Rare earths in Spain: deposits, recycling and environmental impact

  • Spain has strategic reserves of rare earths in several key regions.
  • Recycling rare earths is a priority to reduce electronic waste.
  • Europe and Spain seek to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.

rare earths spain

Rare earths, those chemical elements that are key to technological progress and the ecological transition, have aroused growing interest in Spain and Europe. While the dependence on China Spain continues to set the pace in the global market, with European and national initiatives emerging to take advantage of available resources and explore sustainable alternatives such as recycling. Spain, with its rich geological diversity, is seen as a potential player on this strategic board.

From the recycling of electronic components From the development of new mining operations, the country has the opportunity to reduce its dependence on imports while becoming a European benchmark in the rare earth sector. In this article we will teach you everything related to rare earths in Spain, addressing their importance, environmental and social challenges, and current initiatives.

What are rare earths and why are they essential?

Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements that include scandium, yttrium, and the lanthanides. Although their name may be misleading, they are neither earth nor particularly rare; elements such as cerium are abundant in the Earth's crust. However, their Extraction and refining They are highly complex, which makes them strategic assets.

These substances are crucial for the manufacture of electronic devices, magnets for wind turbines, electric car batteries, magnetic resonance imaging systems and military technology such as F-35 fighter planes and nuclear submarines. They are indispensable for the energy transition, consumer technology and defence.

rare earth deposits spain

The situation of rare earths in Spain

Spain has a geological diversity which hosts several potential rare earth deposits. According to reports from the European Union, at least four locations stand out:

  • Montiel Field (Ciudad Real).
  • Sierra de Galiñeiro (Pontevedra).
  • The Granatillas Ravine (Almeria).
  • Basal complex of Fuerteventura (Las Palmas).

One of the most emblematic cases is the Matamulas project in Campo de Montiel, with estimated reserves of 30.000 tons of rare earths. This project, led by Quantum Minería, faced strong social and environmental opposition, and was halted by a decision of the High Court of Justice of Castilla-La Mancha.

Other regions such as Galicia, Salamanca, Zamora, and Andalusia also have interesting deposits that could help reduce Spain's dependence on imports. For example, the Penouta mine in Ourense is the only European deposit where coltan compounds, essential for mobile phones, can be extracted.

The environmental and social challenge

One of the biggest challenges for the exploitation of rare earths in Spain lies in the environmental impactThese elements are often found mixed with other materials, making their extraction difficult. In addition, the process involves the use of aggressive chemicals and high water consumption, generating waste that endangers local ecosystems.

Spanish environmental legislation, one of the strictest in Europe, has been an obstacle to the advancement of mining projects. Environmental groups and local communities have shown resistance, arguing that the economic benefits of these operations do not compensate for the ecological damage.

Europe and its strategic commitment

The European Union has launched the Critical Raw Materials Law with the aim of reducing its dependence on China. This legislation seeks to promote the exploration of deposits on the continent, as well as encourage the recycling of rare earths and other critical materials. Spain, with its privileged geological position, plays a key role in this strategy.

In addition to local extraction, the EU has identified recycling as a sustainable solution. In this context, Spain has recently inaugurated a pilot plant within the framework of the RC-Metals project. This facility uses metal melting technologies in molten bath to recover valuable elements from electronic waste, such as dysprosium, neodymium and praseodymium.

recycling rare earths

Recycling rare earths: a pioneering project

Recycling of rare earths has become a priority to reduce the generation of electronic waste and reduce dependence on imports. In Spain, the ISASMELT-F600 plant of the RC-Metals project is unique in Europe and uses advanced technologies to recover these critical metals.

According to researcher Felix Antonio Lopez, recycling will be essential to meet growing demand. Europe generates two million tons of electronic waste every year, and this plant will mark a turning point in the sustainable management of these resources.

Spain's role in the ecological transition

Beyond rare earths, Spain is home to other critical minerals needed for the ecological transition, such as lithium, cobalt and magnesium. Deposits such as the Valdeflores Valley in Cáceres and the tungsten deposits in Barruecopardo (Salamanca) highlight the country's mining potential.

However, to take advantage of these riches, Spain must overcome legal and social barriersCurrent legislation limits the exploitation of certain protected areas, which has slowed down promising projects such as the one in Cáceres, which could position the country as a European leader in lithium production.

Spain's wealth of rare earths and critical minerals represents a unique opportunity to reduce dependence on third countries, encourage recycling and promote a sustainable ecological transition. Achieving this goal will require balancing the use of resources with respect for the environment and local communities.


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