MINEX Forum

Tag: Critical raw materials

  • Deep beneath Kiruna, Sweden pushes forward in Europe’s race to mine rare earths

    Deep beneath Kiruna, Sweden pushes forward in Europe’s race to mine rare earths

    In the depths of Arctic winter, with temperatures plunging to minus 20 degrees Celsius and daylight reduced to a few hours of twilight, a team of miners is advancing one of Europe’s most strategically important resource projects beneath the Swedish town of Kiruna. Around 900 metres underground, workers at the state-owned LKAB are tunnelling toward the Per Geijer deposit, regarded as one of the continent’s largest known concentrations of rare earth elements.

    Europe currently has no operating rare earth mines, despite rising demand for materials critical to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, consumer electronics and defence technologies. The push to develop domestic supply has intensified as geopolitical tensions grow and China maintains near-total dominance over rare earth processing and magnet production.

    At Kiruna, the rare earths occur alongside iron ore in a magnetite-hematite-phosphate formation identified more than a century ago. Teams work at depths of up to 1.3 kilometres, drilling, blasting and reinforcing tunnels that will eventually link the existing iron ore mine with the Per Geijer resource roughly two kilometres away. Progress is incremental, averaging about five metres per day, reflecting both the technical complexity and environmental sensitivity of the operation.

    LKAB’s strategy differs from earlier mining approaches. Rather than exposing the entire deposit at once, the company plans phased development, gradually integrating rare earth extraction into the established iron ore system. Chief executive Jan Moström has said this approach is essential to manage risk, control costs and accelerate learning as Europe rebuilds lost mining and processing capabilities.

    To shorten timelines, LKAB has invested €80 million in a demonstration plant in Luleå to test separation technologies ahead of full-scale mining. The company has also taken a stake in Norway-based REEtec to develop cleaner refining methods, aiming to meet strict European environmental standards.

    Industry experts note that even with favourable geology, moving from resource discovery to refined rare earth products can take a decade or more. Still, Kiruna is widely viewed as Europe’s strongest near-term opportunity to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, which currently account for around 85% of global rare earth processing and virtually all heavy rare earth refining.

    European officials, including EU industry commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, have visited the site, underlining its strategic importance as the bloc seeks greater resource autonomy. While China is expected to retain dominance for years, projects like Kiruna are seen as critical first steps toward a more resilient European supply chain.

  • Germany calls for stronger cooperation on critical raw materials ahead of Washington talks

    Germany calls for stronger cooperation on critical raw materials ahead of Washington talks

    German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Sunday urged closer international cooperation on critical raw materials as he prepared to travel to Washington for high-level talks with counterparts from major industrialized nations.

    Speaking before his departure from Berlin, Klingbeil, who also serves as vice chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), said Germany and the European Union remain committed to fair, rule-based and reliable trade. He emphasized that access to critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths is essential for economic growth, technological development and job security.

    The United States has invited finance ministers from several leading economies to discuss securing access to these materials, whose global supply chains are highly concentrated and largely dependent on a small number of countries, including China.

    “Access to critical raw materials and reliable supply chains is of utmost importance for the economy and jobs,” Klingbeil said, adding that Germany has a strong interest in expanding international cooperation to strengthen supply security, reduce strategic dependencies and ensure stable economic conditions. He stressed that joint action should be taken wherever possible.

  • Savannah Resources secures up to €110 million state grant for Barroso lithium project in Portugal

    Savannah Resources secures up to €110 million state grant for Barroso lithium project in Portugal

    Savannah Resources has been awarded a non-reimbursable grant of up to approximately €110 million from the Portuguese State to support construction of its flagship Barroso lithium project in northern Portugal. The project has been designated as strategic under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials framework.

    The funding represents one of the largest public financial contributions to a mining project in Portugal and reflects support from both national and European authorities for the development of a domestic lithium supply chain linked to the energy transition. Barroso is Europe’s largest known spodumene lithium deposit and is viewed as a cornerstone asset for strengthening regional battery raw material security.

    According to Savannah, the grant will be provided under Portugal’s Investments in Strategic Sectors Incentive Scheme and falls within the contractual investment regime for large-scale projects considered critical to carbon neutrality and economic transformation. The funding is backed by national resources and the European Commission’s Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.

    The €110 million grant is split into two parts. Around 75%, or €82.25 million, will support initial capital expenditure, while the remaining €27.42 million is tied to operational performance milestones once the mine enters production. The funding is non-repayable but subject to specific conditions and project timelines.

    The award will be formalized through an investment agreement with AICEP, following approvals from the Compete 2030 programme and the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion. Savannah said it expects the first tranche of funding to be drawn alongside the initial capital development phase.

