MINEX Forum

Tag: Green Transition

  • Kazakhstan’s Critical Minerals in Focus at the BKS webinar

    Kazakhstan’s Critical Minerals in Focus at the BKS webinar

    Kazakhstan’s ambition to transform itself into a linchpin of the global critical minerals supply was in sharp focus at the British-Kazakh Society’s (BKS) latest webinar, “Critical Minerals – A Closer Look at Kazakhstan and the Resource Base.”

    Hosted online on 16 September, the event brought together government representatives, leading analysts, and industry insiders to scrutinise the nation’s mineral endowment, discuss its strategy for long-term sustainability, and evaluate opportunities for international partnership and investment.

    Geological Promise and Policy Drive
    In his welcome address, Yerlan Zeineshev, Economic Counsellor at the Kazakhstan Embassy in the UK, underscored the nation’s geological riches—including rare earths, lithium, copper, uranium, titanium, and vanadium—and signalled Kazakhstan’s determination to become “a key supplier for global critical mineral needs.” The country already produces 17 of the 34 critical minerals on the UK’s essential list, with potential to expand further given the right investment and technology.

    Mr Zeineshev highlighted March 2024’s UK-Kazakhstan critical minerals roadmap, emphasising mutual aims for research, private investment, and technology transfer. He pledged continued reform to ensure an open, investor-friendly environment—citing adoption of international best practice in mining codes, long-term investment agreements, and digitalisation of geological data.

    Supply Chain Resilience and Global Partnerships
    Speakers and panellists closely examined how Kazakhstan’s neutral geopolitical stance and its position on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route position the country as a reliable partner for nations seeking to diversify supply chains. As Enzo Grazella, Senior Analyst at the Critical Minerals Association, noted, this offers both Europe and the UK an alternative source to mitigate risk and reduce overreliance on a handful of global producers.

    The UK government’s updated critical minerals strategy and increased focus on supply chain security were cited as drivers for stepped-up bilateral engagement, particularly in mining, refining, recycling, and advanced manufacturing. Initiatives backed by UK export finance, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and local reforms are fostering a more attractive investment climate.

    Resource Development and Value Addition
    Arkhat Kurmanbekov, Deputy Director General of Kazakhstan’s National Center for Technology Foresight, outlined the scale of Kazakhstan’s geological survey initiatives, with record levels of exploration funding and ambitious targets to increase the area surveyed to over 2.2 million km² by 2026. The nation aims not only to expand extraction but also to move up the value chain through domestic processing, production of battery materials, heat-resistant alloys, semiconductor materials, and recycling technologies. Industry success stories—such as providing titanium to Boeing and Airbus, or pioneering full-cycle beryllium plants—underline local expertise.

    Market Dynamics, Price Volatility, and Sustainability Challenges
    Caroline Messecar, Strategic Markets Editor at Fastmarkets Metals and Mining, discussed acute market vulnerability arising from concentrated global production—particularly for rare earth magnets vital to electric vehicles and wind turbines. China commands up to 89% of global magnet supply, and recent export controls have forced international markets to scramble for alternative sources, underscoring the strategic importance of new suppliers like Kazakhstan.

    The panel noted that establishing downstream industries (such as magnet manufacturing) requires more than raw materials: it needs multidisciplinary technical skills, transparent and sustainable production, and robust ESG standards. Both Kazakh and UK speakers reaffirmed their commitments to high environmental and social standards, clarifying that responsible development can coexist with commercial viability.

    Whatch the webinar recoding
    Video provided for the MINEX Forum readers by the British-Kazakh Society

  • Europe’s Green Transition Paradox: Rare Earths vs. Sami Rights in Sweden’s Kiruna

    Europe’s Green Transition Paradox: Rare Earths vs. Sami Rights in Sweden’s Kiruna

    Kiruna, Sweden — When LKAB confirmed earlier this year that its Per Geijer deposit contains approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of ore, including 2.2 million tonnes of rare-earth oxides (REO), the news sent shockwaves through European capitals. Designated as Europe’s largest known rare-earth deposit, the Per Geijer project was swiftly elevated to “strategic project” status under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). However, beneath the surface of this economic boon lies a complex paradox: the deposit directly intersects the Gábna Sami community’s centuries-old reindeer migration corridor, a vital lifeline now further threatened by climate change and a century of mining activity.

