MINEX Forum

Tag: clean energy

  • Kazakhstan Eyes Russian Participation in First Nuclear Power Plant Project

    Kazakhstan Eyes Russian Participation in First Nuclear Power Plant Project

    Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu has expressed hope that Russia will participate in building the country’s first nuclear power plant (NPP). The statement was made during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to TASS.

    “We already have over 170 joint projects with Russian businesses, and the NPP construction is among the most strategic. I hope our respective ministries will move forward with the necessary work,” Nurtleu noted.

    The project has strong public support — a referendum held on October 6, 2024, showed 71.12% of Kazakhstani voters are in favor of building a nuclear power plant. Four international companies are currently under consideration to supply technology and lead construction:

    • Rosatom (Russia)

    • CNNC (China)

    • KHNP (South Korea)

    • EDF (France)

    According to Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, the contractor selection will be completed by June 2025. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously confirmed that the NPP will be developed through an international consortium, should the public support it.

    The first NPP will be located in the village of Ulken, Almaty region. Preparatory work has already begun, with plans to create an industrial zone, social infrastructure, and to modernize local roads and water supply systems to support NPP operations.

    Speaking at the recent National Kurultai, a major national forum, President Tokayev revealed even more ambitious plans:

    “Kazakhstan will not stop at one NPP. We are preparing to establish three nuclear power plants, alongside the formation of a dedicated Nuclear Energy Agency.”

    The push for nuclear energy comes amid Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and strengthen energy security in the region.

  • Uzbekistan at a Crossroads: Balancing Critical Minerals Boom with Environmental Sustainability

    Uzbekistan at a Crossroads: Balancing Critical Minerals Boom with Environmental Sustainability

    Uzbekistan stands on the brink of a transformative opportunity as global demand for critical minerals— essential for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing — surges at an unprecedented rate. With vast reserves of gold, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, the nation has the potential to become a major global supplier. However, history warns that such resource wealth can be a double-edged sword, bringing both economic growth and environmental risks.

    The global shift toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and digital technologies has created an insatiable appetite for critical minerals. Already a top 10 gold producer in 2024 and a growing exporter of copper, Uzbekistan is well-positioned to capitalize on its untapped mineral wealth. If managed wisely, this sector could attract billions in investment, create jobs, and elevate the country’s global economic standing.

    Yet, the risks are significant. The so-called ‘resource curse’ — where resource-rich nations experience economic booms followed by environmental degradation, corruption, and instability — looms large. Uzbekistan faces pressing challenges, including transboundary water pollution from Kazakhstan’s industrial waste, which contaminates the Syr Darya River. Heavy metals, arsenic, and other toxins threaten agriculture, food security, and public health. Without strict safeguards, expanding mining operations could turn this golden opportunity into an ecological disaster.

    The Aral Sea crisis, one of Central Asia’s most infamous environmental catastrophes, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of mismanaged industrial development. Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, the Aral Sea has shrunk to 10% of its former size due to unsustainable water diversions for cotton production. This disaster devastated local economies, destroyed biodiversity, and left behind toxic dust storms that continue to harm public health.

    To avoid a similar fate, Uzbekistan must adopt strategic policies and sustainable practices. Key measures include establishing binding agreements with Kazakhstan to regulate industrial waste, enforcing strict environmental standards for mining projects, and investing in modern, water-efficient technologies. Regional cooperation, scientific research, and public engagement will also be critical to ensuring long-term prosperity.

    The decisions made today will shape Uzbekistan’s economic future and environmental legacy. By prioritizing responsible resource management, innovation, and cooperation, Uzbekistan can lead Central Asia in sustainable mining while becoming a global supplier of critical minerals for the clean energy transition.

