CRM-V Workshop at Luleå University of Technology: Advancing
Sustainable Solutions for Critical Raw Materials

In October, Luleå University of Technology hosted a well-received CRM-V
(Critical Raw Materials for the Green Transition in Västerbotten) workshop,
bringing together researchers, project partners, and industry representatives
to exchange new insights on mineral exploration, mining, and mineral
processing in northern Sweden. The meeting highlighted not only the
scientific progress within the project, but also the growing importance of responsible mining and resilient raw-materials supply chains for the green transition.

The workshop opened with an introduction from Thomas Aiglsperger, Associate Professor in Applied Geochemistry and CRM-V Project Leader. He provided an overview of the project’s objectives and emphasized CRM-V’s role in strengthening knowledge and technology for successful exploration, responsible mining, and efficient processing and extraction of Ni-Cu-PGE (i.e. platinum-group elements) deposits within Västerbotten’s “Nickel Line.” These deposits are currently not mined, though exploration and mining companies continue to advance work in the area.

Exloration and Mining (Work Package 2)

Professor Thorkild Maack Rasmussen, Lead of Work Package 2, presented recent findings on the geological potential of the Nickel Line, an area immediately south of the Skelleftea mining district known to host prospective Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization.

A central focus of WP2 is to better understand the geological processes that created these deposits and to develop improved exploration methods, including advanced geophysical, geochemical and geological tools. These methods are being applied at both local and regional scales to produce mineral prospectivity maps and to refine interpretations of the area’s mineral potential. The work includes new databases, software development,and a PhD project dedicated to applied geophysics.

Another important component of WP2 is the development of integrated and sustainable mining
approaches for small to medium-sized CRM deposits. Researchers are examining how socio
environmental parameters can be incorporated into early-stage deposit evaluations, how
geometallurgical models can feed into optimized mine planning, and how mining methods can be designed to extract all valuable metals in compliance with evolving regulatory expectations.
WP2 also includes the development of improved geochemical tools via combining multielement and isotopic analyses that will support both exploration and metallurgical assessments.

Finally, the work package investigates CO₂-neutral mining concepts, such as battery-powered machinery and energy-efficient ventilation in small-scale mines – one of the project’s key contributions to reducing emissions and improving sustainability in future mining operations.

Geometallurgy and Mineral Processing (Work Package 3)

Professor Jan Rosenkranz, Lead of Work Package 3, shared ongoing research aimed at building a geometallurgical and mineral-processing framework tailored to small-scale Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in Västerbotten.

The work combines geological characterization, mineralogical analyses, and metallurgical testing, as well as process modelling to understand how these complex deposits can be mined and processed efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.

WP3 begins with detailed geological and mineralogical investigations to define deposit locations, extent, and mineral variation. This information feeds into the development of a conceptual geometallurgical framework, where mineralogical data, laboratory tests, and process simulations are integrated to support both mine planning and economic assessments.

Another central focus is process design for small-scale deposits – an area with few established solutions. The team is evaluating two potential pathways: mobile, small-scale processing plants that can be moved between deposits, and centralized plants designed to serve several satellite deposits. Flexibility, such as adapting to different feed types or throughput, is a key priority.

The final component of WP3 is research on metallurgical extraction of PGEs, including hydrometallurgical concepts such as pre-treatment by pressure oxidation, or roasting, followed by chloride leaching. This task also examines how to manage impurities, optimize recovery, and reduce the environmental footprint of waste streams.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The workshop concluded with an engaging exchange between researchers and industry representatives, highlighting the strong need for such collaboration to ensure a secure, responsible, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in Sweden.

As the project progresses, CRM-V continues to build momentum, bringing together expertise across exploration, mining, geochemistry, geometallurgy, and mineral processing to support Sweden’s green transition and strengthen the resilience of Europe’s raw-materials
supply.