Newzix
Breaking News
Chips & Rare Earths

Norway Approves €24 Million Investment for Rare Earths Pilot Plant

Grace Lin5 min read
Norway Approves €24 Million Investment for Rare Earths Pilot Plant

Rare Earths Norway has approved a €24 million investment to build a minerals processing pilot plant near its Fen Complex deposit in Telemark. This project aims to convert ore from Europe's largest documented rare-earth deposit into oxides for permanent magnets, helping to diversify a global supply chain currently dominated by China.

  • The pilot plant is scheduled to begin operations in the third quarter of 2027, according to iom3.org.
  • Total mineral resources at the Fen Complex recently increased from 8.8 million tonnes to 15.9 million tonnes, per iom3.org.
  • China currently controls 70% of global rare-earth extraction and 90% of rare-earth processing, according to research by The Motley Fool.

What is the goal of the new Norwegian pilot plant?

The facility will test the entire processing route, starting from mined ore and ending with rare-earth oxides. This testing phase is necessary to determine if the technology can be scaled up for large-scale commercial production in the future. It will also serve as a testing ground for environmental impacts.

The plant will provide samples to European partners so they can attempt trial production of rare-earth metals and magnets. According to iom3.org, the project will specifically gather data on energy consumption, waste management, and overall environmental performance. This includes assessing how tailings and other processing residues behave under realistic operating conditions to minimize future damage.

How is the project being funded?

The €24 million investment comes from a mix of public and regional sources. This funding supports the development of the pilot plant and the broader research into the Fen Complex deposit. The project is a collaborative effort involving Norwegian innovation and regional development funds.

The breakdown of the funding, as reported by iom3.org, includes:

  • €5.4 million from Innovation Norway.
  • €1.9 million from the Telemark Development Fund.
  • The remaining portion from Rare Earths Norway.

Why are rare-earth elements so important?

Rare-earth elements are essential components for high-tech industries and modern defense systems. They are used to create high-powered permanent magnets, which are required for electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, and data center cooling systems. Without these minerals, many green energy and digital technologies cannot function.

Beyond consumer electronics, these minerals play a critical role in military applications. The Motley Fool notes that magnet metals like neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are used in fighter jets and missile guidance systems. Because these materials are vital to national security, many countries are trying to build their own supply chains.

What is the current state of the global supply chain?

The global market for these minerals is heavily concentrated in a single region. China holds a dominant position, controlling the vast majority of both the extraction and the processing of rare-earth elements. This concentration creates a vulnerability for other nations that rely on these materials for their industrial and military needs.

This reliance makes the United States particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. As a result, policymakers are moving to boost domestic production. While Norway is working on its European capacity, the U.S. is also investing heavily in "mine-to-magnet" supply chains through companies like MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, according to The Motley Fool.

How does Norway's project fit into the timeline?

The Norwegian initiative is a long-term play that moves through several distinct stages. It begins with the current pilot phase to prove the technology works and then moves toward full-scale extraction. The timeline spans several years before any significant minerals reach the market.

The sequence of events for the Fen Complex, according to iom3.org, is:

  • Current stage: Construction of the pilot plant near the Fen Complex.
  • Third quarter of 2027: Scheduled start of pilot plant operations.
  • Early 2030s: Rare Earths Norway aims to begin extracting rare-earth elements from the deposit.

What happens next for the industry?

The immediate next step involves the construction and operation of the Telemark facility. The data collected during the 2027 operations will decide if the project can move to a commercial scale. Investors and governments will be watching to see if the environmental and energy targets are met.

On a broader scale, the race to secure these minerals continues globally. In the United States, companies are seeking federal financing and public-private partnerships to compete with Chinese state-subsidized programs. In Norway, the focus remains on proving that the Fen Complex can provide a reliable, environmentally conscious source of oxides for the European market.

