The next phase of the Sustainable Minerals program has started and the program is moving forward with the work on Traceability of Primary Mineral Resources. With this project, we seek to kickstart the development of an effective traceability technique for tracing metals along the whole value chain at a global scale.
The project is the next step in the Sustainable Minerals program and builds on the findings from the report: The Nordic Supply Potential of Critical Metals and Minerals for a Green Energy Transition, launched in September 2021.
The overall objective of this project is to develop a whole-chain traceability technique (GeoPass) for rare earths and basalt fibers produced in the Nordic countries.
The project partners will develop a state-of-the-art analysis of existing traceability approaches and research projects, examine the feasibility of the GeoPass concept on a theoretical basis as well as develop a total of six pilot studies.
It is expected that the partners will deliver three to five workshops, one annual report, several publications and one final report. The Workshops will be hosted by all leading institutions and external stakeholders such as industry partners will be invited to participate.
Mineral to Metal Traceability
A Proof-Of-Concept Study of Rare Earth Elements in the Nordic Region.
Knowing where the metals in a smart phone were mined and refined is essential from a responsibility perspective. Geoscientists are exploring reliable metal traceability solutions, and the latest study investigates how rare earth elements can be traced along the value chain.
How can you make sure that the raw materials in your products are ethically produced and environmentally responsible? This short film explains you why traceability of metals and minerals is important for the green transition and how traceability is done in practice.
Project partners
- Geological Survey of Finland (GTK)
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)
- Geological Survey of Norway (NGU)
- Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU)
- Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR)
- Ministry of Mineral Resources Government of Greenland (MMR)
- Norwegian Directorate of Mining (DIRMIN)
- University of Iceland (HÍ)
Background
The project is a part of the Sustainable Minerals program which is one of the eight initiatives launched by the five Nordic ministers of trade and industry. The initiatives represent a determined advance towards a stronger and more sustainable Nordic region and support the vision for the Nordic region to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030 by focusing on:
- Raw materials critical for enabling a green Nordic region.
- Increased circularity and recovery of mineral resources.
- Life cycle and traceability.
- Strengthened Nordic mineral ecosystem and value chains to drive the transition.
- Social responsibility and strategic community involvement of the minerals sector.
- In long term, new Nordic solutions, technologies, systems and best practices at local and international markets.
