Norge Mining’s Phosphate Deposit in Norway is Assessed as the World’s Largest with First Mine Expected Online in 2029

     Norway’s Norge Mining completed exploration of the largest phosphate discovery in the world in Norway in mid-2023. They tagged the resource at 70 billion tons. About 90% of mined phosphorus is used to make fertilizer. The other 10% is used in lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, solar panels, and other green technologies. Before this discovery, the largest global phosphate deposit was deemed to be in Morocco in the western Sahara region, where 50 billion tons have been identified. The next largest amount is 3.2 billion tons in China, 2.8 billion tons in Egypt, and 2.2 billion tons. billion tons in Algeria. Thus, this is a huge find. The EU is currently entirely dependent on imports for phosphate, and a European source would be most welcome.

     The company is engaged with ESG goals and is aiming to achieve carbon-neutral mining operations. According to Norge’s 2024 annual report:

“Norge Mineraler aims to leverage low-emission technologies by supplying critical minerals produced through carbon neutral operations. This will be achieved by implementing future-ready infrastructure such as electric machinery and energy-efficient technologies to reduce emissions and operational costs in the long-term. The incremental costs associated with low-emission technologies, compared to traditional alternatives, could serve as a competitive advantage for Norge Mining.”

     There is still concern about the environmental footprint, however, since extracting and refining phosphate is energy-intensive. Norway is already a leader in low-emissions industrial processes. Thus, it is expected that this project will have high environmental standards. The company plans to include carbon capture and storage to mitigate emissions from the mining and processing.

     Norge’s massive phosphate discovery basically doubles known global phosphate reserves, which were at 71 billion tons. Vanadium and titanium can also be produced from the site, which reinforces its strategic importance for the EU.

     According to the Geological Survey of Norway:

“A large variety of phosphate-rock deposits and occurrences are found in Norway and references therein. They include sedimentary, igneous and hydrothermal deposits.”

     As can be seen below, the titanium revenue stream is expected to be slightly larger than the phosphate revenue stream, with the vanadium revenue stream small by comparison. Some magnetite iron ore will be mined as well.

     Norway’s Rogaland region in the southwest of the country hosts the Precambrian-aged igneous rock that contains the bulk of the phosphate. One advantage of igneous rock phosphate deposits over sedimentary rock phosphate deposits is the igneous rock’s low heavy-metal content (unlike sedimentary phosphates), which eases processing burdens. The Eigersund Project will be the first mining area developed.

  

 

 

References:

 

Norway announces the discovery of a 70 billion tonne phosphate deposit. WillAgri. April 29, 2025. Norway announces the discovery of a 70 billion tonne phosphate deposit - Willagri - Comprendre les enjeux de l'agriculture

Geologists Uncover World’s Largest Phosphate Deposit Worth $12 Trillion in Totally Unexpected Location: In a location no one expected, Geologists have uncovered a buried resource of staggering scale. Valued in the trillions, this find could quietly disrupt global industries. Arezki Amiri. Daily Galaxy. May 6, 2025. Geologists Uncover World’s Largest Phosphate Deposit Worth $12 Trillion in Totally Unexpected Location

Norway's new phosphate deposits are so massive they could guarantee solar power and electric cars keep running for the next 50 years. George Glover. Business Insider. July 8, 2023. Norway: Huge Mineral Find Will Help Electric Cars of Future Keep Running - Business Insider

Norway to develop massive phosphate deposit: Norge Mining has completed an exploration, uncovering 70 billion tonnes of phosphate. Florence Jones. Mining Technology. July 4, 2023. Norway to develop giant phosphate deposit

Norge Mining Annual Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2024. Norge Mining. Norge-AR2024_final__encrypted_-SIGNED.pdf

Phosphate rock resources in Norway. Geological Survey of Norway. Potential phosphate rock resources in Norway | NGU

Norway Phosphate Discovery: A Game-Changer for Critical Raw Materials: Unearthing Rogaland's Hidden Treasures – Phosphate, Titanium, and Vanadium Reserves That Could Power the Future. Paulo Fernando de Barros. The Boreal Times. November 15, 2025. Norway Phosphate Discovery: A Game-Changer for Critical Raw Materials - The Boreal Times