    The CRMA’s 2030 benchmarks are clear: at least 10% of strategic raw materials must be mined within the EU, 40% processed domestically, 25% recycled, and no more than 65% dependence on any single third country. Rare earths, however, remain a critical weak link. According to Eurostat and the European Commission, 95% of the EU’s rare-earth imports in 2024 originated from China, Malaysia, and Russia, with Europe’s dependency on China for heavy rare earth elements (REEs) being effectively absolute. Per Geijer is thus positioned as a linchpin in Europe’s clean-tech ambitions, supplying essential elements like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium for electric-vehicle motors and offshore wind turbines. Yet, for the Sami people, the stakes are profoundly different. “The mine would cut our land in half,” says Lars-Marcus Kuhmunen, head of the Gábna sameby. “It would end reindeer herding as we know it.”

    Mining is not new to Kiruna. LKAB’s century-old Kiirunavaara iron-ore mine has already forced the relocation of the entire town, including Kiruna Church, which was moved 5 kilometers in August 2024 to avoid subsidence. For the Sami, the situation is exacerbated by the rapid warming of the Arctic, which is occurring nearly four times faster than the global average. Winter rain events now frequently ice over lichen, starving reindeer herds, while hotter summers erode their weight reserves. The loss of migration access is not merely a cultural loss but a threat to their survival.

    LKAB first unveiled Per Geijer in January 2023, estimating it could contain over 1 million tonnes of REO, but cautioned that permitting could take 10–15 years. Even with a smooth process, production is unlikely before the 2030s. This year, the company launched an 8-kilometer underground exploration drift to better define the orebody, signaling intent but not immediate production. While LKAB emphasizes its role in Europe’s green transition, it has yet to propose concrete solutions for preserving Sami migration routes.

    Even if the rare earths are mined, Europe lacks sufficient separation and alloying capacity. China currently dominates all midstream processing stages. Efforts are underway to address this, such as REEtec’s Herøya plant in Norway, backed by LKAB, which aims for commercial separation by 2025, and Solvay’s La Rochelle facility in France, upgrading to produce magnet-grade oxides. However, analysts, including Bernstein Research, warn that without accelerated funding and permitting, Europe risks falling short of CRMA targets.

    CRMA status does not override Swedish law, and projects must still pass national environmental reviews and address Indigenous rights substantively. Nordic precedent is clear: in 2021, Norway’s Supreme Court struck down the Fosen wind farm, ruling it violated Sami cultural rights by disrupting grazing. The case set a precedent that green-transition infrastructure can be unlawful if it severs reindeer husbandry.

    Industry observers suggest that any workable compromise at Per Geijer would require engineered migration corridors built before production, seasonal traffic windows to avoid peak herding periods, legally binding co-management with Sami herders backed by compensation tied to measurable herd health, and off-site processing via facilities like REEtec to minimize local disruption.

    Europe’s decarbonization targets and geopolitical autonomy are colliding head-on in Kiruna. The paradox is not unique to Sweden but symptomatic of global green-transition mining conflicts. For mining professionals, Per Geijer illustrates how permitting risk is now as much about cultural rights and climate resilience as ore grade and cut-off ratios. Investors should track Indigenous rights litigation closely, as a single ruling could reshape the economics of strategic minerals across the Nordics.

    With production realistically a decade away, Europe’s dependence on Chinese REEs will persist into the 2030s. In the meantime, Sami concerns are escalating, and Brussels faces a choice: fast-track raw material security or enforce the same environmental and cultural protections it champions abroad. The Per Geijer paradox will test whether Europe can mine its way to a green future without undermining the Arctic’s oldest cultural landscapes.

  • Lithium Producers Urge EU to Rethink Hazard Classification, Warn of Strategic Setback

    Lithium Producers Urge EU to Rethink Hazard Classification, Warn of Strategic Setback

    A coalition of 13 lithium producers behind key Strategic Projects under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) has issued a joint letter to the European Commission, warning that the proposed classification of lithium salts as Category 1A reproductive toxins could undermine Europe’s climate and industrial ambitions.

    The group, which includes developers of some of the continent’s most advanced lithium initiatives, expressed deep concern that the move by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) conflicts directly with the bloc’s Green Deal, net-zero goals, and push for strategic autonomy.

    According to the letter, the reclassification would shake investor confidence, delay CRMA-aligned projects, weaken Europe’s position in the global battery value chain, and create contradictory policy signals.

    They call on the Commission to ensure that regulatory decisions remain science-based, proportionate to real risk, and do not threaten Europe’s strategic aims. The producers argue that a supportive regulatory framework is critical to delivering both the green and digital transitions.