    Chief executive Emanuel Proença said the grant marks a major milestone for both Savannah and the Barroso project, significantly strengthening its capital structure as the company targets first production from 2028. He added that the project is expected to deliver broad economic and social benefits, including job creation in the Barroso region, the development of a new industry in Portugal, and improved European energy independence through locally sourced lithium.

    Chief financial officer Henrique Freire noted that the grant enhances the project’s financial position ahead of a final investment decision expected later this year, as Savannah continues to advance discussions on debt financing and strategic partnerships.

  • Germany’s Altmark basin emerges as potential lithium powerhouse through direct extraction technology

    Germany’s Altmark basin emerges as potential lithium powerhouse through direct extraction technology

    Northern Saxony-Anhalt, a region historically associated with natural gas production, is drawing renewed attention as a potential cornerstone of Europe’s lithium supply. New assessments indicate that deep underground brines in the Altmark basin contain far larger volumes of lithium than previously believed, offering a possible breakthrough for the continent’s battery materials strategy.

    Neptune Energy, which operates in the area, announced in late 2025 that an independent resource estimate by Sproule ERCE placed the Altmark deposit at around 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. Verified under the CIM/NI 43-101 standard, the estimate would rank Altmark among the world’s largest known single-site lithium resources if confirmed through further development.

    The lithium is hosted in deep geothermal brines within Rotliegend sandstone and volcanic formations at depths of 3,200 to 4,000 meters. Average lithium concentrations of about 375 milligrams per litre have been recorded, largely attributed to long-term mineral leaching from mica-rich volcanic rocks under high-temperature conditions.

    Rather than conventional open-pit mining or evaporation ponds, Neptune is advancing direct lithium extraction technologies. Pilot projects completed in 2025 successfully produced battery-grade lithium carbonate using ion exchange and adsorption methods. These enclosed systems return processed brine underground, significantly reducing land use and water consumption compared with traditional approaches.

    The project aligns with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which targets greater domestic sourcing of strategic minerals such as lithium by 2030. By reusing legacy gas infrastructure and combining lithium recovery with geothermal heat potential, Altmark could offer a lower-impact model for mineral production within Europe.

    Commercial output has yet to begin, and further permitting and demonstration-scale validation are required. German regulators are expected to closely review groundwater protection, waste handling and long-term environmental performance. If successful, Altmark may play a pivotal role in reshaping Europe’s position in the global lithium supply chain.

  • Serbia adopts draft minerals strategy for 2025–2040, sets focus on sustainability and critical raw materials

    Serbia adopts draft minerals strategy for 2025–2040, sets focus on sustainability and critical raw materials

    The Serbian government has adopted a draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources for the period from 2025 to 2040, with projections extending to 2050, sending the document to the National Assembly for a final vote. The strategy aims to balance economic development with environmental protection while strengthening state oversight and ensuring a stable supply of critical and strategic raw materials.

    Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović said the strategy was shaped through a lengthy and at times contentious public consultation process, during which dozens of objections and proposals were fully or partially incorporated. Although the final text has yet to be published, the government confirmed that sustainability, climate neutrality, and the use of energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies are among its central pillars.

    According to the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the strategy establishes a long-term framework for responsible resource management, enhanced planning and supervision, and improved governance of the mining and geology sector in the interests of citizens and local communities. Particular attention is given to critical and strategic raw materials, geothermal energy, and the rational use of natural resources.

    An accompanying environmental impact assessment notes that Serbia has significant deposits of metallic, non-metallic, and energy raw materials, as well as groundwater and geothermal resources. At the same time, it acknowledges that decades of mining have led to air, water, and soil pollution, especially in areas such as Bor and Majdanpek, as well as the Kolubara and Kostolac lignite basins. The report also highlights abandoned mines, tailings dumps, and obsolete facilities as a major challenge requiring remediation and rehabilitation.

    Đedović Handanović said the strategy defines concrete programmes to secure raw material supplies for domestic companies and the energy system, create jobs, increase the participation of Serbian industry in value chains, reduce import dependence, and strengthen economic stability. She added that strict environmental and safety standards, along with transparent planning and decision-making processes, are intended to protect protected areas, improve workplace safety, and reduce risks to public health and quality of life.

  • Kazakhstani university wins first-ever Horizon Europe project and joins EU critical minerals initiative

    Kazakhstani university wins first-ever Horizon Europe project and joins EU critical minerals initiative

    Kazakhstan’s higher education and research sector has reached a landmark milestone after a domestic university secured its first victory in a competitive call under Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme. East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) has become a full partner in the international TiBeRIUM project, marking an unprecedented step for Kazakhstani universities in EU-funded research cooperation.

