UNLOCKING THE SUPPLY OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN EUROPE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE, SUSTAINABLE AND DECARBONISED INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Project Information

REESOURCE

Grant agreement ID: 101138460

DOI

10.3030/101138460

EC signature date 24 November 2023

Start date 1 December 2023

End date 31 May 2027

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 4 999 236,00

Coordinated by

INSTITUTT FOR ENERGITEKNIKK STI
Norway

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - REESOURCE (UNLOCKING THE SUPPLY OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN EUROPE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE, SUSTAINABLE AND DECARBONISED INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES)

Reporting period: 2023-12-01 to 2025-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is increasing due to their critical role in clean energy, advanced technologies, and defense applications. Europe faces the challenge of securing a reliable supply of these materials while meeting its environmental and social commitments. The REESOURCE project addresses this by proposing a sustainable and responsible approach to REE extraction and processing.
REESOURCE aims to demonstrate a new “sustainable mine” concept. This includes the use of raise mining, an automated underground technique that reduces surface disturbance, and the development of low-hazard beneficiation processes. Numerical modeling and data-driven tools are applied to optimize mine design, extraction efficiency, and safety.
To evaluate its environmental performance, the project initiated a Life Cycle Assessment that benchmarks REESOURCE innovations against global reference cases such as Bayan Obo in China, Mountain Pass in the USA, and Mount Weld in Australia. These comparisons will help quantify improvements in emissions, energy use, and overall impact.
The project also prioritizes societal integration. A Social Impact Assessment scoping study has been completed in collaboration with the municipality, identifying key concerns. These insights will inform project decisions and community engagement activities throughout the project.Social sciences and humanities play a central role, ensuring that technological development aligns with local realities and societal expectations. REESOURCE is not only focused on advancing mining technologies but also on reshaping how mining is accepted and governed in modern Europe.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The REESOURCE project has advanced the development of sustainable and efficient technologies for the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs), with a particular focus on raise mining, process optimization, and integrated environmental and societal assessments.
In mining design, the project refined the raise mining concept through empirical analysis and numerical modeling. Simulation studies confirmed the technical feasibility of the stope geometry and supported the design of safe mining sequences. New modeling techniques were introduced to enhance accuracy. These efforts informed a phased extraction strategy to manage ground stability and operational safety.
Backfilling research has progressed toward low-carbon solutions. Geopolymer-based binder systems are being explored to reduce cement use while maintaining mechanical performance. Experimental work on backfill properties has provided input for developing models that link curing conditions, material strength, and mine layout requirements.
In mineral processing, laboratory-scale flotation tests were conducted to improve REE recovery. A two-phase approach was followed: initial screening of key process parameters, followed by the refinement of reagent systems. The ongoing work supports the design of cleaner and more selective beneficiation strategies and lays the foundation for future upscaling.
Tailings samples have been characterized to understand mineral content and inform future beneficiation and waste valorization approaches. These data support the development of circular strategies and sustainable tailings management.
Machine learning approaches are being explored to support geotechnical modeling and process prediction. Early results show promise in improving modeling speed and generalization. In parallel, life cycle and social impact assessments were initiated. The project benchmarked its technologies against international reference cases to evaluate environmental performance and began engaging local stakeholders to identify key societal concerns.
Overall, REESOURCE has delivered significant technical progress across mining design, mineral processing, digital tools, and environmental and social integration. These advances contribute to building a robust foundation for sustainable REE extraction in Europe.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The REESOURCE project is delivering advancements across multiple dimensions of mining and processing, offering a more sustainable, socially responsible, and efficient approach than current global practices.
In underground mining, the project is advancing raise mining as a low-impact method that minimizes surface disruption. Design optimization using numerical modeling has demonstrated the technical feasibility of this approach in challenging geological environments. This method aligns with environmental and social expectations, particularly in regions where traditional surface mining may face resistance.
Backfilling research is exploring the use of low-carbon binder alternatives to reduce emissions associated with underground operations. The work focuses on balancing material performance with sustainability, offering new pathways for environmentally improved mine design.
In mineral processing, the project is developing cleaner beneficiation techniques. These include optimized reagent use and process adjustments that aim to improve the recovery of REEs while reducing the generation of secondary waste.
The environmental and societal dimensions of the project are being addressed through structured assessment methods. A Life Cycle Assessment has been launched to benchmark the project’s innovations against established REE production routes. In parallel, a Social Impact Assessment scoping study has been conducted in collaboration with regional stakeholders, identifying a range of community concerns related to land use, environmental safety, and local development.
Collectively, these results show that REESOURCE is contributing to a step-change in how critical raw materials can be extracted and processed in Europe. The integration of environmental, technological, and social innovations positions the project at the forefront of responsible mining practices.

Kick off meeting 18th January 2024, Kjeller, Norway (IFE)