The Lovozero Mine is a geological formation located in the Sola Peninsula, in Russia. It is a place known for the presence of unique mineral deposits formed by the intrusion of alkaline magma. These chemical changes that have occurred over the years have led to the presence of minerals containing rare earth elements (REE), and complex minerals such as loparite. These rare earths include materials such as cerium and lanthanum primarily, although neodymium and praseodymium can also be found. These materials have a very high importance because they are the basis for powering the electronics and green technology that has been developing in recent years.
The production and extraction of Lovozero is 10,000 tons of loparite concentrate per year, made up of niobium and tantalum. From this, 5,500 tons of refined compounds (ETR) are extracted. Although these are considerable figures, they do not yet pose a threat to China, which has almost a monopoly in this area. However, the presence of Lovozero in the landscape helps large-scale manufacturers not to rely exclusively on certain suppliers.
The Lovozero Mine
The Lovozero mine is a large rare earth and other minerals mine located on the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia. Specifically, it is situated near the village of Revda, in the Murmansk region. It is one of the world’s main sources of the mineral loparite, whose raw material is the ore. This is used for the extraction of elements such as niobium, titanium, and especially rare earth metals (REE). These elements are crucial for the manufacture of modern technologies, from electronic devices to aerospace components, and the development of infrastructure for green energies.
Why is it special for scientists?
The importance of this mine for scientists lies in what characterizes it the most: the intrusion of alkaline magma. According to scientists, this is the mechanism by which magma is absorbed into the Earth’s crust and solidifies slowly or over a period of time, meaning that uncommon minerals have time to combine and concentrate. The accounting of the chemical changes that have occurred over the years, along with the mining segregation and cooling processes, has transformed part of the minerals that contain rare earth elements (REE) and complicated minerals like loparite.
How much material is produced per year?
It is estimated that the production in Lovozero is 10,000 tons of loparite per year. From that amount, 2,500 tons of refined compounds of ETR (cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, and other oxides) are extracted. That is, about 12,500 tons/year of material that goes from raw ore to usable chemicals, as indicated by the portal The Diary 24.
What is the importance of this production?
The production of these types of minerals is essential for modern technology today, as their manufacturing depends on them. This is the case for permanently strong magnets found in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and high-end speakers, which are made from neodymium and praseodymium. The production of Lovozero still does not pose a threat to China, one of the main sources of REE. However, it helps to diversify the supply, as companies seek to reduce their dependence on large-scale manufacturers.