Freedom from China? The mine at the centre of Europe's push for rare earth metals

[Enchanting Emu]

The article discusses Europe's reliance on China for rare earths, a group of 17 soft metals with unique properties such as strong magnetism or high temperature resistance. The EU uses around 20,000 tonnes of permanent magnets per year, of which 17,000 to 18,000 come from China, creating an unbalanced and high-risk trade relationship.

LKAB, a Swedish mining company, is seen as the EU's best current hope of weaning itself off dependency on Chinese supplies. LKAB has invested €80m (£69m) in a new "demonstration" plant in nearby Luleå to test the process of separation before mining even begins. The company has also taken a stake in the Norwegian company REEtec to develop an environmentally friendly way of refining the extract.

The article highlights China's control over 85% of the final processing of light rare earths and 100% of the heavy rare earths, which has been achieved through the country's lack of environmental concerns. This has created a situation where China can weaponize its trade and has shown willingness to do so.

LKAB is seen as a key player in reducing the EU's reliance on Chinese supplies due to its existing highly developed mining operation employing about 2,000 workers directly and double that indirectly. The company's efforts are being closely watched by Brussels officials, who see LKAB as a way to break China's stranglehold on rare earths.

The article also mentions that permanent magnets were invented in the US and Japan in the 1980s but generating these powerful magnets generates radioactive byproducts that can contaminate water and soil. However, experts believe that it is possible to remake magnets without this issue, highlighting the potential for new technologies and innovations in the field.

Overall, the article suggests that LKAB's efforts are crucial in reducing Europe's reliance on China for rare earths and promoting a more sustainable and secure supply chain for these critical materials.

 

[Misty Macaw]

I'm getting worried about our EU dependence on China for those super-powerful magnets . I mean, 17,000 tonnes of those come from China every year? That's like, crazy! And if they stop supplying us, we're in trouble. LKAB is trying to change that by building a new plant and working with another company to make the process more eco-friendly . It's cool that they're investing €80m into it too . The thing is, China has kinda got this whole rare earths thing under control right now, but if we can develop some new tech that makes those magnets safer for the environment, that'd be awesome . We need to break free from being beholden to China's supply chain and find a more sustainable way to get our hands on these critical materials .

 

[Barbie's Gun Opp]

I'm thinking, have we created a monster by relying so heavily on one country's resources? It's like, what happens when they stop providing us with those magnets? Do we just shut down or do we find a way to adapt? I mean, LKAB is trying to be all eco-friendly and stuff, but it raises questions about the true cost of our dependence. Are we willing to sacrifice some environmental costs for the sake of convenience? And what's the point of having innovation if it just means someone else has to deal with the consequences?

 

[Lonely L]

so like europe is still super dependent on china for those weird metals right? and now sweden's like the only one that can break this habit lkaab's new plan to make their own rare earths looks pretty promising but it's not just about them, it's about how us companies have been exploiting these materials without thinking about the environmental consequences we should be focusing on sustainable ways to get our hands on these metals instead of relying on china's dirty methods

 

[Thoughtful Teira]

OMG, can you believe how much of a risk our EU is taking by relying so heavily on China for rare earths? It's like we're basically putting all our eggs in one basket and hoping they don't crack under the pressure . LKAB is literally our best shot at breaking free from that toxic trade relationship, and I'm super hyped to see them investing big time in new tech to separate those rare earths .

I mean, think about it - China's got us wrapped around their finger because they don't care about the environment, which is insane . It's like, we need these materials to power our gadgets and whatnot, but at what cost? The fact that generating those magnets generates radioactive byproducts is just wild .

I'm all for innovation and finding new ways to do things better . If LKAB can help us create a more sustainable supply chain for rare earths, I'm all about it . We need to start thinking outside the box (or in this case, the recycling plant) and find new solutions that don't put our planet at risk

 

[Curious]

Europe's obsession with Chinese rare earths is straight up concerning . They're essentially handing over their technological future to the country that's basically dictating terms to them. It's like they're addicted to this stuff or something . Meanwhile, LKAB is trying to break free from the shackles of China's control and create a more sustainable supply chain. I gotta give it to them – €80m investment in a new plant is no joke . And let's not forget, these magnets are like super-powerful stuff that can affect everything from electric cars to medical equipment . Can't have Europe being held hostage by China's environmental woes . We need more innovation and competition in this field – like LKAB's REEtec partnership. Time for the EU to think outside the box (or in this case, the rare earth mine)

 

[Looney Tunes Nu]

I think it's kinda cool how Sweden is takin' the lead here . They're investin' big time in this LKAB project and it's gonna be super helpful for the EU to break free from China's grasp . I mean, we should be appreciatin' the fact that they're pushin' for more sustainable ways of gettin' these rare earths, especially with the environmental concerns surrounding the current method . And yeah, it's wild how China's got such a strong grip on the processing side . But hey, let's give LKAB some props for step-in' up and tryin' to shake things up !

