– We don’t want to stand around with a hole in the ground, also flow the values out of the country, says Kirsti Arvesen Nesheim. She represents Nome municipality in the work with the minerals at Fen in Telemark. Everything indicates that Europe’s largest deposit of rare earth metals, known as REE, lies beneath a residential landfill in the municipality. Metalla is decisive for producing electric cars, mobile phones and modern defense technology. China dominates the market for critical REE metals today. – We have seen that the Chinese are busy buying up properties, says Nesheim. About 700 people live on Fen in Nome municipality. Rare earths are hidden under the houses. – Can be taken over by anyone There are two private companies that have the right to test drill on the Fens field. – A private company can in theory be taken over by anyone. This means that Chinese interests can buy into mining. I am very worried about that, says Nesheim. The mining company at Fen is examining the ground to prove that the deposit is commercially viable. Then the Fensfield will be visible on a map of mineral deposits of an international class. When the Fensfield comes on the map, Nome municipality fears that China will become interested. – This means that local ownership disappears, and it means that these resources will not benefit the community. This map shows major mineral deposits in the world. For now, the Fensfield is not on this map, but that may change. Photo: United States Geological Survey Follows China The national security authority NSM believes that Nome municipality is wise to raise this issue. – Here the municipality is vigilant, says Sofie Nystrøm, who is director of NSM, which is a professional directorate under the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness and the Ministry of Defence. Nystrøm says that China is an actor that they follow, and that it is a clear global pattern that China seeks ownership in various economies. Chinese interest Norway has legislation to protect Norwegian security interests, but Nystrøm points out that this is a new industry that does not automatically have its place in the legislation. – The Fens field is an enormously important area, which can become so important for Norway that it becomes relevant to use the safe play legislation, says Nystrøm. According to Petter Y. Lindgren, senior researcher at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute, China will be interested in continuing its dominance in rare earths. – Chinese companies would be interested in coming here. Rare earth species are probably an issue that will become more relevant in the future since so many major powers have it on their radar, says Petter Lindgren. Sofie Nystrøm is director of NSM. Photo: Oda Hveem / Oda Hveem Need more owners None of the mining companies in the Fens field have been contacted by Chinese companies, but the mining company REE minerals states that they will need a financial partner in the future. – Our shareholder group today does not have the capital to finance mining in our area. It requires huge investments, and we have been in contact with major players both nationally and internationally, says Thor Bendik Weider in REE minerals. According to Alf Reistad, who is the day-to-day manager of the mining company Rare Earths Norway, they want to operate the mines themselves. – We want to be a supplier to Europe, says Reistad. Wants the state on the field In order to secure itself against Chinese interests, Nome municipality wants a state company to be set up that can operate mines on the Fen. Fens coordinator Kirsti Arvesen Nesheim in Nome municipality refers to the way Norway handled the oil adventure in its time. – We want the state to step in with its own company that ensures that the values remain in the local community and Norway, says Nesheim. Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre last week put forward extra money for mineral investments in connection with the revised national budget. Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre fully understands that Nome municipality wants to safeguard local interests, but does not envisage state ownership of the Fens field. – We are busy mobilizing private capital for the green shift, says Vestre. When asked about the concerns linked to Chinese acquisitions, Vestre points to the new Norwegian mineral strategy which is just around the corner. – We must have national ownership of critical minerals that Norway and the West need. That’s why I have to think very carefully about who I let go to, says Vestre. Hello! You are obviously interested in this matter since you read it all the way to the bottom. Please advise me of other angles I should look at in relation to this matter. I am also open to other tips for matters. Feel free to send me an email!
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Fears that China will take over mining operations at the Fens field – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