  • Europe’s Jadar Dilemma: Lithium Sovereignty or Green Colonialism?

    Europe’s Jadar Dilemma: Lithium Sovereignty or Green Colonialism?

    The European Union’s push toward a carbon-neutral future hinges heavily on securing reliable lithium supplies—now formally classified as a critical raw material under the bloc’s Critical Raw Materials Act. With global lithium demand forecasted to rise 40-fold by 2040, the EU is racing to secure domestic or allied sources to reduce dependency on China, which currently dominates the lithium-ion battery market.

    One project at the heart of this race is Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium-boron mine in western Serbia, which boasts 118 million tonnes of ore with 1.8% lithium oxide—enough to potentially power one million electric vehicles annually and meet 90% of Europe’s lithium needs. Strategically, it’s a game-changer. But politically and environmentally, it’s a powder keg.

    Located near Loznica, Serbia’s agricultural heartland, the Jadar project faces fierce grassroots resistance. Local communities warn of severe environmental consequences, including water contamination in the Drina River basin and dangerously high boron levels in soil. The backlash has been compounded by allegations of secret tax deals struck between Rio Tinto and the Serbian government before public consultations even began.

    Despite over 60% of Serbians opposing the mine, the European Commission recognized Jadar as a strategic project on 4 June 2025, highlighting its geopolitical importance as a counterweight to growing Chinese and Russian influence in the Balkans. Serbia’s alignment with both nations—China via Belt and Road projects and Russia through cultural ties—adds urgency to Brussels’ resource diplomacy.

    Yet, critics argue that this comes at the cost of democratic accountability. The EU’s continued cooperation with Serbia—despite democratic backsliding under President Aleksandar Vučić—has drawn accusations of supporting a “stabilitocracy”: sacrificing democratic standards for geopolitical stability and mineral access.

    While the EU insists on adherence to environmental safeguards and public consultation protocols, the silence from Brussels on political repression and opaque governance in Serbia has raised eyebrows. Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to “respect and preserve the beautiful nature of Serbia,” yet local residents see the Jadar initiative as a form of “green colonialism”—where rural areas are sacrificed for Western decarbonisation agendas.

    This case lays bare the contradiction at the heart of Europe’s green ambitions: balancing climate goals with ethical governance and local consent. If not resolved with genuine transparency and accountability, the EU risks not only undermining its credibility but also fueling resentment in a region already caught in a tug-of-war between East and West.

  • EU Urged to Create €10 Billion Fund for Critical Raw Materials

    EU Urged to Create €10 Billion Fund for Critical Raw Materials

    The European Union must establish funds exceeding €10 billion ($11.4 billion) to drive investment in the exploration, mining, and recycling of critical raw materials, according to Bernd Schaefer, CEO of EIT RawMaterials, an EU-funded agency for key minerals.

    The EU has set ambitious 2030 targets for 34 critical minerals, including lithium and copper, which are vital for its green transition. These goals aim for 10% of annual demand to be met through domestic mining, 25% through recycling, and 40% through local processing. Furthermore, no single third country should supply more than 65% of any given mineral—a threshold the EU currently surpasses with China for many materials.

    To reach these targets, Schaefer emphasized the necessity of dedicating part of the bloc’s next seven-year budget from 2028 towards mining and recycling initiatives. “It should probably start with at least a billion or 2 billion euros and have the potential to grow considerably,” Schaefer told Reuters.

    Additionally, Schaefer called for the creation of a €10 billion exploration fund to identify minerals within the EU, which, when combined with private investments, could reach around €100 billion. He stressed the importance of evaluating future consumption and supply for each mineral while converting alliances with international partners into tangible volumes amid rising geopolitical tensions.

    “The Americans are very much hands-on in getting things down the road,” Schaefer said, urging Europe to take decisive action.

    Schaefer also pointed out that Europe’s increased defense spending, a factor not considered when setting its raw material targets, would further heighten demand for minerals such as vanadium, titanium, molybdenum, and chromium. He noted that while the required volumes are not massive, the urgency and sensitivity surrounding their sourcing have intensified, surpassing even that for energy and mobility raw materials.

  • EU’s Lithium Gamble in Serbia Faces Political Turmoil and Public Backlash

    EU’s Lithium Gamble in Serbia Faces Political Turmoil and Public Backlash

    The European Union’s ambitious transition to electric vehicles has hit a political and environmental wall in Serbia, as the Jadar lithium mining project—touted as a game-changer for Europe’s battery supply—becomes entangled in controversy, public protests, and fears of corruption, Politico reports.

