MINEX Forum

Region: Europe

  • Satellite Data Suggest Polish Coal Mines Continued Methane Venting Despite EU Ban

    Satellite Data Suggest Polish Coal Mines Continued Methane Venting Despite EU Ban

    New satellite analysis indicates that several Polish coal mines may have continued venting methane in 2025 despite a ban under the EU Methane Regulation that took effect in January of that year. The findings raise concerns about enforcement gaps and the absence of penalty frameworks in Poland, the EU’s largest coal methane emitter.

    According to analysis cited in the report, 96% of methane plumes detected over onshore European energy infrastructure in 2025 were traced to Polish coal mines, making them the most frequent fossil fuel methane super-emitters in the bloc. Out of 22 coal mine drainage systems examined in Poland, five were observed venting methane during the year, even though routine venting from drainage systems has been prohibited since January 2025.

    The EU Methane Regulation requires operators to either utilize captured methane or flare it with at least 99% destruction efficiency. Venting is permitted only in cases of emergency, malfunction, or unavoidable maintenance, and operators must notify competent authorities within 48 hours. However, no national penalty framework has yet been adopted in Poland, despite a deadline of 5 August 2025 for Member States to define sanctions.

    Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and coal remains the largest source of fossil methane emissions in the EU energy sector. According to UNFCCC data, EU coal mining emitted 783.6 thousand tonnes of methane in 2023, accounting for around 60% of energy-sector methane emissions. The International Energy Agency estimates that 62% of the EU’s coal mine methane emissions could be technically abated by 2030, with the vast majority originating in Poland.

    Satellite observations detected emission rates ranging from roughly 120 kg per hour to 7,560 kg per hour, with 19 plumes exceeding 2,000 kg per hour. Coking coal mines were responsible for most of the detected events, despite representing a smaller share of overall hard coal production. Analysts argue this highlights the need for stricter methane reduction targets for coking coal operations.

    The report also estimates that methane reportedly vented from Polish drainage systems in 2024, if captured and used, could have provided enough energy to meet roughly one week of heating demand for approximately 14.5 million Polish households. Polish coal mines reportedly utilized 70% of captured drainage methane in 2024, while 57,000 tonnes went unused and were emitted into the atmosphere.

    Experts stress that the effectiveness of the EU Methane Regulation depends on enforcement, independent emissions verification, and the introduction of dissuasive penalties. Recommendations include harmonized verification standards, combining satellite monitoring with on-site inspections, and setting meaningful penalty levels to incentivize compliance.

    Without these measures, observers warn, the regulation risks falling short of delivering the significant methane reductions required to meet EU climate objectives.

  • Türkiye and Uzbekistan Sign Mining Cooperation MoU Focused on Critical Minerals

    Türkiye and Uzbekistan Sign Mining Cooperation MoU Focused on Critical Minerals

    Türkiye and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining sector, with a particular focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements, officials said on Thursday.

    The document was signed by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Mining Industry and Geology Bobir Islamov. The signing took place following high-level talks in Ankara between Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

    According to Bayraktar, the agreement is intended to promote information exchange, research and development, and the implementation of concrete joint projects in the mining sector. He said the memorandum would help advance cooperation in strategically important minerals and support broader economic ties between the two countries.

    Writing on Türkiye’s NSosyal platform, Bayraktar described the agreement as an important step toward achieving the bilateral trade volume targets set by the two presidents, expressing confidence that it would deliver mutual benefits.

    The signing coincided with the Fourth Meeting of the Türkiye–Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, chaired by Erdogan and Mirziyoyev at the presidential complex in Ankara. Beyond mining, the two countries concluded a series of additional agreements and memoranda covering cooperation in health, education, culture, transport corridors, energy, higher education, free and special economic zones, as well as economic and financial affairs.

  • Berkeley Energia Seeks $1.25 Billion From Spain Over Blocked Salamanca Uranium Project

    Berkeley Energia Seeks $1.25 Billion From Spain Over Blocked Salamanca Uranium Project

    Australia’s Berkeley Energia said on Friday it has filed a memorial of claim worth about $1.25 billion against Spain at the World Bank’s arbitration tribunal, escalating its long-running dispute over the stalled Salamanca uranium project.

    The company said its subsidiary, Berkeley Exploration, submitted the claim to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. The filing includes detailed factual background on the project and the dispute, witness statements, an assessment of damages, and supporting expert reports.

    Berkeley initially launched arbitration proceedings in May 2024, seeking $1 billion in damages after the Spanish government declined to grant final approval for the uranium mine. The Salamanca project, located near the city of Salamanca in western Spain, received preliminary approval in 2013. However, Spain’s Energy Ministry refused to issue final approval in 2021 and again in 2023.

