MINEX Forum

Tag: European Union

  • Nyrstar and VDL Groep Collaborate on Critical Minerals

    Nyrstar and VDL Groep Collaborate on Critical Minerals

    In a bid to bolster Europe’s industrial capabilities, Nyrstar Budel in the Netherlands recently hosted Willem van der Leegte and Geert Jakobs from VDL Groep. This meeting underscored the importance of collaboration across the value chain, particularly in the processing of critical minerals essential for advanced manufacturing applications. The partnership aims to enhance Europe’s resilience by tapping into local resources and expertise.

    Nyrstar has identified an opportunity to extract valuable materials such as germanium, indium, antimony, and bismuth from its existing production streams. This initiative aligns with the European Union’s goal of achieving 40% domestic capacity for critical raw materials, which is vital for sustaining high-tech manufacturing and clean energy initiatives across the continent. The discussions with VDL highlighted the potential for these materials to support various strategic industries, including defense and green energy.

    The dialogue also explored future supply chains for germanium, which is crucial for VDL’s defense applications, as well as the integration of green hydrogen production by VDL’s partner, Alquion, into Nyrstar’s sustainable production processes. Such synergies are seen as pivotal for advancing the strategic relevance of the Noord-Brabant region and enhancing the collective expertise in critical processing within Europe.

    As the industry faces increasing demands for sustainable practices and local sourcing of materials, the cooperation between Nyrstar and VDL Groep exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. Both companies expressed optimism about continuing their collaboration to foster innovation and strengthen the supply chains necessary for a competitive European industrial landscape.

  • Political Turmoil Halts Europe’s Largest Antimony Project in Slovakia

    Political Turmoil Halts Europe’s Largest Antimony Project in Slovakia

    Slovakia’s decision to cancel the exploration license for the Trojarova Antimony-Gold Project has ignited a significant political and economic crisis. The project, located in the Small Carpathian mountains, was poised to become Europe’s largest compliant antimony resource, with an independent estimate of 67,000 tonnes of contained antimony and 222,000 ounces of gold. This cancellation, executed by the Slovak Environment Ministry, has not only sent shockwaves through the market, causing Military Metals Corp’s share price to plummet by 43%, but it has also raised alarms about Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical mineral supplies.

    The abrupt cancellation was justified by the ministry on environmental and public health grounds, but many see it as a politically motivated move amidst a turbulent domestic landscape. The Slovak government is facing internal strife, with Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba under pressure from his own party and opposition. In a bid to bolster his political standing, Taraba has leveraged the cancellation as a way to position himself as an eco-friendly leader, despite previously supporting the project.

    The geopolitical implications of this decision are profound. Antimony is crucial for military applications and high-tech industries, and the Trojarova project was expected to supply up to 30% of Europe’s demand. The cancellation not only jeopardises this supply but also highlights the fragility of Europe’s critical mineral supply chains, which are under increasing scrutiny as the continent seeks to enhance its military capabilities.

    Military Metals Corp is not taking the cancellation lightly and has initiated legal actions to challenge the decision. The company argues that the project was included in Slovakia’s National Program for the Exploration of Critical Mineral Raw Materials, which contradicts the ministry’s sudden reversal. This situation illustrates the complexities of navigating regulatory environments where political agendas can override economic necessities.

    As the political landscape in Slovakia continues to evolve, the outcome of this legal battle will be closely watched by investors and industry stakeholders alike. The stakes are high, not just for Military Metals Corp, but for Europe’s broader ambitions to secure its own critical mineral resources amidst growing global competition.

  • Strengthening Transatlantic Ties: Canada and the EU’s Critical Minerals Strategy

    Strengthening Transatlantic Ties: Canada and the EU’s Critical Minerals Strategy

    In recent years, Canada and the European Union have significantly enhanced their transatlantic relationship, particularly in the realm of critical minerals supply chains. This collaboration gained momentum following the implementation of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in May 2024, which set ambitious targets for the EU to meet its own strategic raw materials needs. By 2030, the EU aims to ensure that at least 40% of its annual consumption of these materials is processed within its borders, alongside goals for domestic extraction and recycling. This benchmark highlights the importance of the midstream sector, where processing and refining activities bridge the gap between raw mining and manufacturing.

