MINEX Forum

Tag: Energy Security

  • Sizewell B Confirms Use of Russian Uranium Amid Accusations of “Sheer Hypocrisy”

    Sizewell B Confirms Use of Russian Uranium Amid Accusations of “Sheer Hypocrisy”

    EDF Energy has confirmed that Sizewell B nuclear power station has been using uranium sourced from Russia, sparking criticism over the UK’s reliance on Russian nuclear fuel while simultaneously funding Ukraine’s defence against Moscow’s invasion.

    The company said its current supply comes from MSZJSC, a Russian entity not subject to sanctions, under long-term contracts dating back to 2008 when the deal was signed by British Energy, years before the war in Ukraine. Sizewell B, which generates around 3% of the UK’s electricity, replaces a third of its fuel every 18 months with recycled enriched uranium from this source.

    Critics, including nuclear policy consultant Dr David Lowry, argue that the supply chain ultimately begins with Rosatom, the Russian state-owned nuclear corporation sanctioned by the UK in February 2023. He says Rosatom sends the uranium through its subsidiary TVEL to MSZJSC, before it is processed at a Framatome facility in Lingen, Germany, and supplied to Sizewell B.

    “It is sheer hypocrisy for energy ministers to say we need new nuclear to end dependence on Russian energy when our biggest and newest nuclear plant is fully fuelled by Putin’s uranium,” Dr Lowry said. “We’re giving arms to Ukraine and giving Russia money for fuel, undermining our own efforts.”

    EDF maintains it is in full compliance with all EU, UK, and French sanctions and has already removed Russian involvement from the fuel supply chain for all UK nuclear plants except Sizewell B. The company says it aims to fully eliminate Russian input at Sizewell B by 2028 and has committed that Russian fuel will not be used at the planned Sizewell C plant.

    Documents from an October 15, 2024, stakeholder meeting, seen by this paper, confirm that Russian-supplied uranium has been in use at the site, a fact acknowledged by station director Robert Gunn to local councillors.

    EDF said it continues to work with UK companies and the government to build domestic nuclear fuel capabilities central to future UK and European energy security.

  • Germany’s New Economy and Energy Minister Calls for “Reality Check” in Energy Policy

    Germany’s New Economy and Energy Minister Calls for “Reality Check” in Energy Policy

    Katherina Reiche, the newly appointed German Economy and Energy Minister from the conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) party, has called for a “new agreement on the fundamentals” of the country’s energy strategy. In her inaugural address, Reiche emphasized the need for a freer energy market and greater innovation, with energy security as the top priority. “The blackout on the Iberian Peninsula showed how vulnerable an electricity system can be. We must prepare ourselves for minimizing risks of this kind,” she stated.

    While acknowledging the progress made in climate action through the expansion of wind and solar power, Reiche stressed that the associated systemic risks and costs had been underestimated. As part of a comprehensive “reality check” in energy policy, she argued for better alignment of renewable power expansion with grid infrastructure improvements.

    Reiche also underlined that renewable energy alone would not suffice to reliably power an industrialized nation like Germany. To bridge this gap, the government plans to expedite auctions for up to 20 gigawatts of new gas-fired power plant capacity and expand carbon management technologies (CCS/CCU). Further, she committed to fulfilling the coalition’s agreements, including a reformed approach to decarbonizing the heating sector with flexible CO2-reduction measures, the introduction of an industry power price, and the use of reserve power plants for price stabilization.

    In her address, Reiche praised her predecessor, Robert Habeck of the Green Party, for his efforts during the energy crisis spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, recognizing his resilience in facing political pressure while making critical decisions.

    Reiche concluded her speech with a call to tackle Germany’s economic challenges, acknowledging the impact of high taxes, energy costs, and bureaucratic hurdles on industrial competitiveness. While noting external pressures from Russia’s war and the US’s trade policies under Donald Trump, she pointed to Germany’s own structural issues as the primary obstacles. “The root cause of the country’s problems is ‘Made in Germany.’ But that also means the solution can be ‘Made in Germany,’” she affirmed. Reiche promised a policy approach focused on activation and market-driven solutions over regulation.

  • Euromines Event Highlights Europe’s Urgent Raw Material and Defense Challenges

    Euromines Event Highlights Europe’s Urgent Raw Material and Defense Challenges

    On April 9, 2025, Euromines hosted a high-level conference in Brussels titled “Geopolitics at Play: The War Below for Europe’s Defense”, bringing together leading policymakers and industry experts to tackle the continent’s growing vulnerabilities in defense, energy security, and raw material supply chains.