    In 2024, Berkeley accused Spain of breaching its obligations under the Energy Charter Treaty, an international framework intended to promote energy security through open and competitive energy markets.

    Spain now has until July 2026 to submit its response to the memorial of claim, Berkeley said. The announcement weighed on investor sentiment, with Berkeley shares falling as much as 8.8% to A$0.52, broadly in line with weakness across the mining sector, where the sub-index was down 2.8% at the same time.

  • Investigation Links UK Shell Firms to $200 Million in Uzbek State Mining Contracts

    Investigation Links UK Shell Firms to $200 Million in Uzbek State Mining Contracts

    Two U.K.-registered companies with no apparent mining background won tens of millions of dollars in procurement contracts from Uzbekistan’s state-owned Almalyk Mining-Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) over the past three years, according to an investigation by OCCRP. The reporting found the firms were part of a wider network of companies spanning multiple jurisdictions that collectively secured more than $200 million in AMMC tenders since 2022.

    AMMC, described as a “crown jewel” of Uzbekistan’s economy and a potential candidate for a foreign stock exchange listing, is a major producer of copper, silver, and gold and contributes a significant share of national tax revenues. The tenders examined by reporters covered equipment and raw-material supplies and represent around seven percent of AMMC’s total expenditures since 2022. AMMC did not respond to detailed questions about the contracts or delivery performance.

    The investigation identified links between the tender-winning companies and two individuals: Grigoriy Khvan, an Uzbek businessman known for his role in the country’s table tennis community, and Felipe Guerrero, a Colombian national with no publicly identifiable mining-sector background. Reporters said these connections, combined with abrupt changes in official filings, raised questions about whether listed owners were acting as proxies.

    One U.K. firm, Lemixton Solutions Ltd, reportedly won at least 56 AMMC tenders worth $22.53 million while filing dormant accounts in the U.K. for the same periods. Import-export records reviewed by OCCRP indicated shipments to AMMC during those years. After reporters made inquiries in late 2025, filings were amended in a rapid sequence: a British accountant previously listed as the person with significant control was removed, Khvan was added with control backdated to 2018, and then replaced weeks later by Guerrero, also backdated to 2018.

    A similar pattern was reported at a second U.K. company, Golders Business Ltd, which also filed dormant accounts while winning at least $13 million in AMMC tenders and sending more than 100 shipments to the Uzbek enterprise. In both cases, the investigation noted that competing firms sometimes bid against one another for the same tenders even when they appeared to be under common ownership or control.

    OCCRP also reported concerns involving procurement paperwork. Contracts worth more than $7 million included electronic signatures attributed to accounting associates who deny signing them or being involved, with at least one individual saying the matter was reported to British authorities.

    Beyond the U.K., the investigation traced related activity to Georgia and Singapore. In Georgia, a medical tourism coordinator reportedly purchased companies for a nominal sum after they had already been awarded tens of millions of dollars in AMMC tenders. In Singapore, three companies were reported to have won more than $100 million in AMMC contracts, with corporate records and third-party filings suggesting overlapping links to entities associated with Khvan, though representatives disputed any shared ownership or control.

    The findings come as Uzbekistan publicly emphasizes stronger anti-corruption standards and as AMMC’s potential privatization increases scrutiny of procurement transparency and beneficial ownership disclosure.

  • DPM Metals Extends Chelopech Mine Life to 2036 as Reserves Jump 42%

    DPM Metals Extends Chelopech Mine Life to 2036 as Reserves Jump 42%

    DPM Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM, ASX: DPM) has updated its Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate and revised the life-of-mine plan for its Chelopech mine in Bulgaria, extending the operation’s mine life to 2036 and maintaining average production of about 160000 gold equivalent ounces per year.

    The company reported a significant increase in Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves to 23.2 million tonnes, representing a 42% net rise in tonnage compared with the previous reserve estimate. DPM said the updated reserve model reflects the inclusion of the Sharlo Dere prospect, revised design and modelling parameters, and updated cut-off assumptions. In metal terms, the new reserve estimate shows higher contained gold and copper, with gold content up 12% and copper up 10% versus the prior estimate.

    Beyond reserves, DPM said its Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource base, excluding Mineral Reserves, increased by 20% to 15.3 million tonnes, with grades of 1.96 g/t gold and 0.57% copper, broadly consistent with reserve grades. The company noted that part of the year-on-year shift in resource figures was driven by conversion of resources into reserves and updates to cut-off assumptions.

    DPM highlighted additional upside potential from exploration, including the Wedge Zone Deep discovery, which is not yet included in the current MRMR estimate. The Wedge Zone Deep target is located within the Chelopech mine concession and around 300 metres below existing reserves and current infrastructure. DPM plans an additional 10000 metres of drilling, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with an update on drilling results anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.

