With critical minerals now central to global supply chain strategies, BHP is expanding its footprint into northern Europe, setting its sights on Norway’s resource-rich terrain. Partnering with Kingsrose Mining, the resource giant has launched an ambitious exploration effort under the “Finnmark Alliance”—a joint venture poised to unlock untapped nickel, copper, and PGE (platinum group element) resources in Norway’s Karasjok Greenstone Belt.
The strategic move positions BHP at the heart of Europe’s mineral security conversation, while offering Kingsrose an unprecedented exploration foothold alongside one of the industry’s biggest players.
Image 1: Northern Norway’s Karasjok landscape, showcasing terrain targeted by the Finnmark Alliance
Source: Dreamstime
The Finnmark Alliance: What It Means
The Finnmark Alliance refers to the collaboration between BHP Exploration Norway and Kingsrose Mining, focusing on early-stage exploration in a region historically underexplored for modern-scale mineral development. The alliance targets the Karasjok Greenstone Belt, an area geologically analogous to mineral-rich terrains in Canada and Australia.
The joint venture structure sees Kingsrose leading on-the-ground logistics and preliminary geoscience, while BHP provides technical oversight, financial backing, and strategic direction.
With critical minerals such as nickel, copper, and PGEs increasingly vital for electric vehicles, clean energy infrastructure, and defence applications, the alliance couldn’t be better timed.
Karasjok Greenstone Belt: Europe’s Untapped Mineral Frontier
Stretching across northeastern Norway, the Karasjok Greenstone Belt is a Proterozoic geological formation believed to host significant nickel-copper sulphide potential. It also shows indications of ultramafic-hosted PGE mineralisation—though much of the belt remains unexplored at depth.
Unlike many parts of Europe, the Finnmark region has sparse population density and relatively low infrastructure interference, making it ideal for airborne surveys, geophysics, and long-term exploration commitments.
Kingsrose and BHP have already completed high-resolution mapping and airborne survey programs across key tenements, with drilling targets currently being refined for the upcoming field season.
Image 2: Geologist examining rock formations during fieldwork in Finnmark
Source: StockCake
Why Norway?
As Europe looks to reduce its dependency on imported critical minerals—especially from politically volatile regions—Norway’s stable political environment, EU-aligned policies, and vast geological promise have attracted increasing attention.
BHP’s entry into Norway’s critical minerals exploration reflects a broader trend: major mining companies are extending their exploration reach beyond traditional resource hubs, eyeing jurisdictions with ESG-aligned frameworks and untapped reserves.
Strategic Minerals in Focus: Nickel and Copper for the Energy Future
The Finnmark Alliance is particularly focused on nickel and copper, two metals central to the decarbonisation supply chain. With global demand for Class 1 nickel expected to double by 2030, and copper facing a well-documented supply crunch, new discoveries could position Norway as a future powerhouse in battery metal exports.
The alliance also includes PGEs (platinum group elements), which are vital for catalytic converters, hydrogen fuel cells, and other emerging green technologies.
“This partnership allows us to scale exploration in a high-potential region with the support and expertise of a global major,” said Kingsrose CEO at a recent investor briefing.
Technical Exploration Approach: From Airborne to Drills
Initial phases of the project have leveraged:
- Airborne electromagnetic (EM) surveys
- Satellite-based remote sensing
- Geochemical soil sampling
- Structural mapping and GIS modeling
The next stage includes high-priority drill testing at two sites showing strong geophysical anomalies and surface mineralisation consistent with magmatic sulphide systems.
Kingsrose has also committed to responsible exploration practices, including Indigenous engagement with the Sámi communities in Finnmark and ongoing environmental impact assessments.
Investment Outlook: De-risked by Design
From an investor perspective, the Finnmark Alliance presents a relatively de-risked exploration opportunity. Kingsrose retains operational control and upside while leveraging BHP’s financial support and resource expertise.
Key advantages include:
- Tier-1 exploration partner
- Multi-metal prospectivity
- Alignment with EU strategic mineral policies
- First-mover advantage in an emerging European mining district
Image 3: Map of Norway highlighting the Karasjok Greenstone Belt and Finnmark exploration zones
Source: [ResearchGate]
Conclusion: Norway’s Finnmark May Hold the Next Critical Minerals Breakthrough
With global supply chains under pressure and clean energy targets accelerating, the Finnmark Alliance is a bold step into one of Europe’s last great mineral frontiers.
If early indicators prove correct, BHP and Kingsrose may be on the cusp of defining a new critical minerals province—one capable of reshaping Europe’s resource independence while opening fresh investment pathways for Australia-based mining innovators.
