User:Dbw123/sandbox

Tasman Metals Ltd is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on rare earth elements (REE) in Europe. Tasman’s flagship project is Norra Kärr, located in Sweden, approximately 300km south of Stockholm. Norra Kärr is the only NI43-101 compliant REE resource in mainland Europe, and the fourth largest heavy REE project in the world with particular enrichment of the high value elements, dysprosium, terbium and yttrium.


 * 1) Contents
 * 2) History
 * 3) Ongoing Projects
 * 4) 1 Norra Karr
 * 5) 2 Olserum
 * 6) REES
 * 7) Notes

 Norra Kärr 

The intrusion was discovered by the Swedish Geological Survey in the early years of the 20th century and first described by Törnebohm in 1906. Exploration of Norra Kärr was limited until 2009, at which time the project was unknown as a potential source of REE’s. Tasman claimed the project on free ground in September 2009 following surface rock chip sampling and mapping that revealed a zirconium-rich alkaline intrusion. Tasman began drilling immediately, and quickly identified the large tonnage and high grade heavy REE potential.

The Norra Kärr project presents a long-term sustainable alternative to the current Chinese REE supply monopoly. The project is large enough to supply most of Europe’s REE needs for at least 50 years. With the appropriate investment, Norra Kärr can form an industry hub that is virtually irreplaceable due to the uniqueness of the raw materials found at the site. It will be a long-term project with a sustainable footprint, due to the clean nature of the rocks, the optimal use of all material mined, and the value add that industry and education can develop around the project.

 Olserum 

Olserum is located approximately 10km from the Baltic coast, 30km north of the town of Västervik and 200km SSW of Stockholm. The project is secured by a granted exploration claim 1100 Ha in size, and a surrounding exploration claim application 7800 Ha in size.

The REE potential of the Olserum region was first identified by the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) in the early 1990's, when a number of REE anomalous samples were collected and assayed from several locations. The presence of yttrium (Y) enriched outcrops associated with historic iron ore prospects was noted. In 2003, the Swedish exploration company IGE claimed the area, concentrating on the iron ore workings at Olserum. During 2004 and 2005, a total of 27 diamond drill holes were drilled by IGE, 24 of which targeted the REE potential. On February 19, 2013 Tasman announced they have drilled Thick intervals of Heavy REE Mineralization at Olserum, Sweden and on February 27, 2013 Tasman Provided the First NI 43-101 Resource for Olserum Heavy Rare Earth Element Project. Tasman Metals is now 100% owner of two heavy REE enriched NI 43-101 compliant resource projects in Sweden, both highly-significant on a global scale.

 Rees 

REEs, through their unique physical properties of emitting light and being strongly magnetic, provide opportunities for a wide range of green technology, low-carbon and high-efficiency applications. They provide the essential properties of high-strength magnets, energy efficient LED lighting, and fuel cracking catalysts. High-strength REE permanent magnets are found in every computer, mobile phone and European built vehicle, and are in demand for emerging e-mobility and low-carbon energy industries.

 Notes 

In 2010, China asserted its monopolistic position by limiting REE exports during a diplomatic dispute, which alerted global industry to the risks of such centralised production. In response, demand side companies began to stockpile REEs in an effort to gain security. Companies that were able sought sub-optimal substitute materials, attempted to reduce consumption and delayed development of applications containing REEs. REE procurement teams were established in industrial companies across the globe, to understand their current and future REE requirements.

The jump in REE prices caused by the 2010 supply shock has eased, the loss of faith in the Chinese dominated supply chain is permanent, For many European industries that consume rare earth elements, China is the major competitor. To be relying on a competitor for a critical raw material, or to have to restrict engineers from using the best materials to achieve the best solutions, are not options that European automotive and industrial companies will accept. REE supply security has a value, and European, Japanese and Korean industries are now actively seeking alternative REE sources.

The Chinese REE monopoly is exacerbated by a quota and tariff system that restricts supply to non-Chinese consumers, and causes non-Chinese consumers to pay higher prices. For some industries, it is now essential to manufacture REE magnet or REE phosphor consuming end-products within China, to secure supply and a tariff-free price. This was reflected in Japanese magnet manufacturer TDK’s recent decision to transfer production to China to guarantee stable supply for its customers. Manufacturing employment opportunities and intellectual property may both be lost in this shift to Chinese production.

The junior mining sector in Canada and Australia responded quickly to the REE price jump in 2010, with hundreds of companies touting REE discoveries. However, most companies never left the starting gates, and today the REE mining sector comprises only 10 to 15 significant projects.

www.tasmanmetals.com