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fragile global supply networks, the event addressed how Europe can secure its industrial and strategic autonomy in an increasingly volatile world.

    Six Key Takeaways from the Event:

    1. Securing Critical Raw Materials for Defense
      The EU’s dependence on imports for rare earths, lithium, and titanium poses a serious threat to defense readiness. The Critical Raw Materials Act is a step towards ensuring the EU can access these materials independently and sustainably.

    2. Europe’s Defense Strategy: Readiness 2030
      As part of broader defense initiatives like “Readiness 2030” and “Rearm Europe”, the EU is addressing capability gaps while reinforcing material support to Ukraine and ensuring a sustainable supply of key defense-related inputs.

    3. Strategic Stockpiling and Policy Gaps
      The need for raw material stockpiling during crises was emphasized. However, funding mechanisms and legal frameworks to implement this effectively remain unclear, signaling a critical policy gap.

    4. Energy Security Amid Geopolitical Risk
      With the continued energy standoff involving Russia, Europe must diversify its supply chains and reduce dependence on China and other dominant suppliers by deepening international cooperation.

    5. Global Partnerships and Supply Chain Resilience
      Collaborations with resource-rich nations, including South Africa, and multilateral efforts like the Mineral Security Partnership are seen as pivotal for securing raw material flows and attracting private investment into the sector.

    6. Transatlantic Cooperation Is Key
      A united Europe-North America front remains vital in navigating current and future security challenges. Strengthened transatlantic ties are viewed as a foundation for Europe’s long-term defense and industrial resilience.

    The event underscored that securing Europe’s raw materials is no longer just an economic issue—it’s a matter of defense and strategic survival.

  • U.S. and Ukraine Reach Initial Deal on Critical Minerals Investment

    U.S. and Ukraine Reach Initial Deal on Critical Minerals Investment

    The United States and Ukraine have reached an initial agreement to jointly invest in Ukraine’s critical minerals sector. The framework, which still requires further negotiations, establishes a reconstruction investment fund with shared U.S.-Ukraine ownership. Under the terms, Ukraine will contribute 50% of future revenues from state-owned mineral, oil, and gas assets to the fund, excluding existing operations like Naftogaz and Ukrnafta.

    The goal of the agreement is to attract private sector investment to develop Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, but significant hurdles remain. Ukraine lacks modern geological mapping of its rare earth deposits, and key infrastructure, including energy grids, has been severely damaged by war. Additionally, security risks and political uncertainty may deter long-term investors.

    Unlike previous proposals, the deal does not require Ukraine to use its mineral wealth to repay U.S. military aid, nor does it provide security guarantees. Instead, it assumes that U.S. financial stakes in Ukraine’s resources will create an incentive for continued support. However, tensions between President Trump and President Zelensky over Ukraine’s wartime policies could complicate future negotiations.

    While the agreement signals the U.S. administration’s focus on securing critical minerals, its success will depend on overcoming economic and geopolitical challenges in the region.

  • Putin Calls for Accelerated Lithium Mining as Russia Seeks Self-Sufficiency

    Putin Calls for Accelerated Lithium Mining as Russia Seeks Self-Sufficiency

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged the country to expedite the development of its domestic lithium and rare earth mineral deposits, citing the strategic importance of these resources for high-capacity battery production and advanced technologies.

    Speaking at a conference in Moscow, Putin criticized the country’s delay in mining lithium, stating, “We still do not mine lithium. And how can we develop without it? But we can do it. And we could have done it 10 or 15 years ago.”

    Russia possesses an estimated 1 million tons of lithium reserves, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), with Russian estimates placing lithium oxide reserves at 3.5 million tons. However, prior to the conflict in Ukraine, the country relied on lithium imports, which have been severely disrupted by Western sanctions. As a result, Moscow has intensified efforts to extract its own lithium and aims to eliminate imports of the metal and other rare earth elements by 2030.

    Additionally, Russian forces are advancing toward one of Ukraine’s largest lithium deposits, further underscoring the geopolitical significance of these critical minerals in the ongoing conflict.

