Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry tours Elkem Carbon Fiskaa facility to deliberate on the provision of crucial mineral resources
In a time of heightened geopolitical turmoil and increased security risks, Norway is taking a proactive approach to secure industrial autonomy for European countries. One of the key players in this initiative is Elkem, a Norwegian company that stands as a major supplier of critical raw materials to Europe.
Elkem's products, known for their among the lowest carbon footprint in the world, are essential in accelerating the transition to clean technologies and turning decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries. The company is one of the EU's leading silicones producers, with production sites in France, Italy, and Spain.
Norway, with its vast resources, accounts for approximately 40 percent of the EU's imports of silicon and 35 percent of the EU's imports of ferrosilicon. The Norwegian government, recognising the strategic importance of these resources, has issued a white paper outlining the country's industrial policy priorities this year.
To further strengthen Norway's role as a sustainable and reliable long-term supplier of critical raw materials, the government has approved a New Minerals Act. This legislation aims to streamline and modernize the legal framework for mineral activities in Norway.
Elkem CEO Helge Aasen has stated that significant investments have been made to establish complete and efficient value chains within the ferroalloy and silicon sector in the EU, Norway, and Iceland. These investments are crucial for maintaining Elkem's low carbon footprint.
At the heart of Elkem's efforts is the Elkem Technology R&D Center, which is testing pioneering green technology projects. One such project is the Horizon Europe-funded project MECALO, which aims to apply carbon looping for general metal production and demonstrate zero CO silicon and manganese alloys.
Another project, awarded NOK 32.8 million in financial support from Innovation Norway, focuses on the development of green products through the recycling of slag and silicon materials.
The Norwegian Ministry is also initiating a comprehensive mapping of Norwegian industry's contribution to national and allies' strategic and critical value chains. Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth has stated that Norway will be a strategic partner in fortifying strategic value chains.
Espen Barth Eide, the Minister of Trade and Industry who named Norway as a strategic partner in securing strategic value chains for Europe, emphasised the importance of European countries uniting and leveraging existing assets and cross-border infrastructure to secure industrial autonomy.
In conclusion, Elkem's commitment to green technology and its strategic position as a supplier of critical raw materials make it a key player in Europe's transition to clean technologies. With the support of the Norwegian government, Elkem is poised to continue leading the way in this crucial transition.