  • EU and South Africa Forge Clean Energy Partnership, Highlighting Role of Platinum Group Metals in Green Hydrogen

    EU and South Africa Forge Clean Energy Partnership, Highlighting Role of Platinum Group Metals in Green Hydrogen

    The European Union (EU) and South Africa have strengthened their collaboration with a R94-billion (€4.7-billion) investment package announced at the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that clean energy and green hydrogen will form the cornerstone of this partnership, leveraging South Africa’s abundant renewable resources and its 91% share of global platinum group metals (PGM) reserves.

    Von der Leyen highlighted the potential for South Africa to create quality jobs through the beneficiation of its metals and minerals, particularly in the clean hydrogen value chain. “You have clean energy in abundance, from wind to sun. You have raw materials critical for electrolysers, including PGMs, and a rising industry to produce clean hydrogen,” she stated. The Clean Trade and Investment Partnershipaims to support South Africa in adding value to local production, with a focus on clean energy, raw materials, and green hydrogen.

    The partnership aligns with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, with €4.4-billion of the investment package dedicated to renewable energy projects. This initiative is part of the Scaling up Renewables in Africa campaign, launched by Von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at last year’s G20 Summit. The collaboration also includes investments in connectivity infrastructure and the local pharmaceutical industry.

    PGMs play a critical role in the hydrogen economy, particularly in proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology for electrolysers and fuel cells. The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) notes that PGMs are essential for producing green hydrogen and enabling its use in decarbonization efforts. By 2030, hydrogen-related platinum demand is projected to exceed 600,000 ounces, driven by applications in mobility, stationary power, and midstream processes like ammonia cracking and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC).

    South Africa’s Anglo American Platinum and venture capital firm AP Ventures are already supporting the commercialization of LOHC technology, which allows hydrogen to be transported using existing fuel infrastructure. This innovation, alongside the production of e-fuels like sustainable aviation fuel, underscores the versatility of PGMs in the energy transition.

    Von der Leyen expressed her commitment to co-hosting the Scaling up Renewables in Africacampaign with Ramaphosa, aiming to bring clean, affordable power to the continent. “Together, we’ll help accelerate Africa’s clean energy journey,” she said.

  • Orano and Navoiyuran Sign Agreement to Develop South Djenghildy Uranium Deposit in Uzbekistan

    Orano and Navoiyuran Sign Agreement to Develop South Djenghildy Uranium Deposit in Uzbekistan

    French nuclear giant Orano and Uzbek state-owned Navoiyuran have signed a groundbreaking agreement to advance the industrial development of the South Djenghildy uranium deposit in Uzbekistan. The partnership, facilitated through their joint venture Nurlikum Mining, aims to significantly boost uranium production, reaching up to 700 tons annually within a decade.

    The agreement integrates the South Djenghildy project into Navoiyuran’s existing industrial infrastructure, with the Uzbek company serving as the project operator. Notably, the deal introduces a new partner, Japanese corporation ITOCHU, which has acquired a minority stake in the joint venture. While specific ownership details remain undisclosed, the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing the mining project.

    Orano highlighted that the partnership reflects the determination of all parties to expand the South Djenghildy project, leveraging certified resources to ensure stable uranium production for at least ten years. The project is part of a broader strategic framework agreement signed between Orano and Uzbekistan in 2022, which also includes plans for extensive geological exploration to potentially double the joint venture’s mineral resources.

    Xavier Saint-Martin Tillet, Senior Executive Vice President of Orano Mining, emphasized the project’s role in diversifying the group’s raw material sources. He noted that Orano is applying its geological and technical expertise to further develop the initiative.

    Navoiyuran, the fifth-largest uranium producer globally, specializes in uranium mining and processing, supplying uranium oxide to meet the growing global demand for clean energy. The partnership aligns with Uzbekistan’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the global uranium market.

    In related developments, KATCO, a joint venture between Orano Mining and Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, announced plans to launch a uranium processing complex at the Moyynkum deposit in Kazakhstan’s Turkistan region by mid-2025. The facility is expected to produce 2,045 tons of uranium annually, contributing to a total output of 4,000 tons per year.

