Mining firm Rare Earths Norway says it has discovered Europe's largest proven deposit of highly prized rare earth elements, potentially reflecting a watershed moment for both the Nordic country and the broader region. One of the few deposits not owned or controlled by China, the discovery of continental Europe's largest rare earths deposit is considered a welcome boost in Europe's bid to break China's rare earths dominance. Alf Reistad, CEO of Rare Earths Norway, told CNBC that the discovery at Fen represents a "great milestone" for the company. "It is important to state that there is absolutely no extraction of rare earth elements in Europe today," Reistad said via videoconference on Monday. Rare Earths Norway said the rare earths deposit in Telemark, roughly 210 kilometers (130 miles) southwest of Oslo, is likely to underscore Norway's position as an integral part of Europe's rare earth and critical raw material value chain.

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Persons: Alf Reistad, Reistad Organizations: Tech Co, Mining, Nordic, Rare, Norway, CNBC Locations: Mongolia, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China, Norway, Sweden, Europe, videoconference, Telemark, Oslo