瑞典乌普萨拉大学研究团队正在开发可持续生产稀土元素和强力磁铁的新方法，以期减少对中国的依赖 [1]。该研究采取全面盘点的方式，不是单独针对某一金属提取，而是深入调查瑞典矿床中的全部元素及其组合比例，进而根据本地自然可用的资源设计新型磁铁配方 [1]。
瑞典已知的稀土矿床位于基鲁纳、贝格斯拉根和诺拉卡尔（格兰纳外）等地 [1]。项目负责人马丁·萨尔伯格教授指出这是一个地缘政治问题，提到中国曾在贸易战期间暂停稀土元素出口 [1]。研究团队的目标是通过减少加工步骤和环境影响，同时充分利用瑞典优越的水资源获取、相对廉价的能源等条件，建立本地稀土产业链 [1]。
Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden are investigating how the nation's mineral resources could enable sustainable production of rare earth elements and powerful magnets, potentially weakening global reliance on Chinese supplies.[1] The team is pursuing a novel approach that moves beyond extracting individual metals; instead, they are conducting a comprehensive inventory of all elements present in Swedish ore deposits and developing new magnet formulas tailored to the specific elemental combinations naturally available locally, with the aim of reducing pollution, waste, and dependence on China.[1]
Sweden possesses known rare earth ore deposits located in Kiruna, Bergslagen, and Norra Kärr, situated outside Gränna.[1] According to Professor Martin Sahlberg, this initiative addresses a pressing concern: "It's a geopolitical problem,"[1] referencing China's suspension of rare earth element exports during trade tensions. The research methodology has been compared to a television format: "It's a bit like the TV show What's in Your Fridge,"[1] capturing the team's strategy of thoroughly cataloging all elements and their proportions within the ore bodies to design magnet compositions accordingly. By aligning production with locally accessible resources, researchers aim to streamline processing steps and minimize environmental impact.[1] Sweden holds particular advantages for mineral extraction, including reliable access to water resources, relatively affordable energy, and strategic interests aligned with the green energy transition.[1]