Vestland County Supports Hub for Minerals Initiative to Advance Circular Mineral Value Chains

Vestland County Municipality has committed up to NOK 5 million to support Hub for Minerals, a three-year innovation cluster initiative focused on circular economy solutions, resource optimisation and development of new mineral-based value chains in Western Norway.

The initiative represents an important step in strengthening regional collaboration around sustainable mineral development and long-term industrial value creation.

Unlocking Greater Resource Value

Hub for Minerals will explore new opportunities for improved utilisation of mineral resources, including better use of residual materials from mineral processing, development of downstream applications and creation of new industrial value chains.
For Nordic Mining, this aligns closely with the company’s long-term ambition to maximise value from mineral resources through innovation, technology development and responsible resource management.
The work builds on operational experience from Engebø, where commercial production commenced in late 2024, and may also provide valuable knowledge relevant for future mineral developments within the Group.

A Public–Private Platform for Innovation

Hub for Minerals is a collaborative initiative involving the Engebø Operation, Askvoll muncipality, Sunnfjord muncipality and Vestland county muncipality, and forms part of Grøn region Vestland (Green Region Vestland), a regional programme supporting green industrial growth.
The initiative is designed to stimulate innovation, strengthen industrial cooperation and accelerate the development of more circular and sustainable mineral value chains.

Positioning for Long-Term Growth

As demand for critical minerals continues to increase globally, efficient resource utilisation and circular industrial models are becoming increasingly important competitive advantages.
Through Hub for Minerals, Nordic Mining is well positioned to participate actively in the development of new technologies, applications and partnerships that may enhance long-term resource value and support sustainable growth across its portfolio.

About Hub for Minerals

Hub for Minerals is a regional innovation initiative designed to strengthen sustainable mineral development in Western Norway through improved resource utilisation, circular economy solutions and development of new mineral-based value chains. The initiative builds on a shared ambition established in 2011 to create a greener and more future-oriented minerals industry in the region.

Hub for Minerals aims to:

• improve utilisation of mineral resources and residual materials
• stimulate innovation, research and industrial collaboration
• support circular economy and industrial symbiosis initiatives
• strengthen education and competence development within the minerals sector
• create new business opportunities and long-term regional value creation