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EU Aims for Rare Earth Independence Amid Chinese Tensions

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The European Union seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies for rare earths amid tensions.
In Kiruna, Sweden, LKAB, a state-owned mining company, works underground at -20C to mine rare earths.
LKAB is investing €80 million in a demonstration plant and plans to incrementally open the Per Geijer deposit.
Experts say building a rare-earth supply chain in Europe could take 10 to 15 years, complicating efforts to reduce dependency on China.

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Story summary

The European Union seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies for rare earths amid tensions.
In Kiruna, Sweden, LKAB, a state-owned mining company, works underground at -20C to mine rare earths.
LKAB is investing €80 million in a demonstration plant and plans to incrementally open the Per Geijer deposit.
Experts say building a rare-earth supply chain in Europe could take 10 to 15 years, complicating efforts to reduce dependency on China.