One key technical partner driving REMHub’s innovation is Muon Solutions Oy, a Finnish deep-tech company specialising in muon imaging and geoscience technologies. Muon imaging is a cutting-edge technique that uses naturally occurring cosmic-ray muons — subatomic particles that constantly shower the Earth — to look inside solid materials, essentially “X-raying” the underground without excess drilling. Muon Solutions detects the unseen by creating precise density maps of hidden structures, helping end-users identify anomalies in bedrock, soil, or even engineered structures without physical contact or disturbance.
In practical terms, their detector systems measure how muon particles are absorbed or deflected by rock: less dense materials let more muons pass through, while denser ore bodies stop more of them. By analysing these subtle differences, Muon Solutions can reveal underground features much like a medical CT scan exposes internal structures within the human body. This innovative approach has already been successfully used to locate ore deposits, map geological formations, and detect unseen voids or caves.
Founded in Finland, Muon Solutions combines expertise in particle physics, geology, and engineering to deliver advanced subsurface imaging services. The company’s team includes pioneers in cosmic-ray detection and experienced geoscientists, bringing together a unique mix of scientific and practical knowledge. Beyond muon imaging, they also do broader geological investigations – from early exploration surveys to mine planning – always guided by data-driven, non-invasive methods. By harnessing natural cosmic particles passing through the Earth, Muon Solutions offers a sustainable exploration tool to easily “see” underground where traditional methods might be too invasive, unreliable, or risky.
Muon Solutions has joined partners from six countries to launch our Horizon Europe project REMHub (Rare Earth and Magnets Innovation Hub for Europe). Within REMHub, Muon Solutions plays a crucial role at the very start of the rare earth supply chain — the exploration and discovery of new REE deposits.
The company is adapting and refining its muon imaging technology specifically for rare earth element (REE) exploration. This involves designing muon detector deployments and data analysis techniques tailored to identify REE-rich ores, which can be elusive and thus tricky to detect reliably. As part of the project, Muon Solutions will carry out field measurements at REE-prospective sites in Finland, using its cosmic-ray detectors to scan the subsurface for telltale density contrasts between rare earth ore and the surrounding rock. If the technique can reliably detect these density differences, it will be on the way to being a powerful new method for locating rare earth resources with minimal environmental impact.
The goal of Muon Solutions’ work in REMHub is not only to find hidden REE deposits, but to do so sustainably and efficiently. Traditional exploration often relies on drilling multiple test holes, which is costly, time-consuming, and environmentally disruptive. In contrast, muon imaging surveys are entirely passive and non-invasive – muons naturally penetrate the ground, allowing detectors to collect data quietly without disturbing the site. By leveraging this technology, Muon Solutions improves resource mapping for rare earths and contributes to Europe’s broader efforts to secure its own critical raw materials in an environmentally responsible way. Their scans can guide geologists on where to focus drilling or excavation, increasing success rates and reducing both costs and unnecessary disturbance.
In essence, Muon Solutions is providing REMHub with a high-tech set of eyes to look deep into the Earth for new rare earth supplies – a foundational step to strengthen the EU’s permanent magnet value chain from the ground up.
Equally important, Muon Solutions’ contribution complements the work of other REMHub partners focusing on later stages of the value chain. While Muon Solutions specialises in discovering primary resources, other teams in REMHub are developing improved methods for ore processing, recycling rare earths from industrial waste and end-of-life products, and designing magnets that are easier to recycle.
Together, these innovations feed into REMHub’s creation of a Digital Innovation Hub – a collaborative platform that brings together new technologies and services such as muon imaging surveys, advanced recycling processes, traceability systems, and digital product passports. By piloting cutting-edge approaches like muon imaging alongside recycling and tracing tools, REMHub aims to strengthen the resilience and transparency of Europe’s rare earth supply chain. Muon Solutions’ work on the exploration front directly supports the project’s mission to build a secure and sustainable rare earth and magnet ecosystem in Europe.
The partnership with Muon Solutions exemplifies how REMHub merges advanced technology with sustainability goals to tackle a strategic European challenge. Demand for rare earth elements is expected to surge by three to seven times in the coming decades, driven by the growth of renewable energy, electric mobility, and high-tech industries. Ensuring that Europe can meet this demand — through domestic production and improved recycling — is vital for achieving the EU’s climate targets and maintaining industrial competitiveness.
By investing in innovative exploration techniques like muon imaging, Europe is proactively preparing to uncover new critical mineral resources at home, reducing its reliance on external suppliers. At the same time, by emphasising environmental responsibility – through circular economy initiatives and low-impact exploration – REMHub aligns with the European Green Deal’s vision for a sustainable future.
As REMHub advances, the contributions of partners like Muon Solutions will help pave the way for a greener and more self-sufficient Europe in terms of critical materials. The ability to map and access Europe’s own rare earth deposits, alongside progress in recycling and materials design, means that the key ingredients for wind turbines, electric vehicles, and other clean technologies can be sourced responsibly and resiliently. In the broader context of EU sustainability and resource autonomy, this work represents an essential step toward securing the REEs needed for the green transition.
By strengthening every link in the rare earth value chain – from exploration through to recycling – REMHub contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy in raw materials and supports the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
To stay updated on REMHub’s progress and results, subscribe to the REMHub newsletter and follow REMHub on LinkedIn. You’ll receive the latest updates on how projects like REMHub are driving innovation in critical raw materials and building a sustainable future for Europe. Together, through initiatives like these, Europe is creating resilient supply chains and fostering green growth – ensuring that the building blocks of our modern economy are not only available, but responsibly obtained.
Follow REMHub for more details and updates!