, where environmental regulations and industrial standards differ significantly from those in Sweden. Recent geopolitical tensions, including trade disputes and export restrictions, have highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains dependent on Chinese production. The extraction and purification of rare earth elements typically involves toxic chemicals and radioactive substances, making the process environmentally challenging under current manufacturing approaches.
Despite their name, rare earth elements are not particularly scarce in nature. The primary challenge lies in locating deposits with concentrations high enough to make extraction economically viable. Sweden’s geological advantages include access to water and relatively inexpensive energy, positioning the country as a potential alternative production hub.
The research team is taking an interdisciplinary approach that brings together materials theoretical physicists, geologists, and materials engineers. Rather than forcing Swedish minerals to conform to existing manufacturing processes, researchers plan to design magnet compositions that align with the naturally occurring elemental combinations in local deposits. This strategy aims to reduce processing requirements and lower the overall environmental footprint of both purification and manufacturing stages.
An initial priority involves creating a comprehensive inventory of rare earth minerals available across Sweden, examining the full mixture of elements in each deposit to maximize utilization. By developing customized magnet formulas based on available resources, the team hopes to establish a cleaner production pathway that supports Sweden’s green transition while reducing dependence on concentrated global supply sources.
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