Michael Schmidt, Senior Analyst at the German Mineral Resources Agency, spoke to Innovation News Network about the steps that Europe must take to ensure that the demand for lithium is met.
Demand for lithium in European battery applications is expected to increase by over 300% between 2023 and 2030. This rise is mainly driven by the demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs).
Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant battery technology in the EV industry due to their safety, durability, and long-life cycle. Lithium cannot be substituted from the battery, meaning that in the near future, demand for the critical mineral will not decrease.
As a result of this, Europe is expected to have the second-largest share of global lithium demand for the foreseeable future.
This raises the question as to how the region will ensure that this demand is met.
The landscape for rising lithium demand in Europe
Currently, Europe accounts for under 1% of the global lithium supply, making the region highly import dependent.
Despite this, demand projections estimate that the EU will need around 400,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent.
To ensure that this demand is met, analysts have argued that the EU must get every lithium project up and running. At the moment, the region has 28 lithium mine projects under development – 19 in EU Member States and four in the UK.
These projects are forecast to begin operations in the late 2020s and are set to be producing nearly 70kt lithium carbonate equivalent by 2030.
Policy to implement domestic production
The importance of securing a domestic supply of lithium was underscored in the Critical Raw Materials Act, announced in March 2023.
The Act aims to provide a framework to strengthen its domestic critical mineral supply chains, targeting for the EU to meet 10% of its mined demand for critical minerals – including lithium.
However, there is still a long way to go to ensure that these goals are met.
To find out more about Europe’s rising lithium demand, Innovation News Network spoke to Michael Schmidt, Senior Analyst at the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA).
Is Europe on track to meet demand for lithium?
If there is a demand for roughly 400,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, Europe could be self-sufficient for 25-35% of resources in 2030. The rest would have to be managed by imports from other countries.
Towards the 2040s there is potential to reduce the import dependence further as projects evolve in Europe.
However, currently, an import dependence of around 50-65% is being forecasted for the region.
Meeting the demand for lithium resources depends on what EV uptake will be, based on regulatory frameworks.
How should European policymakers ensure that more projects are set up in the continent?
Europe needs to find investors to finance potential lithium projects. To meet demand, Europe calls for €10-15bn.
Looking at the company structures of mining operators in Europe, they are mostly owned by Canadian or Australian explorers and investors.
There is no real investor sentiment here in Europe. Somebody must pay for the project development, but who is it going to be? That is one of the biggest questions.
What are the challenges facing European industry in meeting the rise in demand for lithium?
Financing and social and public acceptance are the major challenges facing the European industry. Sustainability issues as well as regulation are also of concern.
First, we need to look at the acceptance of mining in Europe. We need to implement the fact that mining is necessary and that it will have an environmental impact. It is a responsibility to minimise this footprint.
We need to mine locally in Europe; the continent cannot solely rely on imports. This is the best way to guarantee a secure and stable supply of critical metals.
Financing is another crucial challenge. Looking at Imery’s project fund for 34,000 tonnes of lithium, the financing required is a staggering €1bn.
The demand in Europe, therefore, would call for €10-15bn of investment, and as previously stated, there is currently a lack of investor sentiment here in the region. This must change.
These issues must be overcome to ensure that the rising demand for lithium in Europe is met, enabling the region to successfully transition to clean energy and reach its 2050 net zero goals.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – news.yahoo.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fuk.news.yahoo.com%2Fhuge-mineral-discovery-norway-could-133858835.html%3Fguccounter%3D1%26guce_referrer%3DaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8%26guce_referrer_sig%3DAQAAAFYNL2hp-YjxYXBeJ6BMKOwrM1Wb8q-9GfMDK3UbgZW6D1kPI7m3eq4RaMg_FNjdORBgeqkhWCEXEVHQj8I8NMfQYlvOq6O_Ik8Hnj9EahcCwuC4rL3rn8kMRYgzN5ZFJZ–hQQV4olrFGfR4CefC5OUc6x8hNekR1ToM6qt6DFj|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Huge phosphate deposits discovered in southwestern Norway could be large enough to supply electric vehicles, solar panels and fertiliser for up to 100 years.
The valuable ore was discovered in 2018 by Norge Mining, who revealed in May that they’d found 70 billion tonnes of the material.
Phosphate is rich in phosphorus which is a key component of many green technologies, as well as fertiliser. The find comes at a crucial time when Europe has been facing supply issues.