    The Jadar deposit, considered one of the richest in Europe, could power up to a million electric vehicles annually and potentially meet a quarter of Europe’s lithium demand. Unsurprisingly, the EU had eyed the site as a cornerstone for its Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), aimed at reducing reliance on China for essential resources.

    Developed by mining giant Rio Tinto, the project initially appeared to align with Brussels’ green goals. However, it has triggered fierce resistance in Serbia over environmental concerns and deep mistrust in government transparency. Public sentiment has turned sharply against the mine, seeing it as a symbol of elite corruption and foreign exploitation.

    “If the EU backs Jadar, it sends the message that economic interests override its core values,” warned Aleksandar Matković, a Serbian researcher and protest organizer. The opposition movement, gaining traction as part of broader anti-government unrest, intensified after a state-friendly documentary branded activists as “foreign agents.”

    Even EU Commissioner for Industry, Thierry Breton, notably excluded any non-EU projects—including Jadar—from the March 2025 list of CRMA strategic ventures. Though the Commission reiterated its commitment to Serbia as a strategic partner, critics speculate that Jadar’s controversial status may have played a role.

    Tensions escalated further when Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met with EU leaders, facing sharp criticism for democratic backsliding. While Vučić accused protesters of being Western-funded, EU officials insisted on reforms in media freedom, anti-corruption efforts, and election integrity.

    Despite the official suspension of the project in January 2022 following mass protests, Rio Tinto has remained active in Serbia—maintaining offices, acquiring over 500 properties, and claiming $500 million already invested. Critics see this as a sign the project is merely paused, not canceled.

    Environmental activist Marija Vuković voiced the growing fear in the region of Loznica, near the proposed site: “People don’t trust the government. They believe their land and water will be sacrificed for someone else’s gain.”

    While some locals welcome the promise of jobs, others are wary of irreversible environmental damage and the potential transformation of the region into a “sacrifice zone.”

    EU policymakers now face a dilemma: Can they back a project so vital to Europe’s green future without appearing complicit in environmental degradation and democratic decline?

    The stakes go beyond lithium. Serbia’s geopolitical balancing act—between the EU, Russia, and China—adds layers of complexity. A move by Brussels perceived as aligning with Vučić could backfire, undermining EU credibility in the Balkans.

    “The EU cannot afford to seem like it’s trading values for minerals,” Matković concluded. “That would betray the very essence of the European project.”

  • Europe’s Lithium Mining Debate: Environmental Costs vs. Green Transition

    Europe’s Lithium Mining Debate: Environmental Costs vs. Green Transition

    Europe is believed to hold vast but unexploited lithium reserves in Germany, Czechia, Serbia, Spain, Portugal, and Austria. However, efforts to tap into these resources have faced strong resistance from local communities and environmental groups.

    Since July 2024, Serbians have staged protests against Rio Tinto’s lithium project in the Jadar Valley, a populated rural region in the country’s northwest. In Portugal’s Barroso region, opposition has been ongoing since May 2023, while in Spain’s UNESCO-listed city of Cáceres, resistance to lithium mining has persisted for over six years.

    In a recent episode of Tech Talks, Euronews examined this divisive issue with two experts presenting contrasting views. Lindsey Wuisan, a campaigner at Friends of the Earth Europe, warns that lithium mining carries irreversible environmental and societal consequences. She highlighted concerns about water and energy consumption, chemical pollution, and threats to biodiversity, arguing that mining profits often benefit multinational companies rather than local communities.

    Conversely, Peter Tom Jones, director of the KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals, maintains that while mining has negative impacts, these can be mitigated through responsible practices. He advocates for renewable energy in mining operations, dry-stacking waste materials, and local community involvement. Jones also stressed that lithium and other metals are crucial for Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral economy and that relying on imports shifts environmental burdens abroad.

    The debate continues as Europe grapples with the balance between sustainability, local opposition, and the need for critical raw materials.

  • Montenegro and Germany Discuss Green Transition and Sustainable Resource Management

    Montenegro and Germany Discuss Green Transition and Sustainable Resource Management

    Montenegro’s Minister of Mining, Oil, and Gas, Admir Šahmanović, and Germany’s Ambassador, Peter Felten, held a meeting to strengthen bilateral relations and focus on Montenegro’s green transition and resource sustainability. The two officials emphasized the importance of learning from Germany’s experience in environmental policies while addressing the challenges Montenegro faces on this path.

