MINEX Forum

Region: Europe

  • British Chamber Urges Immediate Action to Restore Stability in Kosovo’s Mining Sector

    British Chamber Urges Immediate Action to Restore Stability in Kosovo’s Mining Sector

    The British Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo has called for urgent institutional intervention in the country’s mining sector, warning that recent developments have created legal uncertainty and posed serious challenges for industry stakeholders.

    In a public statement shared on Facebook, the Chamber stressed that restoring legal certainty, reinforcing investor confidence, and safeguarding regulatory credibility are critical priorities for Kosovo’s mining industry. The organisation noted that recent issues surrounding the functioning of the Independent Commission for Mines and Minerals have disrupted licensing procedures, delayed compliance with statutory deadlines, and undermined the overall stability of the investment environment.

    According to the Chamber, predictable and timely decision-making, equal treatment of private and public enterprises, and strict adherence to the existing legal framework are essential to maintaining Kosovo’s competitiveness in mineral exploration and development.

    The statement concludes that resolving these institutional and regulatory concerns is vital to preserving the long-term stability and strategic development of Kosovo’s mining sector.

  • EU Expects US to Narrow Scope of Steel and Aluminium Derivative Tariffs

    EU Expects US to Narrow Scope of Steel and Aluminium Derivative Tariffs

    European Union officials expect the United States to soon streamline its broad tariffs on products containing steel and aluminium, potentially easing a major source of tension in transatlantic trade relations.

    According to sources familiar with the bloc’s position, the Trump administration may within weeks reduce the number of so-called “derivative products” subject to the 50% tariff rate applied to goods containing the two metals. The EU has repeatedly argued that the sweeping metals tariff contradicts last year’s US-EU trade agreement, which established a 15% tariff ceiling for most European exports.

    The United States regularly updates the list of derivative products covered by the higher tariff, which now includes more than 400 items. The expanding scope has complicated compliance for exporters, who must calculate the share of steel or aluminium content in their goods, and has diminished the practical benefits of the bilateral trade accord.

    EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic told lawmakers he had received reassurances from US counterparts that the issue is being reviewed and that progress could come “rather soon.”

    The anticipated changes would not affect tariffs on commodity-grade steel and aluminium.

    The discussions come amid broader uncertainty in transatlantic trade relations. The US Supreme Court recently struck down the administration’s use of emergency powers to impose reciprocal tariffs, prompting Washington to introduce a new 10% global levy in addition to existing duties. That move could push tariffs on certain EU exports above levels allowed under the US-EU agreement.

    In response, the European Parliament has suspended work on ratifying the trade accord pending clarification of the new US policy. Despite the complications, both sides have signalled their intention to preserve the agreement while navigating the transition to a revised trade framework.

  • Mitsubishi Corporation to Invest in Anglo American’s Woodsmith Fertiliser Project

    Mitsubishi Corporation to Invest in Anglo American’s Woodsmith Fertiliser Project

    Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has entered into a definitive agreement with Anglo American plc to invest in the Woodsmith fertiliser resource project in the United Kingdom and collaborate on the development of its feasibility study.

    The Woodsmith project, located in Northeast England, hosts one of the world’s largest polyhalite resources and is expected to support stable operations for more than 60 years. It is set to become one of the UK’s most significant new mining developments in decades. Anglo American has been advancing the project since 2020 as a core component of its long-term growth strategy.

    Polyhalite is a natural multi-nutrient fertiliser containing potassium, sulphur, magnesium and calcium. It is characterised by low chloride content and comparatively lower greenhouse gas emissions during production. The ore body is naturally high grade and does not require beneficiation, reducing water consumption and eliminating mining waste, factors that contribute to the project’s lower environmental footprint. Agronomic trials conducted globally over the past decade have demonstrated improvements in crop yield and soil health.

    Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Corporation will contribute funding to the feasibility study and participate in pilot sales to validate the product’s market potential and build demand. The study will assess development plans, operational parameters, economic viability and social and environmental impacts. Mitsubishi will also leverage its global food and agriculture networks, including facilitating agronomic trials through its group companies.

    The collaboration will allow Mitsubishi to evaluate potential further equity participation at the time of Anglo American’s Final Investment Decision, currently anticipated from 2028.