    The revised life-of-mine plan maintains a 2.2 million tonne per year mining rate through to 2032, following schedule optimisation aimed at meeting production goals and maximising value within development constraints. DPM said the updated plan will form the basis of its 2026 guidance and refreshed three-year outlook, due to be released on February 10, 2026 alongside fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results.

    In parallel, the company is progressing permitting and tenure expansion around Chelopech, including efforts to convert the Chelopech North and Brevene licences toward mining concessions, with Chelopech North expected in 2026.

  • Austria Extends Mining Licence for Wolfsberg Lithium Project, Boosting Development Certainty

    Austria Extends Mining Licence for Wolfsberg Lithium Project, Boosting Development Certainty

    A key regulatory step has been secured for the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria, as national authorities granted a two-year extension to its mining licence, strengthening planning certainty for the project’s next development phases. The Wolfsberg project is linked to  and is located in the Carinthia region of southern Austria.

    The licence extension comes at a time of firmer lithium prices and heightened European efforts to secure domestic supplies of critical raw materials. While the regulatory approval provides a stable framework for continued project planning, the transition to production will still depend on external market and financing conditions.

    According to the company, the extended permit supports progress toward establishing a framework for a potential “Decision to Mine,” which is now targeted for completion by the end of 2026. However, any final investment decision will remain conditional on favourable lithium market pricing and the successful securing of project financing.

    Wolfsberg is considered a strategic asset for , which was formed following a business combination with European Lithium. The renewed licence is seen as a crucial enabler for advancing technical and commercial planning, though it does not remove the economic hurdles associated with bringing the project into production.

    The timing of the permit renewal aligns with broader European policy objectives aimed at strengthening raw material security. Wolfsberg is intended to produce spodumene concentrate for use in electric mobility and battery storage markets, in line with the EU’s push to localise supply chains under the .

    Alongside progress at Wolfsberg, European Lithium has recently taken steps to reinforce its corporate position, including divesting part of its stake in Critical Metals Corp. and announcing a diversification move through the planned acquisition of US-based Velta Holding, which owns titanium assets in Ukraine.

    For Wolfsberg, the next major milestone remains the targeted framework for a “Decision to Mine” by the end of 2026, provided market conditions and financing arrangements align.

  • Zijin to Lift Stake in Strickland Metals via A$55 Million Placement for Serbia Gold Project

    Zijin to Lift Stake in Strickland Metals via A$55 Million Placement for Serbia Gold Project

    China’s  is set to increase its shareholding in Australia’s  through a A$55 million institutional placement aimed at accelerating development of the Rogozna gold project in southern Serbia.

    Strickland said on Tuesday that Zijin will invest A$5 million in the placement, lifting its stake to 4.0% from 3.3%. The company plans to issue about 343.2 million fully paid ordinary shares at A$0.16 per share, according to a filing with the .

    Funds raised will support an expanded 70,000-metre drilling programme at Rogozna in 2026, with the aim of delivering updated resource estimates in late 2026 for the Shanac, Gradina and Copper Canyon deposits. Additional drilling is also planned at the Red Creek prospect following a recent discovery.

    The proceeds will further be used to advance a pre-feasibility study for Rogozna, targeted for completion in the first half of 2027. Earlier on Tuesday, Strickland reported a new high-grade gold and base metals discovery at Red Creek, its second since acquiring Rogozna in mid-2024.

    Last month, Strickland increased Rogozna’s inferred mineral resource estimate to 8.6 million ounces of gold equivalent from 7.4 million ounces, following a maiden estimate for the Gradina deposit. Rogozna comprises four exploration licences covering around 184 square kilometres and is considered a potential candidate to become one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold deposits.

    Zijin already has a significant presence in Serbia through its mining subsidiaries, operating copper and gold assets in the eastern part of the country, underscoring its growing interest in the region’s mineral potential.

  • Germany Seeks Deeper Partnership With Australia on Critical Raw Materials

    Germany Seeks Deeper Partnership With Australia on Critical Raw Materials

    Germany is looking to strengthen its cooperation with Australia on the supply and development of critical raw materials, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday during an official visit to Canberra.

    Following talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Wadephul described Australia as a key partner for Germany in diversifying global supply chains. He highlighted the strategic importance of minerals extracted in Australia, particularly lithium, and said Berlin is keen to expand collaboration in the raw materials sector.

    Australia hosts some of the world’s most significant mineral resources, including the largest hard-rock lithium mine, located near the town of Greenbushes south of Perth. The site spans more than 2000 hectares and is responsible for roughly 20% of global lithium production. Lithium is a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles.