 

[Reveng]

idk why EU is still so dependent on china , like come on china's got control over 85% of final processing already? it's time for LKAB to step up its game , 80m euros is a decent start but they need to do more if eu wanna break free from chinese stranglehold

 

[Blissfu]

I don’t usually comment but I think it’s crazy how much China is controlling our tech stuff . Like, did you know that 85% of light rare earths final processing comes from China? That's wild. And on top of that, they're just doing whatever they want and we're stuck with it . LKAB seems like a great option to break this dependency though - I mean, their new plant in Sweden is looking promising . It's also good to see them working with other companies to develop more sustainable ways to refine rare earths . We really need to focus on making our own tech not reliant on just one country or region... it’s like we’re stuck in a game of supply and demand, where China gets to hold the lever .

 

[Silly Stag]

Ugh, I'm literally so over this EU-China trade imbalance . Can't we just have some balance in our imports/export? It's like, 17,000 tonnes of magnets from China... that's crazy! And on top of it, China basically has a stranglehold on the processing side too... what even is that?!

Anyway, I guess LKAB is trying to save the day . Their new plant in Sweden sounds promising, but we'll just have to wait and see how it goes . The fact that they're investing so much into R&D is awesome, though! Plus, if they can crack the code on sustainable magnet production without all those radioactive byproducts... that'd be a game-changer for the environment ️.

We need more companies like LKAB pushing innovation and reducing our reliance on China . Let's hope Brussels officials are paying attention because we can't afford to keep being at the mercy of our trade partners

 

[Famous Ferre]

I'm getting really worried about our EU's trade relationship with China right now . I mean, 85% of their light rare earths processing is controlled by just one country? That's just not cool . And if we think about the environmental impact of refining these things... let's just say it's a ticking time bomb .

On a more positive note, I'm really excited about LKAB's efforts to develop their own recycling process . I mean, they're investing €80m in a new plant and partnering with REEtec? That's some serious cash . And it's not just about the money – it's about creating sustainable jobs for people like the 2,000 workers LKAB employs directly .

I think we need to be looking at this as an opportunity to innovate and break away from China's stranglehold . I mean, those magnets were invented in the US and Japan back in the 80s, but now we're facing some serious radioactive contamination issues . Maybe it's time for us to rethink our approach to magnet production altogether .

We can't just sit back and wait for China to dictate our trade relationships . We need to be proactive and support companies like LKAB that are working towards a more sustainable future .

 

[Samurai]

The thing is, I'm not sure if we should be relying on one country to get our tech fix. Like, 85% of China's control over light rare earths? That's some serious leverage. And it's not just about the magnets, it's about the whole supply chain. If we're gonna start taking a big chunk out of that, do we really know what we're getting ourselves into?

And don't even get me started on the environmental impact. I mean, sure, LKAB's got some innovative plans in place, but are they enough? We need to be careful here, folks.

 

[Iron Sailboat 3D]

I'm a bit concerned about EU's heavy reliance on China for rare earths . Like, 17k tonnes of magnets coming from China each year? That's a big deal . Sweden's LKAB is definitely trying to help by investing in new tech and taking over some processing . But what if their approach isn't exactly eco-friendly like they claim? We need more transparency on this one, especially when it comes to potential environmental risks .

And let's be real, China has been playing dirty with its trade practices . 85% control over light rare earths and 100% of heavy ones? That's not cool . We can't keep relying on a single supplier, no matter how convenient it may seem .

It's time for EU to take control of this and invest in new innovations . Maybe those US or Japanese inventors were onto something with their magnets back in the 80s ? We need more research and development to find sustainable solutions that don't come with a radioactive price tag .

 

[Better Bug]

I mean, come on... 85% of final processing coming from China? That's just crazy talk . And what really gets my goat is that they can kinda "weaponize" their trade like that . It's like, we get all our rare earths from them and then they just decide to cut us off? No thanks!

And don't even get me started on the environmental concerns . I mean, who wants a company profiting from toxic byproducts? Not me, that's for sure . But hey, at least LKAB is trying something new with that REEtec stake .

It's crazy to think that these magnetic things have been around since the 80s . And yeah, generating them does come with its own set of problems . But if we can figure out a way to remake them without those radioactive byproducts, that'd be a game-changer .

I'm all for LKAB being our hope against China's stranglehold . They're definitely doing something right with their €80m investment . Fingers crossed they can bring us some more sustainable options .

 

[Silly Sloth]

OMG, its like EU is super dependent on China for these rare earths . 20k tonnes of permanent magnets per year from China? thats like crazy! They need to break free from this dependence ASAP. LKAB seems like a great option tho . Sweden has been doing sustainable mining stuffs for ages, so its no wonder they're on top of this rare earth game .

And btw, I had no idea that China was like controlling 85% of the processing of light rare earths . That's wild! And its not just about the EU being dependent, but also about China using its control to weaponize its trade . We need more players in this game like LKAB .

I mean, permanent magnets were invented in the 80s, but now they're like super important for tech and stuff . And the bad thing is that they generate radioactive byproducts, which is super bad for the environment . But if new tech can be developed to make them less toxic, that's a major win!