MINEX Forum

Tag: community engagement

  • Evaluating the Impact of the Critical Raw Materials Act on European Mining Projects: Successes and Setbacks

    Evaluating the Impact of the Critical Raw Materials Act on European Mining Projects: Successes and Setbacks

    Since the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in May 2024, the European Union has aimed to bolster its domestic mining capabilities by designating 60 Strategic Projects and promising expedited permitting processes. However, five years into this initiative, the reality of project development in Europe reveals a stark contrast to the ambitious policy goals. While a few projects have successfully transitioned from planning to production, many others remain mired in legal disputes, financial challenges, or have been abandoned altogether. This article examines the factors influencing the success or failure of various mining projects across Europe, highlighting that the issues at play extend far beyond permitting delays.

    Among the projects that have made significant progress, Eldorado Gold’s Skouries copper-gold project in Greece is nearing completion, with first concentrate expected by the third quarter of 2026. Similarly, Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber project in Finland has become Europe’s first fully integrated lithium operation, producing lithium hydroxide locally, which has garnered support from local communities and regulators. In the Czech Republic, the Cínovec lithium project, backed by state aid, is on track for commissioning around 2031, while Sweden’s Leading Edge Materials has secured a mining lease for its Norra Kärr rare earth project after overcoming a decade of legal hurdles.

    However, the article also sheds light on notable failures. Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium project in Serbia faced mass protests and was ultimately placed on care and maintenance due to political pressures, illustrating how local opposition can derail even strategically designated projects. Similarly, Slovakia’s Trojárová antimony project was cancelled on environmental grounds, and Portugal’s Barroso lithium project is embroiled in legal challenges that threaten its future.

    The article emphasises that successful projects often share common characteristics: they tend to involve existing infrastructure, local processing, and strong financial backing from state or state-affiliated entities. Conversely, projects that have stalled or failed frequently encounter issues related to financing, market volatility, or community opposition rather than permitting alone. This insight underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to mining project development that considers geological risk, financing, and community engagement as integral components of the process.

    As Europe continues to navigate its mining ambitions, the lessons learned from these projects will be crucial in shaping future policies and strategies. The upcoming MINEX Europe 2026 forum will further explore these themes, focusing on the real challenges facing the mining industry and the practical steps needed to enhance project viability in the region.

  • Savannah Resources Gains Local Support for Controversial Barroso Lithium Project in Portugal

    Savannah Resources Gains Local Support for Controversial Barroso Lithium Project in Portugal

    Savannah Resources has secured new backing from local landowners for its Barroso lithium project in northern Portugal, which is set to become Europe’s largest lithium mine. This development comes as the company seeks to navigate years of community opposition and legal challenges that have delayed the project. The Barroso project, with a capital expenditure of $417 million, has been designated as strategic by the EU, highlighting its importance in establishing a European lithium supply chain critical for the electric vehicle industry.

    The company announced three new benefit-sharing agreements with local communal land managers, known as baldios, which aim to ensure that the communities have a stake in the project and its benefits. CEO Emanuel Proença emphasised that these agreements are not just about land access but also about recognising the rights of local communities that have managed these lands for generations. Savannah is optimistic about receiving its final environmental licence in the third quarter of this year, with plans to make a final investment decision by the end of the year and commence production by 2028.

    Despite the backing from local landowners, the Barroso project has faced significant opposition from residents and environmental groups concerned about its potential impact on agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity in the region, which is recognised by the UN as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. The project’s feasibility study, released in July, indicated that it could produce an average of 183,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, enough to supply batteries for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles.

    Savannah’s study also projected a robust after-tax net present value of $913 million and an internal rate of return of 43%, with a payback period of less than two years. The project is positioned competitively within the global hard-rock lithium cost curve, with average operating costs estimated at $473 per tonne of concentrate.

    To address environmental concerns, Savannah has proposed measures such as dry-stack tailings, a lined storage facility, and a water recycling system. The new agreements with local baldios include provisions for community participation in project oversight, local reinvestment of project benefits, and inflation-indexed rental payments. Additionally, a partnership with the regional baldios secretariat aims to support forest management and wildfire prevention in the area.

    Portugal has a history of lithium production for the ceramics industry, but the Barroso project represents a significant step towards developing a large-scale battery materials sector in the country. Earlier this year, the Portuguese government awarded Savannah a €110 million grant to support the advancement of the Barroso project, further underscoring the official backing for this initiative. The project has also seen a 40% increase in its mineral reserve estimates, reinforcing its economic viability as it aims to become western Europe’s first major lithium mine.