    TiBeRIUM (Titanium and Beryllium for European Resilience and Innovative Utilization of Minerals) is coordinated by TU Bergakademie Freiberg in Germany and brings together a consortium of 25 partners from 12 countries, including Germany, Greece, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The project focuses on building sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials and advancing environmentally friendly technologies for the processing of titanium and beryllium. Its total budget is estimated at around €8 million.

    Kazakhstan is represented in the project by EKTU, Tenir Group LLP, and Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC. According to the university, EKTU’s participation is the result of long-term, systematic efforts by its research teams. During the proposal preparation phase between May and September 2025, EKTU specialists held 18 formal coordination meetings, alongside dozens of technical sessions covering scientific pathways, industrial case studies, environmental impact, and data management. The process also included extensive consultations with industrial partners and in-person international meetings in Germany and Uzbekistan.

    As a result, EKTU joined TiBeRIUM as a full-fledged partner, with responsibilities considered strategically important for achieving the project’s objectives. University representatives noted that this outcome reflects the strength of EKTU’s research infrastructure, scientific management, and professional expertise.

    The achievement was also attributed to sustained support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which has been investing in the development of national research capacity. Project participants emphasized that participation in Horizon Europe is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new phase in which Kazakhstani science and engineering aim to play a more active role in developing technologies, strengthening human capital, and contributing to global value chains in critical minerals.

  • Serbia Zijin Copper Cleans Up Bor’s Legacy Pollution Through Smelter Modernisation and Dust Control

    Serbia Zijin Copper Cleans Up Bor’s Legacy Pollution Through Smelter Modernisation and Dust Control

    A new phase in Kazakhstan–European Union cooperation on critical raw materials was formally launched with the inauguration of the Kazakhstan–EU Gateway’s cooperation platform and its first flagship event, Strategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials.

    The event, attended by Eureflect, was hosted at the Brussels headquarters of TÜSİAD, one of Turkey’s leading business associations, underscoring the Eurasian dimension of the initiative and its relevance for both European and regional industrial stakeholders. The choice of venue reflected the high-level political and business focus of the platform.

    Held on December 9, 2025, at Av. des Gaulois 13 in Brussels, the conference brought together policymakers, industry leaders and subject-matter experts from across Europe and Central Asia. Discussions centred on strengthening cooperation along the full critical raw materials value chain, from geological exploration and mining to processing, refining and downstream industrial integration.

    The Kazakhstan–EU Gateway is intended to serve as a structured platform to align Kazakhstan’s vast mineral resource base with Europe’s growing demand for secure, diversified and responsibly sourced critical raw materials. The initiative comes as the EU accelerates efforts to reduce strategic dependencies and deepen partnerships with resource-rich, politically aligned countries.

    Participants highlighted the importance of long-term frameworks, transparent governance and investment-friendly conditions to translate political alignment into tangible projects. The launch event marked an initial step toward building sustained collaboration between Kazakh institutions, European policymakers and industrial players seeking resilient supply chains.

  • Kazakhstan–EU Gateway Launches New Platform for Strategic Critical Raw Materials Cooperation

    Kazakhstan–EU Gateway Launches New Platform for Strategic Critical Raw Materials Cooperation

    A new chapter in Kazakhstan–European Union cooperation on critical raw materials opened on 9 December 2025 with the inauguration of the Kazakhstan–EU Gateway’s cooperation platform and its first flagship event, titled “Strategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials.”

    The event was hosted in Brussels at the premises of TÜSİAD, one of Turkey’s leading business associations, underscoring the Eurasia-focused and high-level nature of the initiative. Located in the EU quarter at Avenue des Gaulois 13, the venue provided a strategic setting for discussions at the intersection of European policymaking, industry and international cooperation.

    The launch brought together policymakers, industry executives, analysts and experts to explore avenues for strengthening collaboration between Kazakhstan and the EU in the sourcing, processing and integration of critical raw materials into European value chains. Participants discussed supply security, investment frameworks, governance standards and the role of Central Asia in supporting Europe’s industrial resilience amid growing geopolitical pressures.

    The Kazakhstan–EU Gateway platform is intended to serve as a permanent forum for dialogue and project development, positioning Kazakhstan as a key strategic partner for Europe as it seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on dominant external suppliers of critical minerals.

  • EU Unveils New Raw-Materials Security Doctrine to Cut Foreign Dependence

    EU Unveils New Raw-Materials Security Doctrine to Cut Foreign Dependence

    The European Union has unveiled a new raw-materials security doctrine that marks a significant shift in its industrial and geopolitical strategy, moving from high-level policy guidance to execution-focused industrial governance.