Background: The Rare-Earth Landscape

To understand this news, one must recognize the critical nature of the minerals involved. Rare-earth elements are not actually that rare, but they are difficult and environmentally taxing to process. For decades, China has dominated this sector due to its established infrastructure and lower costs.

The recent surge in interest is driven by two factors: the transition to electric vehicles and the need for military independence. As nations attempt to move away from a single-source supply chain, projects like the one in Norway become part of a larger geopolitical shift to secure the materials that power the 21st century.

FAQ

Why is Norway investing in rare earths?
Norway wants to process ore from the Fen Complex, Europe's largest documented deposit, into oxides for magnets to reduce reliance on China.

When will the Norwegian plant start working?
The pilot plant is expected to begin its operations in the third quarter of 2027.

What are rare-earth elements used for?
They are essential for making permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, and advanced military equipment like fighter jets.

SEO Meta Description: Norway's Rare Earths Norway approves a €24m pilot plant in Telemark to process Europe's largest rare-earth deposit and diversify the global supply chain.

URL Slug: norway-rare-earths-minerals-processing-pilot-investment

Sources

  1. 1.iom3.orgRare Earths Norway invests €24mln in minerals processing pilot
  2. 2.fool.com2 Rare-Earth Stocks to Buy Right Now, and 1 to Sell

Read more →

Related Articles

Beijing Targets Families to Influence the Republic of China on Taiwan
China & Taiwan