  • Sociopolitical Geology and the Energy Transition: Navigating Paradoxes in Critical Raw Materials Supply

    Sociopolitical Geology and the Energy Transition: Navigating Paradoxes in Critical Raw Materials Supply

    A group of researches from Finland, Portugal, France and Greece published a new research on paradoxes and challenges of the energy transition analysed through sociopolitical geology perspective. This academic paper examines the complex sociopolitical challenges surrounding Europe’s energy transition through the lens of sociopolitical geology, a transdisciplinary field addressing the intersection of geology, environment, and society. The authors identify a critical paradox: while the environmental movement has long advocated for energy transition away from fossil fuels, opposition to mining for critical raw materials (CRM) needed for this transition has emerged from both radical environmental groups and right-wing populist movements, creating what the authors describe as a “political shear zone” in society.

    The paper traces how geopolitical shifts, including China’s dominance in CRM production, Russia’s resource-focused strategy, and the rise of populist movements, have complicated Europe’s path toward energy independence. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (2024) aims to accelerate domestic mineral extraction, yet this conflicts with simultaneous commitments to nature conservation, as mineral deposits often overlap with protected areas.

    The authors highlight specific case studies, particularly European lithium projects in Serbia (Jadar) and Portugal (Barroso), where opposition has become entangled with broader political agendas unrelated to mining itself. They note that communities in southern and eastern Europe view these projects as “sacrifice zones” for northern European consumers, raising legitimate concerns about unequal distribution of transition costs and benefits.

    Crucially, the paper argues that known global mineral resources may be insufficient for the energy transition, and limited new supply can be ramped up in the short term. The authors contend that the energy transition requires profound societal change that cannot be achieved through technology or top-down regulation alone. They advocate for legally binding community development agreements, responsible project siting, genuine stakeholder engagement, and cross-disciplinary collaboration between industry, governments, scientists, and activists to build trust and achieve sustainable solutions.

  • Savannah Resources Highlights Barroso Community as Heart of Europe’s Energy Transition

    Savannah Resources Highlights Barroso Community as Heart of Europe’s Energy Transition

    Savannah Resources has launched a new public messaging initiative framing Portugal’s Barroso region as central to Europe’s clean-energy future, emphasising cultural heritage and community participation as the company advances its controversial lithium project.

    In the campaign titled “The EU’s Energy Independence Starts in Barroso,” the company positions the region not just as a mining location, but as a living cultural landscape shaped by generations of agricultural tradition and collective resilience. Savannah says it aims to integrate the Barroso Lithium Project into this heritage by developing it “responsibly” and ensuring local communities see tangible long-term benefits.

    The company argues that Barroso’s identity, communal strength and deep connection to the land form the foundation of what it calls “The Energy of Barroso.” This concept draws on shared values — mutual support, tradition, and the hope of retaining younger generations — which Savannah says align with Europe’s push toward a more sustainable and independent energy system.

    According to the company, lithium produced in Barroso will contribute to the EU’s ambition of reducing dependence on imported critical minerals and speeding up the green transition. Savannah stresses that the project, once operational, will supply material for millions of European electric vehicles and support regional development.

    The initiative invites the public to follow upcoming stories and updates that showcase community voices and outline how the project is intended to blend cultural preservation with modern industrial progress.

  • Rovina Valley project is setting a new standard for sustainable mining in Romania

    Rovina Valley project is setting a new standard for sustainable mining in Romania

    Toronto-listed Euro Sun Mining, under the leadership of South African CEO Grant Sboros, is charting a new course for gold and copper mining in Romania with its Rovina Valley project. This initiative not only aligns with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act but also sets a new standard for environmental sustainability in mining operations. Sboros’s active engagement with the Romanian government and the local community underscores a collaborative approach to ensure the project’s success and compliance.

    Euro Sun Mining’s Rovina Valley project is a beacon of innovation in the mining industry, emphasizing the exclusion of cyanide and wet tailings from its process. This method reflects a growing trend towards more environmentally friendly mining practices. The project’s focus on copper, a critical raw material, is timely given the EU’s increasing emphasis on securing a sustainable supply of such materials. The environmental impact assessment, nearing completion, is a testament to the project’s commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint.

    Engaging with communities and government for mutual growth

    Grant Sboros’s proactive dialogue with Romanian officials and the community at large is pivotal in navigating the bureaucratic and social landscapes. Such engagement is crucial for aligning the project’s goals with those of the local population and the broader Romanian economy. The government’s projected earnings of 45% from the project underline its potential economic impact. Furthermore, the comparison with Gabriel Resources’ Roșia Montană project highlights a shift in Romania’s mining sector towards more sustainable and community-friendly practices.

    Setting the stage for a sustainable mining future

    The Rovina Valley project, slated to begin production in mid-July 2026, represents a significant step forward in the mining industry’s journey towards sustainability and economic viability. The possibility of extending the mine’s life by exploring and potentially doubling its resources speaks to the project’s long-term vision. As the European Union focuses on critical raw materials, projects like Rovina Valley are crucial for demonstrating how mining can evolve to meet modern demands for sustainability and economic contribution.

    This ambitious project not only reflects a significant economic opportunity for Romania but also a model for future mining operations worldwide. The emphasis on environmental sustainability, community engagement, and alignment with critical raw material needs positions the Rovina Valley project as a pioneering initiative in the global mining industry.