    The doctrine sets quantified targets to reduce Europe’s reliance on foreign raw-material supplies by 50% within the next decade, acknowledging that full self-sufficiency is unrealistic but stressing the need for redundancy, diversification and domestic capacity. The strategy prioritises critical and strategic materials across extraction, processing and recycling, aligning Europe more closely with approaches taken by the United States and parts of Asia, while accounting for Europe’s stricter environmental and permitting frameworks.

    A central pillar of the doctrine is the recognition that Europe’s main vulnerability lies not only in limited mining, but in weak midstream capabilities. Insufficient refining, metallurgical transformation and component production have left European industry exposed to supply disruptions. The new approach seeks to strengthen these segments through financial incentives for processing plants, expanded recycling infrastructure and the creation of coordinated industrial clusters spanning automotive, aerospace, energy and defence sectors.

    Implementation speed is expected to be decisive. EU institutions acknowledge that lengthy permitting processes, local opposition and regulatory complexity have historically delayed strategic projects. To meet the doctrine’s ambitions, Brussels is expected to prioritise critical-project designation, streamline approvals and deploy stronger investment de-risking tools to accelerate development timelines.

    The doctrine underscores a broader shift in EU thinking, framing raw materials as a frontline industrial and security issue rather than a background commodity concern. By reinforcing domestic processing, recycling and midstream integration, the EU aims to position itself as a more resilient and competitive hub for strategic materials amid an increasingly contested global resource landscape.

  • EU Launches RESourceEU Action Plan to Cut Critical Mineral Dependencies and Fast-Track Strategic Projects

    EU Launches RESourceEU Action Plan to Cut Critical Mineral Dependencies and Fast-Track Strategic Projects

    The European Commission has adopted its RESourceEU Action Plan, a sweeping package of policy, regulatory and financing measures aimed at reducing the bloc’s reliance on external suppliers of critical raw materials while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness across key industrial sectors. The plan builds on the recently enacted Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and responds to escalating geopolitical tensions, supply risks and the growing need for stable access to materials essential for electric vehicles, aerospace, defence, industrial machinery, AI chips and data centres.

    A central feature of RESourceEU is the acceleration of strategic projects through streamlined permitting, regulatory reform and new derisking instruments. The Commission indicated that these measures could halve Europe’s most significant supply dependencies by 2029. Up to €3 billion will be mobilised over the next 12 months to support projects capable of delivering new supply in the near term. Early beneficiaries include Vulcan Energy’s lithium-extraction project in Germany and Greenland Resources’ Malmbjerg molybdenum project, which EU officials say could supply all European defence-sector molybdenum needs while meeting a quarter of total EU demand.

    Beginning in early 2026, Brussels will establish a European Critical Raw Materials Centre, responsible for providing market intelligence, coordinating financing across public and private partners, managing portfolios of strategic projects, and supporting joint purchasing and stockpiling to protect the EU market from supply shocks and political interference. A complementary Raw Materials Platform will aggregate industrial demand, help secure offtake agreements and facilitate collective procurement. A pilot EU-wide stockpiling mechanism is expected to be operational the same year.

    The Commission will also push to expand the bloc’s recycling capabilities. From early 2026, export restrictions will apply to permanent-magnet scrap and waste, with similar measures for aluminium—and potentially copper—now under review. Amendments to the CRMA will introduce additional labelling requirements and incentives for using recycled pre-consumer magnet waste.

    RESourceEU also includes measures to reduce Europe’s dependence on fertilisers derived from critical minerals, with an EU fertiliser and nutrient-recycling strategy due by mid-2026.

    Internationally, the EU plans to intensify cooperation with its 15 existing strategic raw-material partners, the newest being South Africa. Negotiations with Brazil will begin shortly, while dedicated investment frameworks are being advanced with Ukraine, the Western Balkans and the Southern Neighbourhood. Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU will co-invest in mining and processing projects across emerging markets, supported by broader coordination through the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance and the G20 Critical Minerals Framework.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first outlined RESourceEU at the 2024 Berlin Global Dialogue, describing the initiative as essential to safeguarding the EU’s industrial base amid the “weaponisation” of critical raw materials by dominant suppliers.

    Industry leaders have welcomed the plan, noting its long-awaited focus on early-stage financing, faster permitting and supply-chain diversification. Rock Tech Lithium CEO Mirco Wojnarowicz said the initiative sends “a clear signal from Brussels: Europe wants control over its raw-materials supply back – and now,” calling the Commission’s recognition of lithium’s strategic importance crucial for the bloc’s energy and digital future. He added that RESourceEU provides strong momentum for the company’s Guben lithium converter in Brandenburg, set to become Europe’s first commercial lithium-hydroxide refinery with a planned output of 24,000 t/y.