    The EU’s heavy reliance on imports for refined materials, which rose from 83% in 2011 to 90% by 2023, underscores the urgency of developing a more resilient supply chain. China’s dominance in the processing of critical minerals, controlling 19 out of 20 energy-transition minerals, has raised concerns in Europe, particularly as Chinese export controls have led to production stoppages in European factories. Despite these challenges, Europe possesses a robust base of metals smelters that can be modernised and expanded with targeted investments.

    The CRMA aims to foster economic and social development by encouraging processing in developing countries, while also ensuring that Europe can source value-added materials directly from its partners, rather than relying on Chinese processing. The EU’s strategy includes prioritising essential materials for future technologies, streamlining project permitting, facilitating finance, and establishing strategic partnerships with non-EU countries.

    While the 40% benchmark is not legally binding, it serves as a guiding principle for the EU’s efforts to enhance its refining capacity. Progress has been mixed, with notable advancements in lithium and nickel refining, but significant gaps remain in areas like magnesium and titanium. Canada, with its own Critical Minerals Strategy, is well-positioned to become a leader in the global mining sector, leveraging its processing capabilities and access to low-cost, low-carbon energy.

    The bilateral relationship between Canada and the EU is further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the 2021 strategic partnership on critical raw materials. However, both parties must focus on solidifying projects and co-investments to secure minerals and refined metals. Collaborative efforts, such as the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance and NATO’s initiative on critical raw materials, highlight the potential for Canada and the EU to work together in building resilient supply chains.

    As the global landscape evolves, Canada and the EU must address the challenges posed by export controls and price volatility in the critical minerals market. By focusing on midstream cooperation, shared projects, and predictable offtake agreements, they can establish a stable foundation for the materials essential to clean technology, digital innovation, and defence industries. The midstream sector represents a crucial area for building resilience and ensuring secure supply chains, where Canada’s strengths in extraction and Europe’s processing expertise can create a mutually beneficial partnership.

  • Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Strategy: From Regulation to Implementation

    Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Strategy: From Regulation to Implementation

    The latest edition of the Critical Matters Newsletter highlights the evolving landscape of critical raw materials in Europe, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach beyond mere regulation. The European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aims to enhance supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy, setting ambitious targets for domestic extraction, processing, and recycling by 2030. Key benchmarks include achieving at least 10% of annual consumption for extraction, 40% for processing, and 25% for recycling, while limiting dependence on single external suppliers to 65% for any strategic material.

    However, the implementation of these goals faces significant challenges. The lengthy timelines for mine development, often extending 10 to 20 years, underscore the difficulty of discovering and developing new mineral resources. While the CRMA seeks to streamline permitting processes for strategic projects, the reality remains that legislative measures cannot hasten the exploration and development phases. Furthermore, the EU’s exploration investment lags significantly behind global leaders, with only 3% of global exploration budgets allocated to the region. To rebuild its exploration capacity, the EU is estimated to require around €2 billion annually over the next five years, a tenfold increase from current levels.

    The newsletter also highlights successful examples from countries like Ireland and Canada, which demonstrate how long-term investment, supportive policies, and collaboration between government and industry can strengthen the critical raw materials ecosystem. Ireland, for instance, has become a leader in exploration drilling within the EU due to its transparent licensing system and fiscal incentives. The report concludes that achieving Europe’s critical raw materials ambitions will necessitate a coordinated effort involving investment, innovation, and policy alignment to create resilient and circular value chains across the entire ecosystem.

  • EU Forms Emergency Task Force to Mitigate Risks of China Rare Earths Trade Disruption

    EU Forms Emergency Task Force to Mitigate Risks of China Rare Earths Trade Disruption

    The European Commission is establishing a cross-departmental emergency task force to prepare for potential disruptions in rare earths supply from China, as current export arrangements are set to expire in October. This proactive measure underscores the EU’s growing concern over strategic dependencies on critical materials essential for manufacturing, including rare earths, chips, and other industrial inputs. China dominates the global rare earths market, supplying 66% of mined and 88% of refined supply, leaving European industries highly vulnerable to any trade restrictions. The task force, which will bring together staff from departments covering industry, trade, financial services, development aid, and the economy, aims to improve the EU’s ability to identify problems early and respond swiftly. Its work will include finding alternative supply sources and potentially deploying EU funding to maintain access to critical materials. The first meeting is expected in September, coinciding with the Commission’s anticipated proposal on supply chain dependencies. This proposal may include an export tax on aluminium scrap to boost domestic recycling, measures to expand rare earth magnet recycling within the EU, and a diversification law requiring companies to reduce reliance on single suppliers for key inputs. The move comes amid broader trade tensions with China, as EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has warned Beijing that the bloc will act unless progress is made in reversing the EU’s €1 billion-a-day trade deficit. The EU’s dependence on Chinese suppliers extends beyond rare earths to semiconductors used in automotive and other sectors, with a recent chip supply squeeze forcing temporary sanctions adjustments. While officials remain hopeful that the current one-year truce on rare earth exports, agreed after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, will be renewed, the licensing system imposed by China adds uncertainty. The task force represents a strategic shift toward greater resilience and self-sufficiency in critical mineral supply chains, aligning with broader EU efforts to decarbonize industry and secure raw material access.