Phosphate shortage warning delivered by EU
In 2012, The Hague issued a report warning of upcoming phosphate shortages. Russia controls the biggest deposit of the chemical compound, but imports have been curbed since the Ukraine invasion.
Morocco, China, Iran and Syria also have large deposits of the material, but the war has still had an impact, realised through rising fertiliser costs.
Earlier this year, scientists warned of a “phosphogeddon”.
We need to be “a lot smarter in the way we use phosphorus,” Professor Phil Haygarth of Lancaster University told UK newspaper the Guardian. “If we don’t, we face a calamity.”
Bristol University’s Professor Penny Johnes put it more bluntly: “There is no life on Earth without phosphorus”.
Phosphate fertiliser has become essential to securing global food production. But its runoff has also been associated with algal blooms that threaten fish stocks and produce planet-heating methane.
The new Skoda Octavia CNG is shown during the press day at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland. – Copyright 2014 AP. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Norway has enough phosphorus to power a century
These new deposits found in Scandinavia could theoretically supply global demand for batteries and solar panels for up to 100 years, Norge Mining confirmed.
Following the discovery of the rock, Jan Christian Vestre, Norway’s minister of trade and industry, said Norway had an “obligation” to develop “the world’s most sustainable mineral industry”.
The global economy gets through 45 million metric tonnes of phosphorus each year.
Once mined, the ore can be processed into phosphoric acid and supply a broad range of uses, including lithium-iron-phosphate batteries and animal feed.
A ‘significant’ discovery
“When you find something of that magnitude in Europe, which is larger than all the other sources we know – it is significant,” founder and deputy CEO of Norge Mining, Michael Wurmser told news website Euractiv.
“We believe the phosphorus that we can produce will be important to the West – it provides autonomy,” he continued.
However, the refining of phosphorus has historically been very carbon intensive, which is partly why there has been little production in Europe in recent years.
Norge Mining plans to use carbon capture and storage to offset the environmental impact of production, though the efficacy of these technologies is often called into question.
It wasn’t just phosphate that was discovered at the site. Large deposits of critical raw materials titanium – used frequently for joint replacements and in building aeroplanes – and vanadium – used to strengthen steel – were also present.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – mining.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mining.com%2Fweb%2Feramet-in-talks-with-european-carmakers-over-argentina-lithium-plan-ceo%2F%3Futm_source%3DDaily_Digest%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3DMNG-DIGESTS%26utm_content%3Deramet-in-talks-with-european-carmakers-over-argentina-lithium-plan–ceo|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]French mining group Eramet is in talks with several European carmakers over commercial agreements that would help the company finance its lithium production project in Argentina, chief executive officer Christel Bories said.
The race for lithium, a key raw material used to make batteries for electric vehicles, is speeding up as rising tensions between the United States and China push Europe’s automakers to secure their own supply chain.
“We’re talking with a lot of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers, or carmakers) today,” Bories told Reuters on Saturday at a business conference in the southeastern city of Aix-en-Provence, adding that these included French ones.
“We’re currently discussing potential commercial agreements,” she said, with reference to the group’s lithium project in Argentina, adding these involve joint marketing and so-called offtake accords, or commitments to buy a certain volume of the upcoming production.
Eramet is due to start lithium production next year in Argentina in partnership with Chinese steel group Tsingshan, and has said it is interested in studying other potential sites in a lithium-rich zone of South America that also includes Chile.
“We’re positioning ourselves (in Chile), we have discussions with state-owned companies,” Bories said, with the aim to gain potential lithium concessions “in the coming months.”
Two thirds of the world’s lithium reserves are located in South America, Bories said.
Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has increased as climate-conscious consumers snap up cars with electric powertrains, amid soaring fuel prices.
Bories confirmed commodities group Glencore was among parties to have expressed interest in helping finance Eramet’s lithium production in Argentina.
She declined to elaborate further or give the names of the European carmakers involved in the talks.
(By Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – mining.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mining.com%2Fweb%2Feuropean-lithium-says-critical-metals-picks-up-125m-to-fund-austrian-project%2F|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]European Lithium said Luxembourg’s alternative asset manager GEM will fund its unit for the development of Europe’s largest lithium mine, Wolfsberg in Austria, which has a supply deal with German automaker BMW AG.
Under the terms of the facility, the unit, Critical Metals would have access to draw down up to $125 million through the issuance of new shares directly to GEM Global Yield LLC over a three-year period, European Lithium said on Thursday.