Beijing Targets Families to Influence the Republic of China on Taiwan

Beijing is allegedly increasing efforts to intimidate the relatives of Taiwanese politicians to influence upcoming elections, according to reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) . These actions, targeting those identified as supporters of independence, aim to discourage political activity and create a chilling effect within the republic of china on taiwan political landscape. The pressure involves economic sanctions, travel bans, and physical surveillance of family members residing abroad. How is Beijing targeting the families of politicians? China uses economic sanctions, employment termination, and physical surveillance to pressure the relatives of prominent figures. By targeting family members, Beijing seeks to discourage activists and politicians from engaging in activities linked to Taiwanese independence. According to Line Today , the China Affairs Office announced on October 14, 2024, that it would sanction the company VWAY. This company is owned by Shen Tu-cheng, the father of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator and Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen. The sanctions bar the company from conducting business with any Chinese organizations, enterprises, or individuals. The China Affairs Office further alleged that Shen Tu-cheng used the company to bypass previous sanctions and claimed the family was attempting to profit from mainland China. Other reported cases of familial pressure include: The brother of United Microelectronics Corp founder Robert Tsao was denied entry into China in early October 2024, according to The Taipei Times . The nephew of Taiwan’s Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang reportedly lost his job at a Taiwan-funded enterprise in China in April 2026 following an investigation by Chinese authorities, as reported by Line Today . The brother of Cao Xing-cheng was banned from entering China because Cao funded the "Black Bear Academy," a civil defense organization associated with Puma Shen, according to Line Today . What is the surveillance case in the United States? A California real estate agent was arrested by the FBI for allegedly spying on the son of Taiwan's president. Federal officials claim she acted as an unregistered agent for Beijing to gather intelligence on the family in the U.S. According to KSAT , the FBI arrested Wanying Zhang , a 34-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and real estate agent from Irvine, at Los Angeles International Airport. Authorities allege that Zhang, who also goes by the name Heather, surveilled the home of President William Lai 's son, Ting-Yu Lai, in the Seattle area. The criminal complaint states that Zhang and another person flew to Seattle on September 1, 2025, to conduct this surveillance. The FBI alleges that Zhang sent photos, videos, and license plate information of the target's vehicles to a Chinese government official. An affidavit in the case suggests that such information could provide Beijing with leverage over the president during a potential conflict. Zhang is an alumna of the University of International Relations in Beijing, an institution the FBI notes is closely tied to China's intelligence apparatus, according to KSAT . How each side tells it The two governments and the involved political parties present conflicting views on these actions and the legitimacy of the individuals targeted. "Taiwan condemns in the strongest terms such barbaric acts — which disregard human rights and national sovereignty and aim to suppress, threaten, or even harm individuals advocating for freedom and democracy or their families — as such behavior should not be tolerated in the civilized world" Spokesperson Karen Kuo of the Taiwan Presidential Office characterized the surveillance of the president's family as "transnational repression." The DPP maintains that Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are separate countries. The China Affairs Office has labeled several individuals, including Puma Shen, as "diehard separatists." According to The Taipei Times , Beijing interprets its Anti-Secession Law as allowing for severe punishments, including the death penalty, for those designated as separatists. Chinese military-affiliated media accounts, such as Jun Zhengping , have also used public platforms to criticize individuals who support the targeted politicians. Why is this happening during the election? The timing of these pressures coincides with a highly competitive mayoral race in Taipei. Analysts believe the targeting of families is a strategic move to influence voter perception and political alliances. Puma Shen is currently a Democratic Progressive Party candidate for the Taipei mayoral election, competing against the incumbent Kuomintang (KMT) Mayor Chiang Wan-an . According to The Taipei Times , polling data shows a shifting landscape: Shen was trailing Chiang by 1.2 percentage points in late September, but subsequent surveys reportedly placed him 17 points ahead. The ISW and AEI report suggests that even if the intimidation fails to force a candidate to withdraw, it can successfully discourage other public figures from associating with them. This can restrict political debate and alter the electoral environment. For example, media accounts and the China Affairs Office recently criticized television host Kevin Tsai for attending a campaign event for Shen, according to Line Today . Who is affected by these security concerns? The impact extends from high-ranking government officials to private business owners and their relatives. This creates a broad sense of vulnerability for those involved in Taiwan's political and economic sectors. Directly affected individuals include: Puma Shen : A Taipei mayoral candidate whose family business, VWAY, faces Chinese sanctions. William Lai : The President of Taiwan, whose son was allegedly targeted by surveillance in the United States. Liu Shyh-fang : The Interior Minister, whose nephew lost his employment in China. Robert Tsao : The founder of United Microelectronics Corp, whose brother was barred from entering China. The pressure also affects the broader public and media figures. The ISW warns that the threat of being labeled a "traitor" or "separatist" can prevent journalists and celebrities from participating in democratic processes, thereby narrowing the scope of political discourse in Taiwan. What happens next? Legal proceedings and electoral milestones will determine the immediate impact of these tensions. Several key dates and judicial steps are already in motion. Regarding the legal case in the United States, a hearing to determine bail or detention for Wanying Zhang was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon following her initial court appearance in Los Angeles. She must secure private legal counsel as the judge ruled her ineligible for a public defender. In Taiwan, the Taipei mayoral election remains the primary focus, with the campaign period actively moving toward the vote. The political climate will likely remain tense as candidates react to the ongoing economic and social pressures exerted by Beijing. Frequently Asked Questions Why is China targeting the families of Taiwanese politicians? Beijing uses family members to exert pressure on politicians and create a "chilling effect" that discourages support for Taiwanese independence. This method allows China to target individuals indirectly through economic or social consequences for their relatives. What is the significance of the VWAY sanctions? The sanctions against VWAY, owned by the father of candidate Puma Shen, represent an attempt to use economic leverage to undermine a specific political campaign. By banning the company from Chinese business, Beijing aims to damage the candidate's financial and political standing. How did the FBI become involved in Taiwan's political issues? The FBI intervened because an alleged Chinese agent was conducting surveillance on the family of Taiwan's president within the United States. This case is part of a larger U.S. effort to identify and prosecute covert agents working for Beijing on American soil.