    In addition to lithium, Australia holds substantial reserves of rare earth elements such as neodymium and terbium, which are essential for manufacturing permanent magnets used in electric motors and other advanced technologies.

    Wadephul acknowledged that closer cooperation in developing and exploiting mineral resources would require significant financial investment. He noted that extraction and processing of critical raw materials can be costly, but emphasised that Germany’s economy is particularly reliant on secure access to these resources.

  • Czech Republic Ends Hard Coal Mining After Nearly 250 Years

    Czech Republic Ends Hard Coal Mining After Nearly 250 Years

    The Czech Republic has formally brought nearly two and a half centuries of hard coal mining to a close, marking the moment with a symbolic final cart of black coal lifted from a depth of 1300 metres. The ceremony took place on Wednesday at the CSM mine in Stonava, close to the Polish border, and was attended by current and former miners, officials, and invited guests.

    State-owned mining company OKD confirmed that the CSM operation was the country’s last active hard coal mine and said production had become unsustainable due to rising costs. Speaking at the event, OKD general director Roman Sikora described the closure as a historic milestone and paid tribute to generations of miners who shaped the country’s industrial development.

    Over its long history, the CSM mine developed an underground network exceeding one million metres in length and became the setting for several notable moments, including a wedding held almost 900 metres below ground in 1992. The mine was also visited underground by playwright and former Czech president Václav Havel in the early 1990s.

    The shutdown marks the end of an era for the Moravian-Silesian region, long defined by heavy industry and coal production. While around 700 workers will remain involved in decommissioning and closure activities, others are expected to transition into retraining programmes.

    Hard coal, also known as black coal or anthracite, is valued for its high carbon content and energy density. Although underground hard coal mining has now ended in the Czech Republic, lignite extraction in open-cast mines is expected to continue until 2033. Comparable closures have already taken place elsewhere in Europe, including Germany, which shut its last hard coal mine in the Ruhr region in 2018.

  • EU Moves to Forge Critical Minerals Partnership with US to Counter China’s Dominance

    EU Moves to Forge Critical Minerals Partnership with US to Counter China’s Dominance

    The European Union is preparing to propose a formal critical minerals partnership with the United States, seeking to align with the Trump administration’s renewed push to secure global supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

    According to sources familiar with the discussions, Brussels is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding with Washington that would launch work on a “Strategic Partnership Roadmap,” with a draft framework expected within three months. Negotiators on both sides are aiming to conclude initial talks within 30 days, with a joint statement by the European Commission and the US expected this week.

    The proposed partnership is designed to coordinate sourcing, pricing and market safeguards for critical minerals that underpin modern technologies ranging from clean energy systems to defence equipment. Both the EU and the US remain heavily dependent on Chinese production and processing, a concentration that has given Beijing significant leverage over global supply chains.

    Under the proposal, the EU and US would explore joint mining and processing projects, develop secure transatlantic supply chains, and consider price-support mechanisms to protect Western producers from cheaper imports. The draft also highlights tools to prevent market manipulation and manage oversupply, including coordinated stockpiling and shared response mechanisms in the event of disruptions.

    Notably, EU officials insist the partnership explicitly include respect for territorial integrity. This provision follows recent strains in transatlantic relations after Donald Trump publicly floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and part of the EU.

    The initiative coincides with a US-led ministerial meeting this week, bringing together foreign ministers and senior officials from allied countries to advance agreements aimed at cutting dependence on Chinese critical minerals. A draft statement seen by Bloomberg indicates the EU, the US and partners are considering a broader plurilateral trade initiative involving like-minded nations.

    Potential measures under discussion include coordinated trade policies such as standards-based markets, price-gap subsidies, border-adjusted price floors and long-term offtake agreements. While the text remains subject to change, it reflects Washington’s interest in shielding domestic producers from undercutting by Chinese exports.

    China’s role looms large in the background. Beijing dominates both mining and refining of many critical minerals, and its export restrictions on rare earths last year elevated the issue to the top of Washington’s strategic agenda. Although some restrictions were temporarily eased following talks between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, US officials remain focused on accelerating diversification.

    In parallel, the Trump administration has placed renewed emphasis on stockpiling. Earlier this week, the US announced a $12 billion critical minerals reserve aimed at protecting manufacturers from sudden supply shocks, a move closely aligned with elements of the EU proposal.

    The European Commission has described the talks as essential to reducing dependence on any single supplier, though officials privately caution that reaching a comprehensive agreement on complex pricing and trade mechanisms within weeks will be challenging. Still, the EU’s willingness to table a detailed proposal signals momentum toward closer transatlantic coordination on one of the most strategically sensitive areas of the global economy.