  • Czechia Commits to Phasing Out Coal by 2033 Amid Clean Energy Transition Debate

    Czechia Commits to Phasing Out Coal by 2033 Amid Clean Energy Transition Debate

    The Czech government has announced plans to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2033, aligning with the European Union’s broader push for cleaner energy. Some of the country’s oldest coal plants, including the Opatovice lignite power plant, are already transitioning, with Opatovice aiming to stop using coal by 2030. However, the shift to natural gas as an alternative has sparked controversy. While natural gas emits fewer greenhouse gases than coal, critics argue that it perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels, undermining efforts to achieve climate neutrality.

    The EU’s ambitious “Fit for 55” policy, which aims to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, is driving this transition. Through emissions trading, coal power is becoming increasingly unprofitable, with funds from the system directed into the EU’s Modernisation Fund. This fund supports lower-income member states in transitioning to cleaner energy. Since 2021, the fund has distributed €15.5 billion, with Czechia, Romania, and Poland receiving the largest shares. In December, Czechia was allocated an additional €130 million, primarily for natural gas projects and waste-to-energy infrastructure.

    Despite these investments, environmental groups have raised concerns. CEE Bankwatch reports that Czech plants near Vrato and Opatovice have received nearly €350 million in subsidies from the Modernisation Fund. Local environmental committee member Robert Hrdina from Pardubice acknowledges that gas is cleaner than lignite but warns of potential energy security risks. “Switching to gas will improve air quality, but it ties us to foreign energy imports,” he said. Hrdina also emphasized the need for greater focus on energy efficiency, noting that many apartment buildings lack proper insulation, which could reduce energy consumption by up to 50%.

    As Czechia moves toward its coal-free future, the debate continues over whether natural gas is a necessary short-term solution or a step in the wrong direction.

  • Copper Demand Expected to Surge as Oil Consumption Declines

    Copper Demand Expected to Surge as Oil Consumption Declines

    Global demand for copper is projected to rise significantly, while oil consumption is expected to decline, reports inbusiness.kz citing EnergyProm.

    In Kazakhstan, copper ore production reached 160.2 million tons in January–December 2024, marking a 7.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. However, the actual copper content in these ores ranges from 0.5% to 6%, with 5% considered exceptionally rich. The country’s copper concentrate production stood at 567.2 thousand tons, down 2.1% from the previous year, with copper content in the concentrate varying from 8% to 35%.

    Meanwhile, the global demand for copper is surging, with Goldman Sachs referring to it as the “new oil” due to its crucial role in clean energy technologies. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), copper demand is set to rise from 25.9 million tons in 2023 to 39.1 million tons by 2040, while oil consumption is expected to fall from 101.9 million to 66 million barrels per day. A significant portion of this growth will be driven by the electric vehicle (EV) industry, where copper is essential for battery components.

    Data from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that global copper production reached 22 million tons in 2023, with North, South, and Central America dominating the market. These regions host 15 of the world’s 20 largest copper deposits.

    Chile led global production with 5 million tons in 2023, followed by China (1.7 million tons) and the U.S. (1.1 million tons). Russia ranked sixth with 910 thousand tons, while Kazakhstan also secured a spot among the top producers, mining 600 thousand tons.

  • Kazatomprom Updates Strategy for 2025–2034 to Strengthen Global Market Leadership

    Kazatomprom Updates Strategy for 2025–2034 to Strengthen Global Market Leadership

    Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s leading atomic energy company, has revealed its updated strategic plan for 2025–2034, aiming to build on the successes of its 2018–2028 strategy. The refreshed goals focus on enhancing the company’s uranium resources, expanding into the rare and rare-earth metals sector, and improving trading operations. The strategy aims to ensure long-term sustainable value creation and strengthen Kazatomprom’s role in the global nuclear fuel cycle. By diversifying its resource base and increasing its market footprint, the company intends to contribute significantly to the global shift to clean energy.