  • Spain Accelerates Critical Minerals Strategy with €414 Million Investment

    Spain Accelerates Critical Minerals Strategy with €414 Million Investment

    Spain is strengthening its position in the European critical minerals supply chain through a new 2026-2030 Action Plan for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Raw Materials, backed by €414 million in public investment to support exploration, mining, processing and innovation.

    The initiative includes the launch of the National Mineral Exploration Program (PNEM), with €182 million allocated to mineral exploration aimed at unlocking the country’s resource potential and supporting exploration companies. The strategy also introduces 34 measures covering regulatory reform, institutional coordination, research, innovation and the development of the domestic mining value chain.

    The plan aligns with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which seeks to increase domestic extraction, processing and recycling of strategic minerals to reduce Europe’s dependence on external suppliers.

    Tin project advances in Andalucía

    Among the projects expected to benefit is Elementos’ Oropesa Tin Project in the Andalucía region, Spain’s largest mining jurisdiction, which accounts for around 90% of the country’s metallic mining production.

    The project has been designated as being of “Overriding Public Interest” by the regional government and has been included in Andalucía’s Project Accelerator Unit, recognising its economic, environmental and social importance.

    Elementos believes Oropesa could eventually supply around 10% of the European Union’s tin demand, while a proposed domestic smelting facility would allow more than 10% of EU tin consumption to be processed within Spain. The company has signed an option agreement to acquire up to a 50% interest in the nearby Robledallano tin smelter, supporting downstream processing and reducing transport costs and emissions.

    The Oropesa project hosts an ore reserve of 15.9 million tonnes grading 0.36% tin and a mineral resource of 19.6 million tonnes at 0.39% tin, with a definitive feasibility study outlining a projected 12-year mine life.

    Tungsten production expands

    EQ Resources is also strengthening Spain’s strategic minerals sector through its Barruecopardo tungsten mine, one of the largest tungsten operations outside China, Russia and North Korea.

    The company produced approximately 1,680 tonnes of tungsten trioxide (WO₃) concentrate during FY2025 and aims to increase annual production to 3,000-3,500 tonnes across its operations in Spain and Australia.

    In June 2026, EQ Resources launched a 36-hole drilling programme at Barruecopardo to extend the mine’s life and evaluate deeper mineralisation. The project currently hosts a 22.9 million tonne resource grading 0.2% WO₃ with an estimated mine life of approximately nine years.

    With around 85% of global tungsten supply currently originating from China, Spain’s expanding production is expected to contribute to efforts to diversify global supply chains for this critical mineral.

    Spain’s new investment programme, together with ongoing permitting reforms and support for downstream processing, is expected to strengthen the country’s role as a strategic supplier of critical minerals within the European Union.

  • European Parliament Calls for EU Ban on Alumina Exports to Russia

    European Parliament Calls for EU Ban on Alumina Exports to Russia

    The European Parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution urging the European Commission to impose sanctions on alumina exports to Russia, increasing political pressure on Brussels to tighten restrictions on trade linked to Moscow’s metals industry.

    The motion follows an investigation by The Irish Times and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which found that Ireland’s Aughinish Alumina refinery has continued exporting substantial volumes of alumina to Russian smelters owned by Rusal. The resulting aluminium has reportedly been sold to Moscow-based trading company ASK, whose customer base includes more than 40 companies sanctioned by the European Union for their links to Russia’s defense sector.

    While investigators were unable to trace individual shipments of Irish alumina to specific military products because the material is blended during smelting, customs and trade data indicate that since 2023 more than half of Aughinish Alumina’s exports have been delivered to Russian smelters. Those facilities have subsequently sold more than $650 million worth of aluminium to ASK, which supplies companies associated with Russia’s military-industrial complex.

