Estonia joins Mineral Security Partnership

TALLINN - Estonia has become a member of the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).

"Estonia has valuable experience in processing rare earth metals, placing us in a unique position in the critical raw materials supply chain," Ene Jurjens, head of the mineral resources department at the Ministry of Climate, said in a press release. "It is beneficial for us to be a cooperation partner in the field of critical raw materials and green technologies, as it allows us to exchange information more effectively, promote investment networks, and we also hope to bring new industries to Estonia in the future." 

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia's accession to the Mineral Security Partnership has a significant economic and security policy dimension.

"Joining the MSP enables us to cooperate even more closely with like-minded countries, share developments in the critical raw materials sector, and find investment opportunities," Tsahkna said. "Stronger economic relations with allies also help secure Estonia's security."

Juri Seilenthal, director general of the foreign trade policy and international economic organizations department at the Foreign Ministry, said that numerous conflicts and standoffs around the world have made it clear that Estonia needs to reduce its dependencies and expand access to critical raw materials, including rare earth metals. 

"Estonia has Europe's largest processing plant for rare metals and rare earth metals, making membership in the MSP and contributing to the sector's development very important for Estonia," Seilenthal noted.

The partnership was initiated by the United States, and with their support Estonia became a member. MSP partner countries include Australia, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, Norway, the United Kingdom, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and now Estonia. The European Commission is also a separate member of the MSP.

On March 3, Estonia participated for the first time in the MPS steering committee meeting in Toronto. Also, from March 3 to 6, one of the world's largest mining and mining industry fairs, the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention PDAC 2024, organized by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, is taking place in Toronto. Estonia is represented by director of the Estonian Geological Survey Sirli Sipp Kulli and adviser to the mineral resources department of the Ministry of the Climate Margus Raha. An Estonian business delegation is also present, where Estonian entrepreneurs are introducing their activities on the European Union's stand.

In addition, the Estonian representation is organizing a seminar during the convention to introduce the potential future importance of Estonia's critical minerals. Topics include the competence in processing rare earth metals, strategic minerals, the reprocessing of ash mountains, and innovation in the mining industry.