    The updated strategy also emphasizes optimizing current processes and ensuring alignment with global green energy initiatives. As part of the strategy, Kazatomprom will continue to improve its governance practices and maintain a strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The company’s diversified sales portfolio, including an expanded geographic presence, will help safeguard its long-term competitiveness, even as global demand for nuclear energy and critical minerals rises.

    Kazatomprom aims to secure its position as a global leader, expanding its footprint beyond uranium to meet the growing demand for critical minerals, while also making significant contributions to the economic and social development of Kazakhstan and the regions it operates in.

  • Britain to Sign Minerals Cooperation Deal with Saudi Arabia

    Britain to Sign Minerals Cooperation Deal with Saudi Arabia

    The UK will sign a minerals cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to enhance critical mineral supply chains, attract investments, and support economic growth. Critical minerals like lithium, copper, and nickel, vital for clean energy technologies and AI development, are key priorities for the UK.

    Saudi Arabia, with untapped resources valued at $2.5 trillion, aims to be a global critical minerals hub. The agreement aligns with ongoing UK-GCC free trade negotiations. British Industry Minister Sarah Jones will lead 16 companies to Riyadh’s Future Minerals Forum, emphasizing the UK’s strategic goals in securing resources.

     

  • Cornish Lithium to Launch £15m Demonstration Plant, Aims to Boost UK’s Clean Energy Transition

    Cornish Lithium to Launch £15m Demonstration Plant, Aims to Boost UK’s Clean Energy Transition

    A new lithium production demonstration plant is set to open in Cornwall, marking a significant step in the UK’s shift towards clean energy. Cornish Lithium announced that the £15m facility near St Austell will begin producing lithium hydroxide—a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries—from granite sourced from an old China clay pit. This initiative aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on importing carbon-intensive materials from countries like China.

    The unveiling ceremony will take place at the Trelavour Hard Rock project this Friday. The company plans to produce 10,000 tonnes of sustainable domestic lithium annually by 2027. According to CEO Jeremy Wrathall, lithium is essential for manufacturing EVs, grid-scale electricity storage, and rechargeable electronics. Currently, the UK imports 100% of its lithium, but by 2030, the demand is expected to reach 110,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent.

    Wrathall emphasized that Cornwall holds one of the largest lithium resources in Europe, with the potential to meet more than half of the UK’s EV industry needs. He noted that this resource is an untapped advantage, which could make UK industries more competitive and less vulnerable to global supply chain issues.

    The £15m demonstration plant was funded through the National Wealth Fund, alongside The Energy and Minerals Group, TechMet, and the UK Government’s Automotive Transformation Fund. Wrathall added that this project could benefit an area with a 4,000-year mining heritage and help tackle social deprivation. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds praised the project for supporting high-skilled jobs in the South West and bolstering the UK’s critical minerals supply chains.

  • United States and Uzbekistan Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Minerals

    United States and Uzbekistan Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Minerals

    Ambassador Jonathan Henick and First Deputy Minister of Geology Omonullo Nasritdinxodjaev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to enhance cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan in the area of critical minerals. The signing took place just before Uzbekistan’s participation in MINExpo INTERNATIONAL, the world’s largest mining industry event, set for September 24-26, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    This agreement follows the announcement made during the September 2023 Presidential Summit in New York, where President Biden, President Mirziyoyev, and the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan agreed to launch a Critical Minerals Dialogue. The MOU aims to promote economic cooperation, drive investment in clean energy initiatives, and safeguard Central Asia’s ecosystems.

    Critical minerals and rare earth elements are vital to clean energy technologies and are becoming increasingly important in global economies. The United States is actively encouraging private sector investment in Uzbekistan’s mining sector. The MOU underscores both nations’ commitment to maintaining high environmental, labor, and governance standards in the global mining sector.

    Ambassador Henick stated, “The United States and Uzbekistan must cooperate to establish resilient and secure supply chains that can support the future energy landscape. This memorandum reflects our shared goal to diversify global mineral supply chains and expand our Strategic Partnership with Uzbekistan.”