Sustainable Supply of Critical Raw Materials: Geological Foundations for Graphite in Sweden’s Fossil-Free Energy Transition (GEOGRAPHITE)

The aim of this project is to: (1) investigate the geological setting and genesis of the Nunasvaara metamorphic graphite deposit in northern Sweden, (2) establish key geological and analytical criteria applicable for graphite quality characterization - focusing on mineral crystallinity and metamorphic/deformation controls, and (3) use these results, alongside those from related social science studies to provide knowledge-based insights and sustainability guidance for societal actors connected to Nunasvaara and future graphite resource locations in Sweden.

Supervisor: Christina Wanhainen, Professor and Head of Subject Ore Geology, SBN

Subject description

Ore geology refers to the study of mineral deposits and metallogeny – at regional, deposit, and mineral scales.

Co-supervisors: Jens Nilsson, Associate Senior Lecturer, Political Science, ETKS and Oskar Johansson, Associate Senior Lecturer, Law, ETKS

Project description

The project will combine geological field mapping with micro-scale textural, geochemical and isotopic analysis of minerals to achieve project aims 1-2 (see above). Geological and structural field mapping will constrain the primary sedimentary processes and overprinting deformation-metamorphic conditions that occurred in the Nunasvaara-Vittangi area. For the analytical part, Raman spectroscopy provides crystallinity and metamorphic temperature constraints; EMPA and XRD analysis will determine metamorphic pressure-temperature conditions, mineralogical composition, and graphite structural ordering; EBSD will characterize microstructural fabrics and deformation histories; SEM and XCT imaging will visualize microstructures; and stable isotope analyses will constrain carbon sources and metamorphic pathways. Combined, these approaches create a multi-scale understanding that connects graphite geological evolution to its industrial quality and spatial distribution. By systematically applying this integrated methodology at Nunasvaara and for a comparative set of other graphite occurrences of different geological origins, the project will identify the geological conditions most conducive to the formation of high-quality graphite. This work will establish a robust scientific framework that not only advances mineral exploration models but also provides key insights for broader debates on Sweden’s role in supplying strategic raw materials under the CRMA.

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This research was co-funded by CAMM-CRM