In 2022, the company signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with BMW, signing its first deal to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide, but further details on the timeline were not provided at the time.
It is expected to start lithium hydroxide production at the project in Q1 2025.
“Company and Critical Metals have secured approximately 65% of the total expected capex of the Wolfsberg Project and brings us closer to our stated goal to be the first local producer of lithium spodumene for the green energy transition in Europe,” European Lithium said in a statement.
The company spun off its several project, including Wolfsberg, in a proposed deal with special purpose acquisition company Sizzle last year to form Critical Metals.
The deal remains subject to approval of Sizzle shareholders. European Lithium added that it continued to work through the comments received on listing process by the authorities.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – mining.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mining.com%2Fmassive-norwegian-phosphate-deposit-could-meet-battery-and-solar-demand-for-50-years%2F|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Norge Mining said it has discovered up to 70 billion tonnes of phosphate rock in southwest Norway.
Phosphorous is on the European Union’s list of minerals of importance to the economy and the new deposit could mean enough raw material to the meet demand for batteries and solar panels for the next 50 years, according to the company.
Before this discovery, the largest amount of phosphate rock was in the western Sahara region of Morocco, with around 50 billion tonnes.
According to the US Geological Survey, proven phosphate reserves equal 72 billion tonnes globally.
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023
“Now, when you find something of that magnitude in Europe, which is larger than all the other
sources we know – it is significant,” said Michael Wurmser, founder of Norge Mining.
Around 90% of mined phosphate is used to produce fertilizer for agriculture, but demand for clean technology has rapidly increased.
The European Union is almost entirely dependent on imports of phosphate rock from other countries, according to a report from The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies.
The European Commission welcomed confirmation of the massive Norwegian deposit, EURACTIV reported.
“The discovery is indeed great news, which would contribute to the objectives of the Commission’s proposal on the Critical Raw Material Act,” said a spokesperson for the EU executive.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
By 2030-2032, the demand for lithium products in the EU will grow 10 times, experts predict
Ukraine is one of the world leaders in lithium reserves, a strategic raw material for the production of batteries for electric vehicles. The volume of its exact reserves is a state secret, but gradually, despite the war, investors are beginning to enter this area. One of them is “UkrLitiyVydobuvannya” by Sergei Tabalov from the Kirovohrad region. The director for strategic development of this company, Denis Alyoshin , told Business Telegraph at what stage the project is.
About Ukrainian deposits
– Please tell us about your project.
— Let me start by saying that there are two types of lithium in the world. The first is in salt lakes, in South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia. There are also hard ore deposits, which in 90% of cases contain the mineral spodumene.
— What are the deposits in Ukraine?
— We have solid ore deposits. But it is in our Polokhovsky deposit in the Kirovohrad region (near the village of Smolino) that pegmatite ore is located, in which another mineral is petalite.
– There are other deposits with lithium in the Kirovograd region. Will you develop them too?
— Near us, 70 kilometers away, there is indeed a Dobraya section. It contains a combination of spodumene and petalite. But the special permit that our company has does not apply to this deposit.
— Ukraine is also rich in lithium in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye regions. What’s there?
– Indeed, there is a Shevchenkovskoe deposit in the Donetsk region, it seems that there are spodumene ores there. And there is also a deposit called “Krutaya Balka” in the Zaporozhye region. But we did not study its composition. It is under occupation. That is, out of four fields, unfortunately, one is under occupation, the other is in the frontline zone. And only two deposits in the Kirovograd region are available for production.
— UkrLitiiVydobuvannya has long had a license to develop the Polokhovskoye deposit .
— Yes, the Polokhovskoye field is so far the only one in Ukraine for which the owners of our company acquired a special permit in 2017 for UAH 119 million. Then it was about 4.5-5 million dollars. A record amount by that time for rare earth metals. In March 2021, we confirmed ore reserves in accordance with the international JORC standard. They make up about 75 million tons of pegmatite ore. This is a very large deposit by European standards.
Denis Aleshin: “We focus on the demand in the EU”
– How will you mine?
– We considered two options: light ( quarry . – Ed. ) open-pit mining and the mine method. We settled on the mine, because the environmental component is important to us. We want to be esg-friendly ( environmental, social and corporate governance. — Ed.). Although Ukraine is not yet in the European Union, we believe that it will be there in the next few years. We will do everything according to the highest European standards. The mining method brings much less harm to the environment than open-pit mining. The mine will cost much more to the investors of the project, but we choose this method. We will go deeper by about 600 meters into the depth of the deposit. The second stage will be the construction of an enrichment plant, where we will process the ore into petalite concentrate.