    Demand for fertiliser minerals is expected to grow over the medium to long term, driven by global population growth, evolving dietary trends and increasing focus on food security. Sustainable fertiliser products are also gaining importance as agriculture faces mounting pressure to reduce environmental impacts and adopt responsible practices.

  • UK and US Sign Critical Minerals Partnership to Strengthen Supply Chains

    UK and US Sign Critical Minerals Partnership to Strengthen Supply Chains

    The United Kingdom and the United States have signed a new partnership aimed at securing critical mineral supply chains and boosting investment in domestic mining and processing projects.

    The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Washington DC by UK Foreign Office Minister Seema Malhotra and US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg during a meeting attended by representatives from more than 50 countries. The agreement is designed to accelerate efforts to secure supplies of critical minerals essential for industries ranging from automotive and defence to clean energy and electronics.

    The partnership supports the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, published last November and backed by up to £50 million in new funding to strengthen domestic production and processing capacity. Under the strategy, the government aims to ensure that by 2035 no more than 60 percent of the UK’s supply of any single critical mineral comes from one country.

    The new UK-US framework seeks to encourage greater private investment in mining and processing projects, while enhancing cooperation between the two allies to build more resilient and diversified global supply chains.

    Minister Seema Malhotra said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening supply chain resilience and safeguarding long-term economic growth. Industry Minister Chris McDonald added that the partnership would help stimulate new investment into British mineral projects and support sectors reliant on secure access to raw materials.

    The agreement adds to the UK’s expanding network of bilateral critical minerals partnerships, which already includes Australia and Canada.

    The UK critical minerals sector contributes £1.79 billion to the economy and supports more than 50,000 jobs. There are currently over 50 domestic projects focused on extracting and refining critical materials.

  • Coal Sector Protests and Shortages Threaten Power Supply in Romania and Bosnia

    Coal Sector Protests and Shortages Threaten Power Supply in Romania and Bosnia

    Workers in the coal mining and thermal power sectors across Southeast Europe are facing mounting pressure from austerity measures and supply disruptions, raising concerns about electricity generation and energy security in the region.

    In Romania, employees of state-owned Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CE Oltenia) have staged protests, including hunger strikes, in response to proposed wage cuts and the possible cancellation of meal vouchers. Thirteen workers have reportedly gone on hunger strike, while demonstrations have taken place at several coal mines and one thermal power plant.

    During a meeting with union representatives, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that CE Oltenia could only be exempted from austerity measures if it improves efficiency and reduces reliance on state aid. A government memorandum clarifying the situation is expected to be discussed next week. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan noted that Romania had previously renegotiated with the European Commission the closure deadline for certain coal-fired power plants, extending it beyond December 31, 2025.

    Union representatives warned that if their demands are not addressed, protests could escalate and further reduce already strained coal supplies feeding the Rovinari and Turceni thermal power plants, which are central to Romania’s power system.

    Similar challenges are emerging in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ugljevik thermal power plant is currently offline due to coal shortages and has recently reduced salaries for all employees. In late January, the Government of the Republic of Srpska agreed to transfer part of the Ugljevik coal concession from Comsar Energy RS, majority owned by Russian businessman Rashid Sardarov, to RiTE Ugljevik, the plant’s operator.

    The transferred deposit reportedly contains around 50 million tonnes of coal, enough to supply the plant for approximately 25 years. The reserves had originally been earmarked for the planned Ugljevik 3 project, which was never completed.

    Labor tensions have also surfaced at the Zenica coal mine, which is scheduled for closure. In September, miners staged a five-day hunger strike over unpaid wages.

    The combined impact of labor unrest and coal shortages has contributed to a sharp rise in electricity imports. In 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electricity imports reached a record €321.6 million, roughly double the previous year, partly due to production halts at coal-fired facilities.

  • Sibanye Stillwater Reaffirms Battery Metals Strategy Despite Keliber Impairment

    Sibanye Stillwater Reaffirms Battery Metals Strategy Despite Keliber Impairment

    South African mining group Sibanye Stillwater remains committed to its battery metals strategy despite recording an additional 2.46 billion rand ($152.6 million) impairment on its Keliber lithium project in Finland, CEO Richard Stewart said during a results call.

    The company, which began in 2013 with three gold mines before expanding into platinum group metals, has in recent years diversified into lithium, nickel and zinc as part of a strategic shift toward metals used in renewable energy and decarbonization technologies.

