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 20,000 tonnes of permanent magnets per year, of which 17,000 to 18,000 come from China. This has created an unbalanced and high-risk trade relationship.
LKAB, the Swedish mining company, is working to reduce the EU's reliance on China by developing its own rare earth processing capabilities. The company has invested €80m (£69m) in a new demonstration plant in Luleå to test the process of separation before mining even begins. It has also taken a stake in the Norwegian company REEtec to develop an environmentally friendly way of refining the extract.
The article highlights the challenges of accessing and processing rare earths, as well as the difficulty in separating them from the ore in which they are found. This process can take a decade, which is why China's control over the final processing of light rare earths has created a stranglehold on the EU's supply.
The European Commission has been actively involved in trying to reduce the EU's reliance on China for rare earths, but so far, it has not been successful. The article quotes Stéphane Séjourné, industry commissioner at the European Commission, as saying that the EU needs to be more courageous and take action to reduce its dependence on Chinese supplies.
The article also discusses the development of permanent magnets, which are widely used in applications such as speakers, headphones, toys, cars, and military equipment. Permanent magnets were developed in the research department of General Motors Company in the US and by Japanese materials scientist Masato Sagawa in the 1980s.
However, making these powerful magnets generates radioactive byproducts that can contaminate water and soil. As a result, many Western companies have stopped producing rare earths, preferring to export their product to China where it is processed.
The article concludes that all hopes rest on LKAB being the first to reduce the EU's reliance on China for rare earths. The company has a pre-existing highly developed mining operation employing about 2,000 workers directly and double that indirectly.
LKAB, the Swedish mining company, is working to reduce the EU's reliance on China by developing its own rare earth processing capabilities. The company has invested €80m (£69m) in a new demonstration plant in Luleå to test the process of separation before mining even begins. It has also taken a stake in the Norwegian company REEtec to develop an environmentally friendly way of refining the extract.
The article highlights the challenges of accessing and processing rare earths, as well as the difficulty in separating them from the ore in which they are found. This process can take a decade, which is why China's control over the final processing of light rare earths has created a stranglehold on the EU's supply.
The European Commission has been actively involved in trying to reduce the EU's reliance on China for rare earths, but so far, it has not been successful. The article quotes Stéphane Séjourné, industry commissioner at the European Commission, as saying that the EU needs to be more courageous and take action to reduce its dependence on Chinese supplies.
The article also discusses the development of permanent magnets, which are widely used in applications such as speakers, headphones, toys, cars, and military equipment. Permanent magnets were developed in the research department of General Motors Company in the US and by Japanese materials scientist Masato Sagawa in the 1980s.
However, making these powerful magnets generates radioactive byproducts that can contaminate water and soil. As a result, many Western companies have stopped producing rare earths, preferring to export their product to China where it is processed.
The article concludes that all hopes rest on LKAB being the first to reduce the EU's reliance on China for rare earths. The company has a pre-existing highly developed mining operation employing about 2,000 workers directly and double that indirectly.
, you know? We're relying way too much on China for those rare earths and it's creating this huge imbalance in the trade relationship. It's like, we can't even control our own supply of magnets that are used in everything from speakers to cars! 
And the fact that making them generates radioactive byproducts is just a major no-go. We need to support companies like LKAB who are trying to develop their own processing capabilities and create sustainable solutions. I mean, think about it, we can't keep relying on one country for something as important as our tech infrastructure 
. It's time for the EU to take action and reduce its dependence on Chinese supplies - it's not just good for business, it's good for the planet too 
.
I'm so over this whole thing with Europe relying on China for rare earths. It's like we're holding our breath waiting for the EU to step up its game 
. LKAB is trying hard, but it's just not enough. We need more than one company to break free from China's grip 
. And let's be real, the environmental impact of making these magnets is a major concern 
. It's time for Europe to take control of its own destiny and start processing its own rare earths. We can do this without China 
.
... not good! LKAB seems like their only hope right now, but it's also kinda cool that they're taking matters into their own hands and investing €80m in a new demonstration plant 
. I mean, who needs China when you've got Swedish ingenuity and expertise? 
Also, what's up with the environmental concerns around rare earth processing? It's like they're playing a game of Chernobyl from The Walking Dead 
... gotta make sure that doesn't happen!
. And what about the environmental impact? We're talking radioactive byproducts here, which is pretty serious 
. How can they guarantee that won't be a problem with their plan? Need to see more transparency and research on this one before I start feeling optimistic 
And while it's great that they're taking a stake in REEtec, let's not forget that China has been doing this for years and they've got a stranglehold on the market. What makes us think LKAB can just waltz in and steal the show? 
I'm also worried about the environmental impact of all these new developments. We need to be careful here, folks! 
And it's not just about the magnets either, it's like, we need these materials to build all sorts of stuff that affects our daily lives 
And the fact that they're working with another company in Norway to make it more eco-friendly? That's just pure genius 
. It's good that LKAB is stepping up, 'cause we need someone (or a company) to take responsibility for this stuff. Fingers crossed they can get it right and give the EU some independence from China 
think of all the tech industries relying on these magnets - speakers, headphones, even cars 
it's a huge risk, especially with those byproducts contaminating water & soil... LKAB is our only hope right now 
. The fact that Western companies are exporting their product to China and then letting them process it is pretty shady 
. And what really bugs me is that it's taking a decade to separate these metals from the ore 
, which means we're basically at the mercy of Chinese supply chains. I'm not sure if LKAB has what it takes to be the game changer everyone's expecting them to be 
. LKAB is trying to be the hero here by investing in their own processing capabilities, but it's going to take time and effort 
! They're literally trying to take control of our rare earth game in Europe and it's gonna be HUGE 
. I mean, who wants a magnet that's gonna poison our planet? Not me, that's for sure. LKAB is doing something right by investing in an environmentally friendly way of refining rare earths. We need more companies like them! 
. And if those magnets get contaminated, like with radioactive stuff 
. They're leaving it to the Swedes and Norwegians like LKAB and REEtec to figure out how to make their own magic happen 
. I guess its good that someone's taking a step in the right direction 
. But hey, we can only hope that its a step in the right direction 
...
and I had this idea for a collab between Billie Eilish and Lorde... but anyway, back to Europe's rare earth conundrum. I mean, can you imagine a world without strong magnets in our toys and cars? Like, what would happen to all the gaming controllers and speakers