The mining method is much less harmful to the environment than open-pit mining
— What volumes of ore and concentrate are we talking about?
— We plan to mine one and a half million tons of ore per year. It will be annually transformed into 300 thousand tons of petalite concentrate.
— Deep processing is expected?
— Of course, we are striving to add a third stage – processing of petalite concentrate into lithium carbonate. This is better for both the investor and the government, because lithium carbonate has a higher added value. There are two options – lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. They are used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, but involve different technologies. Lithium carbonate is used for the so-called LFP batteries, lithium hydroxide is used in the production of NMC batteries. We analyzed the market and came to the conclusion that we want to produce lithium carbonate. We made this decision a year and a half ago, and I see that it is the right one.
– Why?
– Because the world’s largest players, and this is China, produce highly processed products using more advanced technology from lithium carbonate. You probably know that this country produces 99% of all cathodes in the world. Tesla, Li One and more EV manufacturers are switching to LFP batteries. Accordingly, we strive to ensure that the production of lithium carbonate is located in Ukraine. Whether this will work will depend on a number of factors. One of them is how attractive the investment climate in our country is.
On investment and return
– What investments are we talking about?
I am dividing our project into two phases. The first is the construction of a mine and a processing plant. This is about 300 million dollars. Stage number two – the construction of a factory for the production of lithium carbonate. That’s another $400 million. Total – 700 million dollars. Only international strategic investors can afford such a volume of investments. In terms of the size of the attraction, the project is only comparable with the privatization of Kryvorizhstal.
– What guarantees are needed?
– For an international investor to come to us with that kind of money, certain conditions are needed. International partners expect from us a complete reboot of the judicial system. The fact that we are fighting corruption and even detained the chairman of the Supreme Court of Ukraine was accepted by foreign partners with approval. It was a good sign on the one hand. But corruption has not left our lives, although Ukraine has embarked on the path of this struggle. I also witnessed how the speech of the new head of NABU was very approved in London.
– And if it does not attract funds for deep processing?
– There is always a plan “B” – to build a mine, a processing plant and sell abroad the products of the first processing stage – petalite concentrate. We are definitely not going to sell the ore. This is irrational. After several years of exporting lithium concentrate, we will get the first cash flow. These funds can be used to attract investments in the production of lithium carbonate.
– What is the return on investment?
– I orient the owner to payback within 5 years. This is a very attractive project in terms of return of funds.
— How many people need the project and when will you start mining?
– I hope that by 2027 mining and enrichment will work. We will produce petalite concentrate. It is planned to attract about 500 employees to the mine and factory.
Work continues at the field, and the company hopes that about 500 people will work at the mine and factory in the near future
About the owners
— There is information that the son of ex-premier Mykola Azarov was involved in UkrLitiyVydobuvannya. How objective is she?
— I have 15 years of investment banking experience, I worked at Deloitte. That’s why I’m used to assessing risks. Besides, my professional reputation is at stake. Therefore, we conducted a detailed due diligence ( collection and analysis of information. – Ed. ) on the history of the project owners. We aim to attract international investment. Such risks would be unacceptable.
— Who is the ultimate beneficiary of UkrLitiyVydobuvannya?
– 99.99% of the company belongs to a businessman from the Kirovograd region Sergey Tabalov. If you look at youcontrol , the authorized capital of the company was replenished by UAH 297 million a few years ago. These are the tools I now use to start the project. My budget for this year is about $3.5 million. Let’s spend them on studying, tests, examination, the so-called feasibility study. This is approximately 2-2.5 million dollars. The rest will be directed to the study of the consequences for the social and environment (the so-called environmental and social impact assessment study). We do this according to the standards of global financial corporations such as IFC, EBRD and Development Finance Corporation.
— Can these companies act as investors?
— We are negotiating with 25-30 potential investors and 5-7 financial institutions and banks, and as a result we see a pool of investors. If we are talking about the amount of 700 million dollars, in principle it cannot be raised from one investor, because this is a significant risk for him. We have no illusions that no one will invest in us before our victory and before Ukraine joins NATO and the EU, which will become an effective investment insurance. I have a year and a half to prepare the project for raising funds. Direct attraction is planned for 2025 so that we can start construction. I hope that by then we will win, join NATO and the EU.
