An adequate supply of phosphate would add weight to the green economy. That’s because the mineral is an essential component for lithium-ion batteries. Solar panels could not release a flow of electricity without a negatively-charged phosphate wafer at the conduction junction. The Independent featured a ‘massive’ Norwegian phosphate deposit in south-western Norway in a report on July 3, 2023.
Why the Norwegian Phosphate Deposit Matters
The estimated 70-billion-ton Norwegian phosphate deposit could give Europe a new supply, bypassing Russia which controls the largest confirmed ultra-pure source. Observers believe this could be sufficient to meet global solar panel and battery demand for a century ahead. Phosphate rock may contain as much as 20% phosphorus pentoxide.
German scientist Hennig Brand first discovered the mineral in 1669. He had been hoping to identify the ‘philosopher’s stone’ reputed to turn base metals into silver and gold. Instead, he found a mineral with potential to halt global warming. This could make our world a safer haven for all its future residents.
The Journal of Materials Chemistry confirms that phosphorous is the highest-capacity anode material for sodium-ion batteries. And also one of the most attractive anode materials for lithium-ion systems. This puts it at the heart of future battery development as we know it, making this new discovery important.
Plans to Fast Track a Giant Phosphate Mine
The ongoing war in Ukraine has been causing doubts concerning potential phosphate rock shortages. Indeed, prior to the Norwegian phosphate deposit announcement, there was talk of ‘imminent supply disruptions’ per Journal Nature.
Perhaps because of this, the European Raw Materials Alliance already supports an early mining proposal. Norway’s minister of trade and industry is considering fast tracking a giant mine. But first they must analyze 47 miles of drill core samples, and then decide the best way forward.
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