    In 2025, Sibanye booked total impairments of 7.8 billion rand on Keliber, reflecting a weaker long-term price outlook for lithium hydroxide. The asset is currently valued at approximately 9 billion rand. Earlier in February 2025, the company also withdrew plans to invest in the Rhyolite Ridge lithium project in the United States after lithium prices declined sharply.

    Stewart said the group’s long-term strategy remains focused on supplying critical metals that support the global energy transition. At Keliber, Sibanye has opted for a phased production approach, beginning with spodumene concentrate while deferring potential production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide until market conditions improve.

    He added that policy initiatives by the European Union and the United States to reduce reliance on Chinese battery metals could improve the long-term pricing environment for projects such as Keliber.

    Financially, Sibanye reported headline earnings of 2.44 rand per share in 2025, compared with 0.64 rand the previous year. The improvement was driven by stronger commodity prices, including a 39% increase in the average rand gold price and a 28% rise in the average South African platinum group metals basket price.

    The stronger performance enabled the diversified miner to declare its first dividend since 2023.

  • US Energy Secretary Says Greenland Interest Driven by Security, Not Mining

    US Energy Secretary Says Greenland Interest Driven by Security, Not Mining

    The Trump administration’s primary interest in Greenland is rooted in national security rather than the development of its rare earth or energy resources, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said at a conference in Paris hosted by the French Institute of International Relations.

    President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in expanding US influence in Greenland and has explored potential mineral supply agreements as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on China for critical raw materials. However, Wright clarified that mineral development is secondary to security considerations, particularly in the context of expanding the US military presence on the Arctic island.

    “We’ve got all sorts of places to mine rare earth metals and produce oil and gas,” Wright said, adding that while resource development might benefit Greenland economically, the United States’ core objective is strategic security.

    Rare earth elements have been central to Washington’s geopolitical strategy, as the US seeks to challenge China’s dominance in the supply of critical minerals used in technologies ranging from smartphones and renewable energy systems to advanced defence applications.

    During the early months of his second term, Trump pursued mineral supply discussions with Greenland and Ukraine. More recently, however, the administration has shifted focus toward downstream processing, widely regarded as the key bottleneck in building alternative supply chains outside China.

    Wright also downplayed the scarcity narrative surrounding rare earth elements, noting that the materials are geographically widespread and that more commercially attractive mining jurisdictions exist elsewhere.

  • Velta Agrees Sale to U.S. Investor CRML as Part of Strategic Relaunch Plan

    Velta Agrees Sale to U.S. Investor CRML as Part of Strategic Relaunch Plan

    Ukrainian titanium producer Velta is entering a new phase of development after its owner, businessman Andriy Brodsky, agreed in early 2026 to sell the company to U.S.-based investment group CRML in what market sources describe as a “survival and relaunch” transaction.

    The deal is designed to secure fresh capital and reposition the company within global titanium supply chains. Under the agreement, Velta is expected to strengthen integration with major Western industrial partners and expand its footprint in the international titanium market.

    As part of its transformation strategy, Velta signed an agreement with European Lithium and initiated a due diligence process, a key step before further structural decisions are taken. Following the audit, the partners may consider spinning off Velta as a standalone entity and pursuing a listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States.

    A NASDAQ listing would provide access to one of the world’s deepest pools of technology-focused capital and could support large-scale fundraising. The company intends to channel new investment into building a metallic titanium plant based on its proprietary technology, as well as expanding research and development capabilities.

    Industry observers say the transaction opens new financing pathways and positions Velta to evolve into a vertically integrated titanium player with advanced technological expertise. The strategy also includes investment in in-house power generation to lower operating costs and improve efficiency.

    If completed, a U.S. stock market listing would mark one of the most notable Ukrainian M&A developments in the post-2022 period, highlighting the ability of export-oriented, high-tech manufacturers to attract Western investment despite challenging market conditions.

    The transaction signals more than a change in ownership, potentially marking a broader reset for Ukraine’s titanium industry and its integration into global supply chains.

  • Strickland Metals Targets Major Growth with 70,000m Drill Campaign at Serbia’s Rogozna Gold Project

    Strickland Metals Targets Major Growth with 70,000m Drill Campaign at Serbia’s Rogozna Gold Project

    Strickland Metals has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for its Rogozna gold project in Serbia, positioning the asset as one of the largest undeveloped gold resources among ASX-listed explorers. The company plans to undertake a 70,000-metre drilling programme in 2026, the largest exploration campaign in the project’s history, ahead of delivering a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) in the first half of 2027.