— So what is the task of the owner?
— My task is to ensure that the Ukrainian owner, as a result of raising funds, has the maximum share in the project. We will attract a strategist as an investor, that is, a large international company in the lithium segment. Without such a company, the start of the project is impossible. In general, the standard mechanism for attracting funding in four areas will work. $400 million is a combination of export credit and debt financing from international financial institutions (IFC, EBRD, DFC). From 100 million dollars – policy funding, that is, grants from the US and the EU for projects in the field of lithium. We expect that there will be an advance payment for future products, the so-called offtake – up to $50 million. 150-200 million dollars – attraction of a strategic investor in the capital. In total – 700 million dollars.
About sales markets
Where do you see consumers ?
Petalite concentrate will be bought for processing into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide for lithium-ion batteries. If we fail to produce lithium carbonate ourselves, we will sell the petalite concentrate to manufacturers of batteries or ceramics and glass ceramics in Europe. Its use in this area is called technical grade, if it goes to batteries – battery grade. Our petalite concentrate will combine battery grade and technical grade. That is, we can sell it to both markets.
The end buyers of our product are huge European manufacturers of electric vehicles. If we launch the production of lithium carbonate, our customers will be manufacturers of cathodes for LFP batteries. And these are Chinese companies that are also represented in Europe. Here we have no choice, because we know that China owns the technology, raw materials and production of batteries around the world. And when people ask me how to get out of this addiction, I say that it will take at least 3-5 years until the Europeans and Americans take over this business.
The Polokhovskoye deposit in the Kirovohrad region is rich in pegmatite ore, which contains the mineral petalite
— That is, your project will start working when the volumes are in demand in Europe?
— We certainly focus on the demand in the EU. There are forecasts that by 2030-2032 the demand for lithium products, namely, petalite concentrate, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, cathode, will increase 10 times. Even assuming that by 2030 all European lithium deposits will produce products from it, this will be only 4% of the world market. In addition, by 2030, Europe will need to have 25% of the world’s production of lithium carbonate. I note that our field is large by the standards of Europe, so it will be attractive not only for European, but also for any investor.
About competition
— Do you feel competition for lithium mining in Ukraine?
— I don’t see any competition in lithium mining in the next 5-10 years, not only in Ukraine, but also in the world. There is not enough lithium in the world to meet the demand of electric car manufacturers.
— I mean raiders who like to come to successful projects.
– The state is interested. We will have a large specialized investor from Europe or the USA. So far, I do not see such risks. Perhaps I am an optimist after the conference in London . I see how our partners and authorities are set up, so I don’t believe in the situation with raiding in 3-4 years.
About the interest of the Russian Federation in lithium
– Do you think that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was also due to interest in lithium deposits, or is it a myth?
I am skeptical of such arguments. It would be more logical then to seize Bolivia. It’s a joke. In my personal opinion, the system of checks and balances does not work in Russia. And an elderly person, far from the Internet, single-handedly makes decisions in this country. This is dangerous and has led to very sad consequences.
– So there is an interest of the Russian Federation in lithium?
– If there is, then he is definitely not in the TOP 10 reasons for the start of the war in Ukraine.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – Proactive Investors” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proactiveinvestors.com.au%2Fcompanies%2Fnews%2F1019653%2Fnickelx-soars-on-signing-deal-to-acquire-advanced-nickel-and-hard-rock-lithium-projects-in-central-europe-1019653.html|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]NickelX Ltd (ASX:NKL) has struck an exclusive option agreement for the acquisition of advanced nickel and hard rock lithium exploration projects in central Europe, sending its shares skyward.
Investors have responded positively to the agreement with shares as much as 56.73% higher in morning trade to $0.105.
Advantageous climate
NickelX’s move to secure these advanced projects underscores its strategic vision and positions the company to take advantage of the growing demand for nickel, copper, cobalt and lithium, particularly in the context of the planned establishment of 27 lithium battery ‘Gigafactories’ in the region by 2030.
One of the projects covered by the agreement is the Ransko Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project in the Czech Republic. The Ransko Permit, spanning an area of 6.93 square kilometres, is known to host significant nickel-copper-cobalt mineralisation.
While historical mapping, sampling, geophysics and limited drilling have identified the presence of valuable mineral deposits, no modern exploration techniques or resource modelling have been conducted since the mid-1960s.
