About CRM in Västerbotten

The CRM Västerbotten project aims to strengthen Europe's supply of critical metals through research and innovation in northern Sweden. By combining geoscience, mining technology and sustainability analysis, new methods are being developed for prospecting, extracting and recycling metals such as nickel, copper and platinum group elements. The aim is to harness Västerbotten's vast mineral potential while contributing to the green transition - both regionally and at European level.

Purpose and background

Europe faces major challenges in ensuring a stable supply of critical metals, which are needed for the green transition. Today, the EU relies on imports for many of these metals, such as cobalt and platinum. According to EU legislation (CRMA), 10% of the Union's annual needs for these metals should come from domestic extraction by 2030.

Västerbotten has great potential to contribute to this development through its mineral-rich areas. This project focuses on the Nickel Line, a geological formation in the region with deposits of nickel, copper and platinum group metals (PGE). Through research and development, the project aims to develop innovative methods for the exploration, extraction and recovery of critical raw materials in a sustainable manner.

Main objectives and actions

The project covers the entire value chain from exploration to recovery and is divided into several work packages:

• Development of new exploration technologies - New software will be developed to improve the analysis and interpretation of geophysical and geochemical data, which can reduce the need for drilling and thus reduce environmental impact.
• Mapping and data collection - A geoscience database is being created with relevant CRM data for Västerbotten, which can contribute to future exploration and mineral extraction.
• Sustainable mining of small deposits - New methods are being developed for efficient and sustainable mining of small to medium-sized deposits of critical metals, including concepts for battery-powered machines and energy-efficient ventilation.
• Geometallurgy and mineral engineering - In-depth studies are being carried out on the properties of metals and how they can be extracted in a more sustainable and efficient way.

Significance for Västerbotten and Sweden

The project strengthens the region's role in the green transition and can contribute to a more sustainable and local supply of raw materials. Through close collaboration with industry and the research community, the results will have practical benefits and help make Sweden a leading player in critical metals.

Open collaboration and dissemination of results

The project will conduct open workshops where companies, researchers and other stakeholders can share research results and provide input. The results will also be published in scientific articles and integrated into teaching at Luleå University of Technology, in particular through the Swedish School of Mines.