Elena Marsh·
Lockheed Martin Wins $694 Million Contract for New US Hypersonic Missile
Drones & Defense Tech

Lockheed Martin Wins $694 Million Contract for New US Hypersonic Missile

The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million contract to produce the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), a high-speed us hypersonic missile . This decision, announced on October 26, 2026, moves the weapon from testing into serial production after years of technical failures and budget uncertainty. Lockheed Martin received the $694 million award on September 29, 2026, according to aviationtoday.in . The missile is designed to fly faster than Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, as reported by yellowhammernews.com . Lockheed Martin is expanding its Troy, Alabama facility by 47,000 square feet to support this production, according to aerotime.aero . What is the ARRW hypersonic missile? The AGM-183A ARRW is a boost-glide weapon designed to strike high-value targets from long distances. It uses a solid-fuel rocket booster to accelerate the missile to hypersonic speeds before releasing a glide vehicle that maneuvers toward its target. This design allows launch aircraft to stay far away from heavily defended areas. The weapon travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5. According to yellowhammernews.com , the missile uses advanced materials to survive extreme heat. Its speed and ability to maneuver are intended to make it difficult for enemy air-defense systems to intercept the projectile. The Air Force plans to deploy the missile on the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bomber. While the B-52H is the primary platform, armyrecognition.com notes that carriage testing has also occurred on the B-1B Lancer. Why did the program face previous setbacks? The ARRW program has struggled with technical failures and shifting government priorities since its development began in 2018. Early tests in 2021 were unsuccessful, including an April attempt that failed to complete its launch sequence. A July 2021 test saw the booster separate but fail to ignite its rocket motor, according to armyrecognition.com . Funding instability also threatened the missile. In March 2023, Air Force officials stated they would not purchase the missiles, turning instead to the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) program. This shift was confirmed by yellowhammernews.com , which reported that the 2025 budget request contained no procurement funding for ARRW. The program finally saw success in 2022 with a successful flight test in May. Later, a March 2024 demonstration in Guam tested the weapon from a forward B-52H location. This test helped provide more realistic data on how the weapon would perform in actual combat zones. How does each side describe the contract? The US Air Force views the contract as a vital step in maintaining a technological edge. They see it as a way to provide commanders with a weapon that can bypass modern defenses. The service has not released specific details on how many missiles are being ordered to protect operational security. "By moving ARRW from test to production, we’re providing our combatant commanders with a credible, high-speed strike weapon capable of penetrating the most advanced anti-access and area-denial systems," — Troy Meink, Air Force Secretary Lockheed Martin describes the award as a validation of their manufacturing speed. The company is using the contract to justify massive investments in its Alabama facilities. They view the production move as a way to strengthen the strategic capabilities of the US military. "The ARRW production contract award showcases Lockheed Martin’s ability to develop and begin production on cutting-edge systems at unprecedented speed and scale," — Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control How is Lockheed Martin expanding in Alabama? Lockheed Martin is rapidly increasing its manufacturing footprint in Alabama to meet the new demand. The company is expanding Building P-20 in Troy, adding 47,000 square feet of space. This expansion will triple the current production capacity for the ARRW missile, according to aerotime.aero . The company has already invested $67 million in this expansion and new equipment. This spending happened before the government contract was officially awarded. Lockheed Martin plans to invest between $8 billion and $9 billion through 2030 to satisfy the general demand for military munitions. Other Alabama sites support different programs. In Courtland, the company opened a missile assembly facility in 2021 and another 88,000-square-foot facility in June 2026. These sites support the Next Generation Interceptor program and the US Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike program, as reported by yellowhammernews.com . What is the history of the ARRW program? The ARRW program began in 2018 through research by the US Air Force and DARPA. Initially, Lockheed Martin held a design contract worth up to $480 million . The program originally aimed to be operational by 2022, but technical issues delayed this goal. A timeline of key events includes: 2018: Program development begins. April 2021: An early launch attempt fails. May 2022: The first successful flight test is achieved. December 2022: A full operational prototype is launched from a B-52H. March 2023: The Air Force decides to halt procurement. June 2025: Leadership signals a return to procurement plans. September 2026: The production contract is awarded. The program is now part of a dual-track hypersonic strategy. The Air Force is pursuing both the rocket-boosted ARRW and the air-breathing scramjet-powered Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). This ensures the military has different types of high-speed options for different combat scenarios. What happens next for the program? The immediate focus is on building the production capacity in Alabama. Lockheed Martin expects the expansion to create new jobs over the next four years. However, the exact number of missiles produced and their delivery dates remain secret for security reasons. The US Air Force is also seeking more money to keep the program running. The fiscal 2027 budget request includes $452 million for ARRW production. This request must still pass through Congress. According to aviationtoday.in , future annual spending could reach up to $621 million between 2028 and 2031. The success of the program will depend on how quickly these missiles can be integrated into the B-52H fleet. If the production ramp-up meets expectations, the ARRW will become a standard part of the US strategic arsenal within the next few years. Frequently Asked Questions How fast does the ARRW missile travel? The missile is designed to fly at hypersonic speeds, which means it travels faster than Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. Which aircraft will carry the ARRW missile? The Boeing B-52H Stratofortress is the primary launch platform, though testing has also been performed with the B-1B Lancer. Where is the missile being manufactured? Lockheed Martin is producing the missiles at its facilities in Alabama, specifically expanding a production building in Troy.