Rich historical dataset
The project benefits from a rich historical dataset derived from seven known sulphide deposits, which demonstrate multiple magma pulses and sulphide events associated with local faults and intrusions.
This project has also secured funding from the EU’s €7.5 million SEMACRET Project, which aims to support exploration for critical raw materials within the EU market.
The second project covered under the agreement is the Otov Hard Rock Lithium Project in the west of the Czech Republic near the German border. Encompassing 18.1 square kilometres, the Otov Permit is known for significant lithium (spodumene) mineralisation.
Historical mining activities targeting feldspar have revealed underground workings at the Otov1 pegmatite, demonstrating the presence of valuable lithium resources.
Notably, the Otov1 Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatite displays a vertical zoning pattern, with spodumene concentrations increasing with depth. Impressive spodumene crystals, measuring up to 70 centimetres in length, further underscore the project’s potential.
Despite these promising indicators, the permit area’s 17 additional mapped pegmatites have not been subject to modern exploration techniques, leaving ample room for future discovery and development.
Project location in the central European country of the Czech Republic.
“Very excited”
Managing director Matt Gauci said: “We are very excited to have secured the option to acquire, explore and develop the large-scale nickel-copper-cobalt mineralisation at Ransko, as well as the highly prospective Otov LCT pegmatite, which was historically only mined for feldspar, which is 1 of the 17 known LCT pegmatites, and where large spodumene crystals, up to 70 centimetres, are reported.
“Should we decide to exercise the option, the company will formalise an existing exploration partnership with Aurum Discovery Limited, a highly respected European-based exploration consultancy, with in-country representation, to ensure efficient operations, ongoing stakeholder engagement and progression of the existing EU Funded SEMACRET Project, which aims to promote exploration for Critical Raw Materials in the EU.”
Transition to green
The acquisition option agreement comes at a time when the European Union is placing increased emphasis on the transition to a green economy.
The EU Critical Raw Materials Act, adopted in March 2023, aims to enhance the EU’s self-reliance on mining essential metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt and lithium.
The recently adopted EU Green Deal allocates substantial funding, including €1 trillion for combatting climate change and €40 billion for the transition from fossil fuels to green energy.
These initiatives are expected to drive investments in the very metals that NickelX aims to dig up.
With the European market poised for significant growth in these critical metals, investors and industry observers eagerly await further developments as NickelX advances its exploration and acquisition efforts in central Europe.
“Critical minerals well demonstrated”
“It is an unprecedented time for energy transition in Europe with the passing of the EU Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act and the adoption of the EU Green Deal, transforming the requirement for and funding of, exploration, development and mining of critical minerals,” Gauci said.
“These critical minerals are well demonstrated within both the Ransko and Otov projects.
“The projects are exceptionally well located, almost on the doorsteps of 27 lithium battery ‘Gigafactories’ in Europe planned for 2030. Ransko and Otov are within a c.500 kilometres radius of these Gigafactories and there is also potential for Volkswagen (VW) (and Czech-based subsidiary Skoda Auto) to build a Gigafactory within the Czech Republic.”[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – Think Geoenergy” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkgeoenergy.com%2Fstudy-examines-the-geothermal-resource-potential-of-albania%2F|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Experts and decision-makers from Albania and several other countries recently convened for a workshop of the just transition of mining communities and the potential for geothermal energy development in Albania. The event was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and hosted by the National Agency of Natural Resources of Albania (AKBN).
As part of the event, a study on the geothermal resources assessment of Albania done by Nevton Kodhelaj from the Polytechnic University of Tirana was presented and discussed. The full report can be accessed via this link.
Geothermal regions in Albania
Albania has three major geothermal regions:
The Kruja geothermal zone extends over 180 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea in the North to the south-eastern area of Albania, all the way to the Konitza area in Greece. The aquifer here is characterized as a karstified neritic carbonate formation with numerous fissures. There are seven hot spring groups connected along the main regional tectonics of the Kruja zone.
Three boreholes have been drilled in the Kruja zone and have been shown to produce hot, mineralized water. Wellhead temperatures in the Tirana-Elbasani zone vary from 60 – 65.5°C. The temperature at the top of the aquifer reaches 80°C in the Kozani-8 borehole.
