Igneous Rock

Igneous originated phosphate

The exceptional purity of the igneous originated phosphate in our deposits in Eigersund has exceeded all expectations. With a purity of 98%, we believe it represents the highest quality in the world.

Low contamination

Toxic metals like cadmium and uranium contents are very low in contrast to what can be found in phosphate rock sedimentary deposits. Stripping out these contaminants from sedimentary occurrences requires huge energy and costs.

Strategic significance

Igneous phosphate rock is a high-quality raw material for fertilisers and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturing and has high strategic importance for the EU.

The European Union currently uses it extensively but depends heavily on imports from non-OECD countries.

  • By nature Igneous phosphate rock is low in dangerous heavy metals and other contaminants
  • Various fertiliser and chemical plants in Europe rely on imported igneous phosphate
  • It is critical for nitro-phosphate production processes which represent 55% of EU phosphate
  • Capacity (Source: CRU)
  • Supply disruptions are a significant risk as switching from igneous to sedimentary phosphate
    is often difficult

I’ve only seen one deposit with phosphate quality similar to Norge Mining’s and that’s in the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Europe needs this and we have to protect the strategic value of this phosphate in the best way possible.
This is a key motivator for me.”

Jørgen Stenvold
Norge Mineraler Project Director
Rock Face

Phosphate value proposition

We have one of the largest resources of igneous phosphate rock with lowest concentrations of heavy metal contaminants.

We are uniquely positioned to address the global fertiliser demand, particularly in cases where importing nations have introduced a threshold for cadmium (Cd) content to be set at 20 parts per million (ppm).

The potential risks of cadmium to the environment and human health are significant, as it can accumulate in soil, water and crops when present in fertilisers. 

The European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform expects that a global investment of EUR 20 billion in purification capacity is required to cover the rising demand from the LFP sector alone.