Introduction: China’s Magnetic Grip
Two recent articles in The Economist underscore the geopolitical and technological peril posed by China’s near-monopoly on rare earth elements (REEs), especially those used in powerful permanent magnets. These magnets are indispensable for electric vehicles, wind turbines, military hardware, and medical devices. China currently supplies over 90% of the world’s rare-earth magnets and processes nearly all heavy rare earths, which are particularly difficult to substitute. In response to ongoing trade tensions—most recently with the U.S.—China has imposed export restrictions on several critical REEs and even on the magnets themselves, exposing the vulnerability of Western supply chains.
Alternatives to rare-earth magnets are emerging, including tetrataenite (an iron-nickel alloy inspired by meteorites) and iron nitride magnets. Both offer comparable or even superior performance using abundant materials, but challenges remain in manufacturing and scalability. These innovations signal hope but are not yet industrially mature. Meanwhile, Western nations are scrambling to accelerate mining, processing, and R&D efforts. Among them, the Nordic countries are becoming leaders in developing rare-earth-free magnetic technologies.
Nordic Innovation: Building a Future Beyond Rare Earths
Finland: Additive Manufacturing and Smart Materials
Finland has positioned itself at the forefront of magnetic innovation, largely driven by VTT Technical Research Centre. VTT is spearheading several ambitious projects. The MagNEO Project uses additive manufacturing and machine learning to create high-performance, rare-earth-free magnets, targeting clean energy and automotive sectors. The MultiMag Project explores producing complex, multi-material magnetic components with enhanced recyclability, particularly for electric machines.
Further supporting this ecosystem is the SOMA Project, which focuses on soft magnetic alloys for lightweight e-mobility applications. Meanwhile, the 3DREMAG Project is revolutionizing magnet production by developing 3D-printable neodymium-based materials to reduce waste and improve motor efficiency.
Universities in Finland also play a crucial role. The University of Oulu’s REMHub Project is building a digital innovation hub aimed at creating EU capabilities in REE extraction and recycling. Tampere University, through the ADDMAG Project, collaborates with VTT to optimize 3D-printed magnetic cores. Their SMARAGDI Initiative dives into high-temperature superconducting magnets for energy and scientific applications. At Aalto University, researchers are exploring magnonics—using spin waves instead of electrons for data processing—as a rare-earth-free path to neuromorphic computing.
Sweden: Sustainable Supply Chains and Quantum Leaps
Sweden’s contributions blend innovative research and strategic resource development. LKAB, the state-owned mining giant, is developing the Per Geijer deposit in Kiruna, with the potential to supply nearly a fifth of Europe’s REE needs. This initiative turns mining waste into valuable magnetic material and aims to integrate REE processing entirely within Europe.
Swedish academia is also advancing the field. At Lund University, scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in creating magnetic skyrmions—tiny vortex-like structures—using laser pulses. These could revolutionize data storage and enable magnetic systems independent of rare earths. Chalmers University collaborates in the EU’s SUPREEMO Project, focused on building a European REE value chain. Additionally, RISE, Sweden’s national research institute, is leading efforts in the SUSMAGPRO Project to recycle rare-earth magnets using automated sensor-based sorting technology.
Norway: Recycling, Recovery, and Resilience
Norwegian efforts combine sustainable mining with high-tech recycling. REEtec is building a facility at Herøya using a proprietary low-emission process to separate REEs. Backed by Swedish investor LKAB, the project aims to build a full Nordic REE value chain. REEtec is also collaborating with fertilizer giant Yara to extract rare earths from industrial waste, exemplifying circular economy principles.
Meanwhile, SINTEF, Norway’s largest independent research organization, leads the SUPREEMO Project alongside Sweden and Finland. It is also helping develop the Fensfeltet deposit, one of Europe’s largest untapped REE resources. REE Minerals AS is working to make this site a key part of Europe’s sustainable REE strategy.
Denmark: Arctic Access and Strategic Positioning
While Denmark itself lacks significant REE deposits, its strategic ties to Greenland provide critical leverage. Projects like Kvanefjeld and Kringlerne in Greenland are poised to supply 20–30% of global demand for key REEs. Denmark also contributes to EU-level recycling research and supports innovation in magnetic refrigeration via Risø DTU, reflecting a broader interest in energy-efficient technologies.
Conclusion: From Dependence to Independence
As the geopolitical stakes surrounding rare earths continue to rise, the Nordic countries are demonstrating that innovation, sustainability, and collaboration can break the magnetic monopoly. By investing in new materials, recycling technologies, and advanced manufacturing, they are building a future where powerful magnets can be made without depending on geopolitically risky supply chains. This shift may not only bolster Europe’s industrial resilience—but also redefine the technological landscape of the next generation.
Photo: Gregory F. Maxwell <gmaxwell@gmail.com> Ferrofluid on a reflective glass plate under the influence of a strong magnetic field.