The Ardenica geothermal zone is located in the coastal area of Albania within the Pre-Adriatic Depression and intercepted by the Vlora-Elbasan-Dibra transversal fault. At least six boreholes have been drilled in this region, intersecting different structures. At the surface, the boreholes discharge waters at temperatures of 32-67°C. Hot water flows into these boreholes from feed zones ranging from depths of 1200 meters (Ard – 3) to 2425 meters (Bub-5).
The Peshkopia geothermal zone is located in the Northeast of Albania, in the Korabi hydrogeologic zone. At a distance of two kilometers east of Peshkopia, water at 43.5°C flows out of a group of thermal springs on a river slope. In the riverbed, outcrops of anhydrides and gypsum are located, also with a big yield of cold mineralized water springs.
Potential for direct-use applications
Given the characteristics of the geothermal resources in Albania, direct-use applications have been proposed. For the Llixha Elbasan hot springs, the study provides a model for the development of a district heating system.
For the Kozani-8 borehole, a system that allows for cascaded use has been proposed. This is made more feasible by the location of the borehole within a village. Thus, a recreational center with a spa, indoor pools, and fitness center is considered to be a viable application. Heat from the geothermal fluids is also envisioned to facilitate the development of a greenhouse and pools for aquaculture.
In the Benja region, eight springs release mineralized water at temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius. This is not very hot but can still offer economic value. Based on the calculations presented by the study, the waters can provide competitive energy for greenhouses, aquaculture, and mineral salts extraction.
Application of UNFC standards
An important part of the geothermal assessment study of Albania is the application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) on the country’s geothermal resources. The adoption of such standards paves the way for an integrated management of resources based on globally established and applicable standards.
The study advises adherence to the guidelines in establishing suitable geological models of geothermal aquifers, and to perform comprehensive assessments to evaluate their potential for further development. In addition, the study highlights that conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies and consulting with stakeholders is crucial for the project’s socio-economic feasibility. The document concludes that to further advance geothermal utilization in Albania, efforts can be made to improve capacity, transfer technology, and disseminate knowledge.
Experts representing the Central American Integration System (SICA) provided inputs on the application of UNFC for geothermal energy, with specific case studies from El Salvador and Costa Rica.
Source: UNECE (1 and 2)[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
BERLIN, July 5 (Reuters) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that he knew of further plans for large investments in chip production in Germany, a welcome trend as Europe looks to reduce its reliance on China when it comes to strategically important industries.
“I know of other plans by German companies and many others,” Scholz told the Bundestag lower house of parliament after listing recent projects announced by chipmakers Intel (INTC.O) and Infineon (IFXGn.DE).
He vowed that Germany’s efforts would help companies become less dependent on semiconductor supplies from other regions, days after China announced restrictions on two metals used in high-speed computer chips.
The abrupt announcement by the world’s biggest producer of rare earth metals has companies scrambling to secure supplies and raised concerns that restrictions on rare earth exports could follow.
Germany is among the top importers of the affected metals: gallium and germanium. It has committed, along with other European Union members, to reduce dependence on China over Beijing’s more aggressive diplomacy and closer ties to Moscow.
“Many people around the world have understood that we have to become resilient, and that there are certain industries that should necessarily be located here in Europe and in Germany,” Scholz said.
He dismissed concerns that Germany is losing its appeal as an investment location, pointing to recent investments by major firms. Intel announced plans last month to spend more than 30 billion euros ($33 billion) on developing two chip-making plants in the central city of Magdeburg.
Berlin is also talking with Taiwan’s TSMC (2330.TW) and Sweden’s electric vehicle battery maker Northvolt about setting up production in Germany. It already convinced Tesla (TSLA.O) to build its first European gigafactory there.
“It’s an impressive signal that so many German and international companies are choosing Germany for the expansion of their semiconductor production,” Scholz told the Bundestag.
Reporting by Matthias Williams and Sarah Marsh, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike Heine and Emma Rumney
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – MarketScreener” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketscreener.com%2Fquote%2Fstock%2FKGHM-POLSKA-MIED-S-A-1413331%2Fnews%2FDeepest-in-Poland-KGHM-has-a-mining-pit-at-1348-meters-level-44253282%2F|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]1348 meters is the deepest mining pit in Poland – KGHM Polska Miedz’s GG-1 shaft in Kwielice is one of the most important investments in the copper giant’s history and the largest underground project in the non-ferrous metals industry in Europe.
In June, the key connection between the shaft and the Rudna Mine was made.