    The European Parliament’s resolution calls for stronger measures to limit Russia’s ability to finance its military operations in Ukraine. In addition to advocating a complete ban on alumina exports, lawmakers also supported proposals to blacklist Russian steel suppliers. Although the Parliament cannot impose sanctions itself, its position is expected to add pressure on the European Commission and EU member states, which must unanimously approve any new sanctions package.

    The Commission has so far refrained from restricting alumina exports because of Aughinish Alumina’s importance to European industrial supply chains. However, Irish Member of the European Parliament Barry Andrews argued that Irish alumina is highly likely to be contributing indirectly to Russia’s military production and called for immediate action if ongoing investigations confirm these links.

    The Irish government is completing its own investigation into Aughinish Alumina’s exports following the media reports. Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the findings will soon be submitted to the European Commission, while Enterprise Minister Peter Burke confirmed his department expects to finalize its report within days.

    Burke also rejected suggestions that Ireland had sought exemptions for Aughinish Alumina from EU sanctions, stating that the government has never lobbied on the company’s behalf and has not opposed any sanctions affecting its operations.

    The European Commission is expected to review the findings as it prepares its next package of sanctions against Russia.

  • Kazakh Exporters Face Rising Costs Under EU Carbon Border Mechanism

    Kazakh Exporters Face Rising Costs Under EU Carbon Border Mechanism

    The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which came into force in 2026, is creating new compliance challenges for Kazakh металлургical exporters supplying the European market.

    CBAM is designed to account for carbon dioxide emissions generated during the production of imported goods and serves as an environmental standard for both European and foreign manufacturers. Kazakh exporters are now required to maintain detailed carbon reporting in order to preserve access to EU markets.

    More than half of Kazakhstan’s aluminum exports are destined for the European Union. In addition to the aluminum sector, the new rules also apply to ferrous metallurgy products.

    Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and QazTrade conducted an assessment of CBAM’s impact on local businesses and prepared practical recommendations for metallurgical companies adapting to the new framework.

    According to the study, exporters of raw aluminum, ferrochrome, steel bars and rods could face annual CBAM-related costs of around €114 million if export volumes remain at 2025 levels.

    QazTrade Deputy Chairman Nurlan Kulbatyrov said Kazakh industrial exporters have already begun adapting to the new EU requirements. Support measures are being introduced to help companies reduce financial pressure and maintain the competitiveness of Kazakh products in the European market.

    During a June 3 seminar, representatives of business, government and international organizations discussed methods for monitoring and verifying emissions, as well as opportunities linked to greener industrial production.

    One of the report’s authors, ITC expert Joost Pauwelyn, noted that Kazakhstan exports more than €600 million worth of steel and aluminum products to the EU annually. He warned that European greenhouse gas regulations could increase annual costs for Kazakh exporters by more than €100 million. Approximately 90% of the additional burden is expected to fall on steel bars and rods. In some cases, CBAM-related expenses could exceed the value of the exported product itself.

    Pauwelyn outlined several measures that could significantly reduce the financial impact on producers, including:

    • Monitoring and declaring actual emissions rather than relying on default values
    • Accrediting Kazakh verification bodies
    • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions at production facilities
    • Developing domestic carbon pricing mechanisms in Kazakhstan
  • EU Warns Critical Raw Materials Race Is Becoming a Global Power Struggle

    EU Warns Critical Raw Materials Race Is Becoming a Global Power Struggle

    The global competition for critical raw materials is increasingly becoming a geopolitical battle for economic and industrial power, a senior European Commission official warned on Wednesday, as the European Union seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on China.

    Speaking at the EIT RawMaterials Summit in Brussels, Koen Doens, head of the European Commission’s department for international partnerships, said control over critical minerals now extends far beyond mining and includes refining, processing, transport, financing, and industrial manufacturing capacity.

    Doens argued that minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements now hold the same strategic importance that oil and gas carried during the 20th century. He described investment in secure supply chains as essential to Europe’s long-term economic resilience and strategic autonomy.

    The comments come as the EU continues efforts to diversify supplies of critical raw materials needed for clean technologies including batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. Recent warnings from EU auditors suggested the bloc’s energy transition could be jeopardised by its continued dependence on China for key materials and processing capacity.

    Under legislation adopted in 2024, the EU set targets to meet 10% of its extraction, 40% of refining, and 15% of recycling needs domestically by 2030. However, the bloc still relies heavily on foreign partners for access to many strategic minerals, particularly rare earth elements not available within Europe.

