Norway’s huge phosphate deposits could supply global demand for fertilizers, solar panels and batteries for electric cars ‘for the next 50 years’

In the news: Phosphate deposits of about 70 billion tons have been discovered in Norway. this is destiny All known phosphate sources in the world together.

• Norge Mining actually discovered the phosphate rock in 2018. It was initially assumed to be 300 meters underground, but the company eventually discovered that the deposit was at least fifteen times deeper, down to about 4,500 meters.
• “As soon as we figured that out, we ran two drilling programs in two regions. And in those two regions… we discovered two world-class sources, together that have provided a supply of resources for at least 50 years,” said Michael Wurmser, founder of Norge Mining. Euroactive.
• But there could be more gems. However, it is currently impossible to drill to depths of 4,500 metres, so the assessment was only conducted at a depth of 1,500 metres.
• In addition to phosphates, vanadium and titanium have also been detected in the sediments. Wurmser did not mention the amounts ingested. Titanium, due to its high corrosion resistance and can withstand large temperature fluctuations, is often used in the aircraft and missile industries. Vanadium is also widely used in aviation and in the production of stainless steel.

From phosphates to phosphorous

And now: Now that the quantities involved have been determined, Norge Mining wants to move on to the mining phase.

• Wurmser said Euroactive All prerequisites for obtaining a permit have been met. Among other things, the company has already conducted economic feasibility studies. It is also said that the Norwegian government has already given its blessing.
• According to Wurmser, the European Union must also be convinced of the strategic importance of the discovery. Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it is part of a number of European trade projects, including the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area.
• The European Commission considers phosphate rock according to Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), a bill by which the European Union seeks to protect the supply of key raw materials, as “critical”, rather than “strategic”. Raw material extraction projects that fall into the latter category obtain permits more quickly.
• According to Wurmser, phosphates should also be classified as strategic, because the substance will enable Europe to become more independent. Moreover, phosphate processing within Europe can be produced in a more environmentally friendly manner than in countries such as China and Vietnam, he says.
• After all, a lot of carbon is released during the process, but since environmental standards are higher in Norway, carbon capture technologies will be used during processing, Wurmser says. “Phosphores from China, Vietnam and Kazakhstan do not necessarily make solar panels an environmentally friendly product.”

(Acronym II.)