The technical connection, i.e. the merge of excavations from the Rudna Mining Plants to the GG-1 shaft, was successfully carried out on June 14 this year. Work is now underway there, which will allow new amounts of fresh air to be supplied to the mine workings. This will definitely improve working conditions underground.
The shaft is ready to build reinforcement and equip with the necessary installations and equipment for the target period. A three-meter layer of concrete has been poured on the bottom. The two basic parameters of the GG-1 shaft are: depth – 1,348 meters, and the diameter in the light of the casing, which is 7.5 meters. It is an intake-air shaft that will be used to transport people and materials.
KGHM is a jewel in the crown, and the GG-1 shaft is an amazing project that will affect the safety of miners. I am full of admiration for all those who undertook this project. Everything is done so that miners can work in the best possible conditions. The GG-1 shaft is also a business, industrial, economic project. These are copper deposits that can be mined for decades to come,’ said Elzbieta Witek, Speaker of the Polish Parliament.
The GG-1 shaft is a strategic investment by KGHM. It will provide the air that will enable us to exploit the Glogow Gleboki-Przemyslowy deposit at depths that were previously inaccessible to us. We are a global company, but domestic production is of fundamental importance to the company. The completed shaft, first of all, ensures safety, but also promotes more efficient work by miners,’ said Tomasz Zdzikot, Chairman of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedz S.A., during a press conference.
The GG-1 shaft is of fundamental importance for the development of KGHM Polska Miedz S.A.. It will make it possible to open up new areas of the copper deposit and prolong the operation of the Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines. The investment will also improve ventilation and air-conditioning conditions for miners and will shorten the routes of crews’ access to the pits.
Shaft in numbers
The GG-1 shaft complex is being built as part of the Deposit Opening Program conducted by the Department of Mining Structure Development at KGHM Headquarters. The work was carried out by a KGHM Group company, PeBeKa. The GG-1 shaft is one of the most important facilities that will serve to open up the Glogow Gleboki-Przemyslowy Mining Area
The estimated industrial copper ore resources are nearly 265 million tons, with an average copper content of 2.40 %. This represents about 25 % of copper resources and more than 30 % of silver resources in all KGHM license areas in Poland. Access to these resources will secure the continuity of copper ore mining for many years to come.
According to investment plans, in the years 2028-35, i.e. during the period of the greatest intensity of mining work, production from the Glogow Gleboki-Przemyslowy area is expected to be 10-11 million tons of ore, from which it will be possible to obtain about 200-220 thousand tons of electrolytic copper per year.
History of the investment
Construction of the GG-1 shaft began in 2010. Two years later, the shaft tower, which is one of the tallest ever erected by KGHM, began to be built. It is 45.5 meters high and weighs 1,100 tons. The equipment used in pilling the shaft includes a complex hoisting system with more than a dozen steel cables. Each more than 1,500 meters long, some weighing as much as 20 tons.
In 2013, one of the key stages of construction began: the freezing of the rock mass preceding the shaft pilling. Brine was then flowed into 40 freezing holes. The first bucket of excavated material left GG-1 on December 11. A year later, specialists reached layers of solid rock at a depth of 393 meters. It was then that the method of shaft pilling was changed from mechanical excavation of the rock mass to the blasting method.
To build up the first section of GG-1, PeBeKa employees used 466 iron rings, which protected the shaft from flooding with water from Tertiary and Triassic layers. To comprehensively protect GG-1 from the effects of water inflow, a modern so-called cascade drainage system was installed in the shaft. In subsequent years, as work progressed on further pilling the shaft, further elements of the drainage system were added. A total of eight stations were built there, pumping water cascading from the bottom of the shaft to the surface.
This year, March also marks the 60th anniversary of the mining of the first cup of copper ore in the Copper Belt. It happened on March 20, 1963, in the L-III shaft belonging to the Lubin mine. One of the pioneers of Polish Copper, the late Jan Urlich recalled, ‘among the ore, we noticed a large chunk of dolomite, in which large veins of copper sulfides were visible. The joy was enormous. I thought: at last we have reached the deposit.’
Shaft GG-1 is the company’s thirty-first shaft in the Copper Belt. Meanwhile, preparatory work has begun on the construction of another important facility in the Deposit Opening Program in the Glogow Gleboki-Przemyslowy and Gaworzyce mining areas. The GG-2 shaft, located in the municipality of Zukowice, will have an exit-material function.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]
