An estimated 70 billion tons of phosphate has been discovered in Norway and Norge Mining is developing a plan to tap into what’s said to be the largest phosphate rock deposit in Europe.
“When you find something of that magnitude in Europe, which is larger than all the other sources we know – it is significant,” said Michael Wurmser, Founder of Norge Mining.
Originally discovered by Norge Mining in 2018, the reserves were thought to be 300 meters deep but since then have proven to be even more extensive, estimated to run at least 4,500 meters deep. However, current mining drills cannot reach these depths. Norge Mining conducted depth tests running 1,500 meters.
“We did two drilling programs in two zones. And on those two zones, down to 400 meters, we established two world-class resources, which allows each of the zones to supply raw materials for at least 50 years,” said Wurmser.
The amount of phosphate rock yet to be unearthed in Norway could sustain industry needs for the next 100 years, including its main use as a fertilizer component. Phosphate needs are projected to grow significantly over the next few decades and this find is a huge relief for industries that depend on it.
Phosphate rock is a non-renewable resource used for the production of solar panels, lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries used in electric cars, not to mention the creation of semiconductors and computer chips. While many of its uses are environmentally friendly technologies, the mining process hosts a heavy carbon footprint.
Norway’s government is on board with the project, but the European Union is hesitant to greenlight the project just yet. The Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act lists phosphate rock as “critical”, not “strategic” due to its abundance in already established mines in other countries, and raises concerns that pollution is a major factor in approving future drills.
Wurmser says Norge Mining is taking into consideration the effects tapping into these reserves will have and is working towards a more efficient system that could significantly reduce pollution risks.
European Parliament is examining the details surrounding Norway’s deposits and is expected to make a decision towards the end of this year.