Marcus Hale·
How High-Speed Jet Drones Are Shaping the Future of Drones in US Military Doctrine
Drones & Defense Tech

How High-Speed Jet Drones Are Shaping the Future of Drones in US Military Doctrine

How Russia's jet drones are changing the war and why it matters for drones in us military Russia has deployed a new class of jet-powered drones that travel at hundreds of kilometers per hour, forcing Ukraine to rapidly develop new interceptor technologies to protect its infrastructure. This shift in aerial warfare, observed through September 2026, threatens to overwhelm existing air defenses and could influence how the West views the effectiveness of drones in us military doctrine and procurement. The high-speed attacks target energy systems, railways, and grain exports, turning cities like Kyiv into active front lines. Why are these new drones so hard to stop? The new Russian drones, based on Iranian-designed Shahed models, fly much faster and higher than previous propeller-driven versions. This speed leaves air-defense units with very little time to react before an impact occurs. According to Boston Herald , 2026: the fastest current Ukrainian interceptors reach only 300 to 400 kph (186 to 248 mph). This speed is often insufficient to catch the new jet-powered variants. Because these drones fly at higher altitudes, traditional ground-based weapons struggle to aim accurately. Volodymyr Serdiuk, an air-defense unit commander, described the difficulty of tracking these targets. He noted that the drones move so quickly they are difficult to intercept effectively. “They’re moving so fast that we can’t get a proper lock on them,” said Volodymyr Serdiuk, commander of an air-defense unit. Serdiuk also compared the experience to a difficult hunt, stating, “It’s like chasing a pig in the forest,” regarding the new Shahed-based models. What new technologies is Ukraine using to fight back? Ukraine is moving away from heavy, expensive missiles toward low-cost, high-speed interceptor drones. These new systems use artificial intelligence and specialized engines to close the gap with Russian aircraft. According to Eurasia Review , 2026: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on September 19 that the Security Service of Ukraine successfully used a new interceptor against jet-powered Shahed/Geran drones. This includes the STING S, a drone-hunting system developed by the Wild Hornets group. Another manufacturer, Vluchnyk, has tested a system called the Zorelit v5, also known as Starship. The technical specifications for this interceptor include: Speed: Approximately 260 mph (418 kph). Range: Roughly 29 miles. Cruising speed: 124 mph. Flight time: 17 minutes when carrying a warhead. Capabilities: AI-enabled target detection and automated terminal guidance. These interceptors can integrate with SkyMap, a system that combines data from radar and acoustic sensors into a single digital picture for operators. This allows mobile fire groups to coordinate their movements more effectively against large drone raids. How is the conflict affecting the civilian population? The shift to high-speed drones has brought the danger much closer to city centers. Residents in Kyiv face constant explosions and disruptions to essential services like food and electricity. According to Boston Herald , 2026: recent Russian tactics have specifically targeted the infrastructure that keeps the Ukrainian economy functioning. This includes gas stations, telecom networks, shopping centers, and post offices. The human cost is immediate. Daria Kuchynska, a 31-year-old flower shop owner in Kyiv, experienced a blast from a jet-powered drone that killed a woman standing near her. She described the constant threat as a matter of luck. “So many people are constantly dying around us. I don’t know how we survive. It’s simply a matter of luck,” said