    To reduce vulnerabilities, the EU has signed 16 international partnerships with countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Zambia, and the United States through its Global Gateway initiative, which aims to strengthen Europe’s global infrastructure and resource ties while competing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

    Doens warned that Europe can no longer rely solely on market forces to guarantee secure access to raw materials and stressed that the bloc must also develop refining, processing, and manufacturing capabilities rather than focusing only on extraction.

    China currently dominates the global critical raw materials supply chain, accounting for around 60% of production and approximately 90% of refining capacity worldwide. According to European Parliament research, the EU depends on China for roughly 90% of its raw materials supply and 98% of its rare-earth magnets. Beijing has repeatedly imposed restrictions on rare earth exports in recent years, including in 2025.

    A recent paper by the European Union Institute for Security Studies proposed forming an “allied industrial bloc” with non-rival countries such as Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, India, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to reduce exposure to Chinese leverage. The study also called for major investment in European refining infrastructure and strategic mineral reserves similar to emergency oil stockpiles.

    The debate has intensified around proposals to speed up mining and processing approvals within Europe. The European Commission recently suggested reopening parts of the EU Water Framework Directive as part of a broader strategy to accelerate critical raw materials projects and reduce supply risks.

    The move triggered criticism from environmental groups and lawmakers concerned that weakening water protections could worsen water stress, environmental degradation, and climate-related risks. In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, 27 lawmakers warned that reopening core environmental legislation could undermine public confidence and legal certainty.

    Despite the criticism, the Commission signalled it intends to continue simplifying regulations to boost industrial competitiveness and accelerate strategic projects across the bloc.

  • Europe Warned of New “China Shock” as Industrial Dependence Deepens

    Europe Warned of New “China Shock” as Industrial Dependence Deepens

    Europe is facing growing concerns over a new “China shock” that analysts warn could accelerate deindustrialisation across the continent, threaten local manufacturing, and deepen dependence on Chinese imports.

    Trade experts and industry representatives say the combination of heavily subsidised Chinese production, low-cost exports, and currency imbalances is placing severe pressure on European factories and supply chains. The concerns echo the original “China shock” experienced in the United States after China joined the World Trade Organization, a period linked to the loss of millions of industrial jobs due to rising imports.

    Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, warned that the issue extends far beyond finished goods such as electric vehicles. According to Eskelund, Europe is becoming increasingly dependent on Chinese-made industrial components embedded throughout the continent’s manufacturing sector.

    The growing reliance on Chinese suppliers has prompted fresh discussions within the European Union over industrial resilience and supply chain security. European commissioners are expected to hold urgent talks later this month on possible measures to reduce strategic dependence, including proposals requiring companies to source critical components from multiple suppliers.

    Industry groups argue that Chinese state subsidies and exchange rate distortions are allowing Chinese products to undercut European competitors. German economist Jürgen Matthes suggested that the yuan may be significantly undervalued against the euro, making Chinese imports dramatically cheaper for European buyers.

    Oliver Richtberg, head of foreign trade at the European machinery and equipment manufacturing association VDMA, said European companies are increasingly choosing Chinese suppliers because they offer products at lower prices while approaching European quality standards. He warned that the trend is already damaging Europe’s industrial base and contributing to substantial job losses.

    Recent data cited by trade analysts highlights Europe’s growing dependence on Chinese chemical and industrial products. In sectors such as amino acids and polyhydric alcohols, Chinese imports account for the overwhelming majority of EU supply volumes, raising concerns that domestic production may eventually become economically unviable.

    Trade figures also show China’s surplus with the European Union continuing to expand. Analysts argue that tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024 have been largely offset by exchange rate shifts and continued Chinese export growth.

    Germany has been particularly affected, with estimates suggesting that around 250,000 industrial jobs have disappeared since 2019. The automotive sector has experienced some of the sharpest declines, while China recently overtook the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner.

    Andrew Small, director of the Asia programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said existing EU measures are insufficient to address the scale of imports and industrial pressure facing Europe. He noted that while Brussels is preparing legislation such as the Industrial Accelerator Act and updates to cybersecurity rules aimed at limiting strategic dependence, most of the measures are unlikely to take effect before 2027.

    Analysts say the EU now faces mounting pressure to introduce faster support mechanisms for European industry while balancing concerns over trade retaliation from Beijing. Environmental, industrial, and geopolitical debates surrounding Europe’s economic relationship with China are expected to intensify in the coming months.