    The Rogozna project currently hosts a total resource of 8.6 million ounces of gold equivalent (AuEq) across four defined deposits, representing a 58% increase from the 5.4 million ounces announced in 2024. The deposits include Gradina, Shanac, Medenovac and Copper Canyon, with Shanac accounting for the largest share at 5.3 million ounces AuEq. Gradina stands out for its higher grade, hosting 1.2 million ounces at 3.0g/t AuEq, offering strong underground mining potential with recoveries of around 90% through conventional flotation.

    Strategic validation has come from Zijin Mining, which holds a 4% stake in Strickland. Zijin is already the largest mining operator in Serbia, and its investment provides both technical endorsement and regional credibility.

    Serbia’s mining jurisdiction is considered favourable, located within the Western Tethyan Belt and home to multiple large porphyry systems. The country is Europe’s third-largest copper producer, with mining contributing approximately 2.7% of GDP. Major international operators including Rio Tinto and BHP are present in the country, reinforcing its status as an established mining destination.

    Recent drilling has delivered two new discoveries within 15 months. At Red Creek, located near Shanac, drilling returned intercepts including 53 metres at 2.3g/t AuEq. At Kotlovi, west of Medenovac, results included 277.3 metres at 1.3g/t AuEq. Both zones remain open in multiple directions, suggesting further resource growth potential.

    In February 2026, Strickland completed an oversubscribed A$55 million institutional placement, lifting its cash position to A$68.2 million and increasing institutional ownership to 38%. The company is fully funded through PFS completion in H1 2027, supporting both the large-scale drilling programme and ongoing technical studies.

    The 2026 programme will include resource expansion drilling, scoping studies, additional discovery testing across the 184km² licence area and porphyry exploration. Multiple resource updates are expected through late 2026, culminating in PFS delivery in early 2027.

    With a current market capitalisation of approximately A$592 million, the company trades at roughly US$49 per contained ounce of gold equivalent. The scale of the resource base, ongoing exploration success and strategic backing position Rogozna as one of the most significant gold development projects among ASX-listed companies.

  • Romania Eyes Rare Earth Refining Capacity to Become Global Critical Materials Player

    Romania Eyes Rare Earth Refining Capacity to Become Global Critical Materials Player

    Romania could emerge as a global force in the rare metals industry as it moves to develop domestic refining capacity, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan said in an interview with Antena 3.

    Ivan argued that Romania already possesses strong industrial foundations, including major automotive and industrial wiring manufacturers that currently import refined copper from countries such as India, China and Turkey, despite much of the raw ore being mined domestically. He said the establishment of a rare earths refinery would encourage high-tech manufacturers, including aerospace component producers, to relocate closer to Romanian industrial hubs such as Brasov, Sibiu and Feldioara.

    According to the minister, three Romanian projects involving critical raw materials were recognised by the European Union as strategically significant in April 2025. One of them is a €300 million investment to build the country’s first copper refinery in Hunedoara county. The project is being developed by a private Romanian company in partnership with state-owned copper miner CupruMin. Currently, copper ore extracted in Hunedoara is exported for refining in Turkey and Asia before being re-imported for use in domestic manufacturing.

    Two additional projects, worth a combined €315 million, focus on metallic magnesium extraction in Bihor county and battery-grade graphite extraction in Gorj county. The Bihor project involves companies from the United States and Canada, while the graphite project in Baia de Fier is operated by majority state-owned company Salrom.

    Ivan also confirmed ongoing discussions with a US-based mining company holding licences for rare earth deposits in Greenland. By mid-April, Romania expects to finalise the terms of what would become its first fully integrated project covering extraction, refining and downstream consumption of rare earth materials. The minister said the US company already holds contracts with major aerospace firms.

    In December, the Energy Ministry announced that the Feldioara Uranium Concentrate Processing Plant, a subsidiary of Nuclearelectrica, would establish a joint venture with US-based Critical Metals Corp. Under the plan, 50% of rare earths extracted from a major Greenland deposit would be processed at the Feldioara facility. The initiative could position Romania as a stable supplier of strategic materials for microprocessors, aerospace and defence industries.

    The project may receive financing under the European RESourceEU Action Plan, which has a budget of up to €3 billion.