Daria Kuchynska. What is the industrial response from Ukrainian manufacturers? Ukrainian defense companies are racing to scale up production of jet-propulsion systems. The primary goal is to move from testing prototypes to mass-producing interceptors that can be deployed across the country. Oleksii Babenko, CEO of Vyriy Drones, stated that manufacturers were not prepared with a solution when these faster variants first appeared. The industry currently faces several bottlenecks: Supply: Miniature turbojet engines are mostly sourced from European manufacturers. Capacity: European production levels are currently below what Ukraine requires. Training: New pilots must be trained specifically for high-speed drone interception. There is disagreement on how long this industrial race will take. According to Boston Herald , 2026: Oleksii Babenko estimates it could take 3 to 4 months to scale up production. However, military analyst Taras Chmut suggests the timeline could be 6 months or longer. How has Russia responded to these defensive shifts? Russia continues to use its ballistic missile arsenal and expanding drone production to pressure Ukraine. The Kremlin is also utilizing its energy infrastructure to maintain its military momentum. According to Eurasia Review , 2026: Ukrainian strikes on September 19–20 hit the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya. This strike damaged an AVT-6 crude-distillation unit, which processes about 53 percent of the refinery's total crude throughput. The Russian military also maintains an offensive posture in several regions. Heavy combat continues along the following axes: Pokrovsk Huliaipole Kostiantynivka Sloviansk The Kramatorsk axis Following the Russian State Duma elections held from September 18–20, 2026, analysts suggest the Kremlin may no longer delay force-generation measures, such as a potential partial mobilization. What is the background of this drone evolution? The drone war has evolved from slow, propeller-driven models to high-speed jet variants. This evolution is driven by a cycle of offensive and defensive adaptation between the two nations. The history of these weapons involves several key stages: Early Phase: Use of propeller-driven Shahed models that were easier to track and intercept. Evolution: Russia began integrating jet propulsion into Shahed-style designs to increase speed and altitude. Current Phase: Ukraine is deploying purpose-built, low-cost interceptors like the Zorelit v4 and v5 to counter these threats without relying solely on expensive F-16 jets. The F-16 fighter jets remain a vital part of the defense, but they are limited by maintenance needs. Many of these aircraft are currently out of service awaiting repairs. What happens next? The conflict enters a period of intense industrial and military competition. Several factors will determine the effectiveness of Ukraine's new defenses: Production Timelines: Manufacturers aim to close the gap with Russian jet drones within the next 3 to 6 months. Procurement: The Zorelit v5 is expected to enter the Ukrainian ePoints procurement mechanism following its official codification. Russian Mobilization: Observers are watching for signs of a Kremlin-ordered partial mobilization following the recent Duma elections. FAQ Why are jet-powered drones more dangerous than older drones? They fly much faster and at higher altitudes, which makes them harder for traditional air-defense systems to lock onto and intercept. Can Ukraine stop these drones without F-16 fighter jets? Yes, Ukraine is currently testing and fielding new, low-cost interceptor drones like the STING S and Zorelit v5 to handle these threats. What is the main problem with producing new interceptors? The main difficulty is scaling up the production of miniature turbojet engines and training enough pilots to fly them.

Marcus Hale·