Norway's government said Wednesday that it is aiming to deliver a plan by 2028, "at the latest," to exploit Europe's largest known rare-earth deposit, a scheme currently held back over environmental concerns.
Located 150 kilometres (93 miles) south-west of the capital Oslo, the Fen Complex (Fensfeltet in Norwegian) is believed to contain 15.9 million tonnes of rare-earth oxides.
The deposit includes neodymium and praseodymium, elements used in the manufacture of "super magnets" which are crucial in electric vehicles, green energy and defence.
Following several delays, Rare Earths Norway (REN) -- the company that owns the extraction rights -- has said it is hoping to start mining in the first half of the 2030s.
But the process is facing environmental hurdles, as even though REN is planning an "invisible mine" -- with underground extraction and crushing -- its preferred site for mineral processing lies in an area covered by a biodiverse ancient forest.
Surveys have identified 78 endangered animal and plant species, including various saproxylic beetles which depend on dead wood, wych elms, common ash trees, mosses and around 40 types of fungi, in the area.
At the beginning of the year, the government took over the planning work from the municipality, including the study of alternative locations for surface installations.
"The objective is to have a plan in place by 2028 at the latest, but preferably before then," Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cecilie Myrseth, told a press conference on Wednesday.
Rare earth metals are crucial in the production of everything from smartphones to fighter jets and electric cars and are classified as critical by the European Union.
At present, no rare earth deposits are being mined in Europe, which depends on China for its supplies.
"In this context, Fensfeltet can contribute to European as well as Western supply," Myrseth argued.
Contacted by AFP, REN said it was seeking clarification on the government's timetable before commenting.
"The fact that the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries now assumes responsibility in the planning process shows the importance the government attaches to Fensfeltet," Alf Reistad, REN's vice president for communications, said.