With a population of just over 2,000, Ulefoss might not seem like the answer to one of Europe's current economic problems. But this dot on the southern Norwegian landscape happens to perch directly above the continent's largest deposit of rare earth elements.

These hard-to-acquire metals are crucial components of many modern technologies and appliances, from fighter jets to electric vehicles, flat-screen TVs to digital cameras.

They're so important, in fact, that having a secure supply of them has become a part of European Union law. Because, right now, the EU has no internal supply of its own, Ulefoss holds promise.

The hidden deposit known as the Fen complex slumbers as close to the surface as 100 meters (328 feet). It sits right below the community's schools and homes, making it a tricky and potentially controversial operation for the Rare Earths Norway (REN) mining company.

One resident who asked not to be named said three of the sites the municipal council is exploring as landfills for the mines are currently ponds.

"For me, existing ponds are nearly holy considering the climate problems we have or will be having. Had this been in the 1950s when I was a boy, I could understand it, but when the plans are for 2025, I react very strongly against it."

But Tor Espen Simonsen, REN's community liaison and a local himself, says the company........

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