  • Kazakhstan and Japan Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Minerals

    Kazakhstan and Japan Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Minerals

    Kazakhstan’s Minister of Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapaev, met with representatives of Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to discuss future collaboration on critical minerals.

    JICA has supported Kazakhstan since 2011, helping establish the country’s State Energy Registry based on Japanese expertise. Meanwhile, JOGMEC signed a memorandum with Kazakhstan in August 2024 on geological exploration, mining, and mineral processing.

    The meeting focused on expanding joint projects related to critical minerals essential for industrial and energy sectors. Kazakhstan aims to strengthen international partnerships in rare earth metals to boost investment appeal and integrate advanced geological exploration technologies.

  • EU Collaborates with PwC and Sféra on €9 Million Critical Raw Materials Platform

    EU Collaborates with PwC and Sféra on €9 Million Critical Raw Materials Platform

    The European Union has appointed a consortium of PriceWaterhouseCoopers EU Services and Slovak software firm Sféra to develop a €9 million platform for joint purchasing of critical minerals and energy. The platform, set to launch in 2025, will include mechanisms for raw materials, hydrogen, and energy products like natural gas and biomethane.

    This initiative forms part of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which aims to reduce reliance on China by bolstering domestic production of essential resources for technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.

    The CRMA follows the success of AggregateEU, a gas purchasing platform launched during the 2022 energy crisis. While the platform helped consolidate resources, critics argue its effectiveness in ensuring affordable prices and market influence remains limited.

    With eight proposals received, including bids from Deloitte and Metalshub, this latest project underscores the EU’s focus on securing resource supply chains and advancing its green energy goals.

  • Mongolia and Orano Sign Uranium Mining Agreement for Zuuvch Ovoo

    Mongolia and Orano Sign Uranium Mining Agreement for Zuuvch Ovoo

    The Orano Group and the Mongolian government have formalized an agreement for the development and operation of the Zuuvch Ovoo uranium mine, marking Mongolia’s reentry into uranium mining after nearly three decades. Managed by Badrakh Energy—a joint venture between Orano and MonAtom Group—the project encompasses the Zuuvch Ovoo and Dulaan Uul deposits, with estimated uranium resources nearing 90,000 tonnes.

    Using in-situ leach technology, production is set to commence within four years, targeting a capacity of 2,500 tU annually over 30 years. An initial investment of $500 million will be followed by $1.6 billion throughout the mine’s lifespan. The project will generate 1,600 jobs and ensure over 51% of the direct benefits, including taxes and royalties, flow to Mongolia.

    The initiative aligns with Mongolia’s Vision 2050 goals, supporting economic growth and low-carbon energy. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai highlighted its contribution to inward investment and employment, while Orano CEO Nicolas Maes emphasized its role in global energy security.

  • Romania to Extend Operation of Coal Power Plants for Three Years

    Romania to Extend Operation of Coal Power Plants for Three Years

    The Romanian government has announced plans to extend the operational life of its coal-fired power plants by three years. Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja explained that this temporary measure is necessary due to delays in securing sufficient alternative facilities, particularly natural gas plants. Romania, committed to phasing out coal by 2032 under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan, has faced setbacks in replacing coal plants with gas and renewable energy. Efforts to replace the existing infrastructure, including the restructuring of CE Oltenia, have been delayed, causing the need for a short-term solution. The proposal for the extension will be submitted to the European Commission for approval. The delay in constructing new energy plants, such as the gas-fired units planned for Complexul Energetic Oltenia, has been a key factor in the decision.

  • Western Dependence on Russian Nuclear Fuel Faces Increased Scrutiny

    Western Dependence on Russian Nuclear Fuel Faces Increased Scrutiny

    The Western reliance on Russian nuclear fuel has come under intensified scrutiny, with Orano, a major uranium supplier in the West, urging for either increased incentives or stricter sanctions to stimulate investment in alternative fuel sources. Nicolas Maes, the CEO of Orano, highlighted the necessity of long-term contracts to justify substantial investments in new uranium enrichment capacities. While the United States has already imposed a ban on Russian nuclear fuel imports, Europe’s ongoing dependence on Russian fuel complicates efforts to reach a consensus on similar sanctions.

    Orano is proactively addressing this issue by expanding its uranium enrichment facility in France, with production targeted by 2028. However, the project demands significant investment and assured demand to move forward effectively. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues continue to challenge uranium production globally, complicating the shift toward alternative nuclear fuel sources.