The government believes that the mining company LKAB’s discovery of rare earth metals promotes the green transition in Sweden, at the same time extraction of the elements is complex and can create environmental hazards. SVT Nyheter has spoken to Göran Finnveden, professor of environmental strategic analysis at KTH, about the advantages and disadvantages of possible mining.
Rare earth metals are integral to the production of many carbon neutral technologies. They are building blocks in highly efficient permanent magnets that, for example, keep our phones running, make wind turbines spin and electric vehicles run. But the actual extraction and processing of these is sensitive and can be dangerous to the environment.
Göran Finnveden explains the various environmental aspects in the clip above.
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