Leading Edge Materials Corp. has announced the submission of an application for an Exploitation Concession (“Bearbetningskoncession”) for a 25-year mining lease for its Norra Kärr heavy rare earths (HREE) project. This follows the initial concession granted in 2013, when the company proposed mining and processing activities to be conducted entirely at the Norra Kärr site.
In 2021, the Norra Kärr project was redesigned after receiving feedback from stakeholders. This new design separated mining and chemical processing activities, relocating the latter away from the mine site. This redesign formed the basis for the 2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA 2021), which highlights a more sustainable and efficient approach to the project.
The current Bearbetningskoncession application pertains specifically to the quarrying operation at the Norra Kärr site, which will focus on producing a HREE concentrate and industrial mineral nepheline syenite. Downstream processing of the concentrate is proposed to take place at an industrial park, with Luleå being the preferred location for this facility.
The PEA 2021 improvements compared to the 2015 Pre-feasibility Study (PFS 2015) include a 65% reduction in the operational area at Norra Kärr, a 30% decrease in water usage, and a significant increase in the conversion of excavated materials into products—rising from approximately 1% to at least 60%. The company also plans to conduct testwork in Q1 2025 to explore the market potential of nepheline syenite and aegirine, with aegirine currently classified as waste in the project’s design but potentially becoming a marketable product.
Kurt Budge, CEO of Leading Edge Materials, commented: “Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and the Green Transition in Europe are making critical raw materials a focal point, with the need for secure supply chains in Europe more important than ever. A decade ago, the European Rare Earths Competency Network (ERECON) emphasized the urgency of developing new sources of heavy rare earths outside of China. Norra Kärr, with adequate funding and permitting, could help secure Europe’s rare earth supply for decades.”
The journey of the Norra Kärr project began in the early 1900s with its discovery by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), which later designated the deposit as one of national interest due to its potential to provide vital rare earth elements to Sweden and Europe. In 2011, SGU highlighted the strategic importance of Norra Kärr as the only NI 43-101 compliant REE resource in mainland Europe. The redesign and the application for the new Bearbetningskoncession significantly reduce the project’s environmental impact while increasing its sustainability. Proposed activities at the site will now resemble typical quarrying operations, with all chemical processes moved off-site.
In addition to the mining lease application, Leading Edge Materials submitted an application to the European Commission (EC) in August for Strategic Project designation for the Norra Kärr project. This designation would support Sweden and the EU’s goals of enhancing their preparedness and self-reliance in securing critical rare earth elements for strategically important industries.
Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for the Norra Kärr project, with key decisions anticipated regarding its Strategic Project status and the Bearbetningskoncession. The company also plans to advance towards a Pre-feasibility Study to further develop the project.
Recap – 2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)
The PEA, prepared by SRK (UK) Ltd., re-evaluated the Norra Kärr project with the objective of improving resource utilization, project sustainability, and significantly reducing its environmental footprint compared to the 2015 Pre-feasibility Study. The PEA findings are integral to the ongoing development of the project, focusing on responsible and sustainable rare earths extraction.