    Discussions revolved around the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources and the valorization of natural assetsin line with green economy principles. Šahmanović highlighted key development projects in the mining, oil, and gas sectors, stressing the urgency of creating strategic documents to guide these industries amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

    The Minister also underscored the importance of ensuring a stable supply of oil derivatives, which he described as a critical priority for Montenegro. He further noted the country’s significant potential in mineral resources, emphasizing that development must adhere to European environmental standards and prioritize public health.

    Šahmanović identified job creation as a key benefit of advancing economic activities in the region, particularly in Montenegro’s north, which has long struggled with population outflow. He called for policies to retain young people through sustainable economic opportunities.

    The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deeper cooperation and the exchange of experiences, aiming to create a sustainable and prosperous future for both countries.

  • European Commission Approves €790 Million Aid for Closure of Romanian Coal Mines

    European Commission Approves €790 Million Aid for Closure of Romanian Coal Mines

    The European Commission has approved a Romanian state aid measure worth €790 million (approximately RON 3.9 billion) to address the exceptional costs associated with the closure of four uncompetitive coal mines in the Jiu Valley—Lonea, Lupeni, Livezeni, and Vulcan. This decision aligns with the European Union’s state aid rules and supports Romania’s efforts to phase out coal production by 2032, in accordance with the National Recovery and Resilience Planand the Territorial Plan for a Just Transition.

    The beneficiary of this measure is Societatea Complexul Energetic Valea Jiului S.A., the operator of the four mines and the Paroșeni power plant. The allocated funds will cover social costs for workers affected by the mine closures, as well as safety and environmental rehabilitation measures. This includes securing mine shafts, repairing environmental damage, and reclaiming land for future use.

    The aid will be allocated for eligible costs incurred between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032. To ensure transparency and compliance, an independent consultant will be appointed to monitor coal extraction, ensuring it is limited to public safety needs, such as preventing spontaneous combustion. Annual reports will be provided to maintain oversight.

    “This measure will help Romania carry out the necessary safety and rehabilitation work to facilitate mine closures while mitigating the social impact of the transition. It ensures that no one is left behind in the green transition,” said European Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager.

    The European Commission evaluated the measure under Article 4 of Council Decision 2010/787/EU, determining that the aid strictly covers the exceptional costs arising from the mine closures, with no link to current production. Based on these findings, the Commission deemed the measure compatible with EU internal market rules.

  • Kazakhstan: A Strategic Partner for Europe’s Green Transition and Rare Earth Supply Chain

    Kazakhstan: A Strategic Partner for Europe’s Green Transition and Rare Earth Supply Chain

    Kazakhstan’s Minister for Industry and Construction, Kanat Sharlapaev, has highlighted the country’s pivotal role as a supplier of critical raw materials to Europe, positioning Kazakhstan as a strategic partner for the continent’s green transition. Speaking with Euronews on The Big Question, Sharlapaev discussed the growing trend of “friendshoring”, where Europe shifts production to trusted geopolitical allies to secure a reliable supply of essential resources.

    According to the Brookings Institution, China produced around 60% of the world’s rare earth elements as of 2023. The pandemic revealed the risks of dependency on single-region suppliers, and with the shift toward greener technologies, Europe’s need for critical minerals is only increasing. Kazakhstan, which has long supported Europe’s energy stabilityand is Germany’s fourth-largest energy trading partner, could be the solution for Europe to reduce its reliance on China.

    Kazakhstan’s proximity to Europe also lowers shipping costs and emissions compared to sourcing from more distant suppliers in China or South America. The nation is rich in critical minerals, with 17 out of the 30 elements on the EU’s critical raw materials list available within its borders. It holds 20% of the aerospace-grade titanium market, 10% of manganese sulfate, 30% of global beryllium supply, and 17% of rhenium. Additionally, Kazakhstan ranks as the 11th largest copper producer globally.

    Sharlapaev underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding local processing capabilities to retain more value within the country, fostering job creation and regional economic growth. He explained that Kazakhstan aims to move beyond raw exports by enhancing its value chain. With the mining sector contributing between 12% and 15% of Kazakhstan’s GDP, this strategic focus is expected to further bolster the economy.

    Kazakhstan’s mining workforce is composed of 99% local talent, trained through its own educational institutions, setting it apart from the global trend of expatriate staffing in mining industries. “This strong human capital base enables companies to start operations more efficiently in Kazakhstan,” Sharlapaev noted, reinforcing the country’s appeal as a reliable partner in Europe’s pursuit of green energy goals.