MINEX Forum

Tag: greenhouse gas emissions

  • Mining cannot be ‘greened’ outcry against Barosso lithium mine in Portugal

    Mining cannot be ‘greened’ outcry against Barosso lithium mine in Portugal

    Barroso, Portugal – A proposed lithium mining project in the scenic Barroso region has sparked fierce opposition from local communities and environmental advocates, who warn that the venture could inflict irreversible damage on one of Europe’s rare Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

    The project, led by Savannah Resources and its international partners, aims to transform an inactive feldspar and quartz concession into four expansive open-pit lithium mines, with production now projected to begin in 2027. Spanning a total concession area of 593 hectares, the mining operations threaten to disrupt a delicate agro-ecosystem that supports small-scale pastoral farming and preserves unique cultural traditions.

    Critics argue that the environmental risks far outweigh any potential economic benefits. In 2022, the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) rejected the initial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), citing “very significant and irreversible negative impacts” on the landscape, water resources, and local biodiversity. Although a revised EIA was later issued under conditional approval, local authorities and community groups have mounted legal challenges, arguing that the project endangers the region’s cherished GIAHS status and undermines Portugal’s international environmental commitments.

    Residents describe a climate of intimidation surrounding the project. Opposition groups claim that the mining company has employed aggressive tactics—including 24/7 private security patrols and the deployment of the Republican National Guard—to silence dissent and pressure locals into submission. “The community is being treated as if we were criminals, with our rights and our lands under constant threat,” said a spokesperson from Associação Unidos em Defesa de Covas do Barroso.

    Environmental experts also warn of severe ecological consequences. The project could strain local water supplies by diverting up to 600,000 m³ per year from local springs, jeopardize river habitats, and risk catastrophic failure of tailings storage facilities during extreme weather events. Moreover, the anticipated surge in greenhouse gas emissions could multiply the current carbon footprint of the municipality several times over, contradicting regional climate goals.

    Over 4,600 citizens have signed a petition opposing the mining project, and municipal bodies have passed formal resolutions condemning the plan. The controversy has also reached national parliamentary debates, highlighting broader concerns about how resource extraction projects are approved and monitored in Europe.

    As legal battles continue and protests intensify, the future of the Barroso lithium mine hangs in the balance—a stark reminder of the clash between the global demand for lithium, driven by energy transition imperatives, and the imperative to protect fragile ecosystems and traditional ways of life.

  • Germany’s Energy Transition Slows Amidst Sectoral Challenges

    Germany’s Energy Transition Slows Amidst Sectoral Challenges

    Germany’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in 2024, with a 3% reduction compared to 10% in 2023, as reported by Agora Energiewende. The country achieved an 18-million-ton CO₂ reduction, exceeding its climate targets primarily due to the energy sector’s strong performance. Renewables accounted for 59% of electricity production, and coal’s share fell below 23%.

    However, transport and buildings showed no significant improvement, while industrial emissions rose slightly by 2%. A 44% drop in heat pump sales and a 26% decline in EV registrations highlighted challenges in decarbonization. Political debates over funding sustainable solutions add uncertainty, with upcoming elections intensifying the discourse.

    Despite a 48% emissions reduction since 1990, Germany must accelerate efforts to meet the EU’s 2030 target of 55%. Experts warn that delays in reforming key sectors could jeopardize strategic goals.

  • UK’s Approval of Deep Coal Mine Ruled Unlawful by High Court

    UK’s Approval of Deep Coal Mine Ruled Unlawful by High Court

    Britain’s High Court has ruled that the approval of the country’s first new deep coal mine in decades was unlawful, following a legal challenge from environmental campaigners. The case was brought forward by Friends of the Earthand South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, challenging the 2022 decision by the former Conservative government to approve a coking coal mine in northwest England.

    The British government decided to drop its defense after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which stated that planning authorities must consider the environmental impact of burning, not just extracting, fossil fuels when making decisions. This case is the first to be decided since that ruling, marking a significant precedent.

    According to Friends of the Earth senior lawyer Niall Toru, the ruling against the mining company could have international ramifications, as similar challenges are being made against fossil fuel projects worldwide.

    West Cumbria Mining, the company behind the project, argued that the mine would be a “net zero” mine, extracting coking coal for steel manufacturing rather than for energy production. However, Judge David Holgate ruled that the assumption of no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions was legally flawed.

    West Cumbria Mining has stated it will review the implications of the High Court judgment and declined further comment.

  • SMR Industrial Alliance Sets 2024 Work Plan and Forms Eight Working Groups

    SMR Industrial Alliance Sets 2024 Work Plan and Forms Eight Working Groups

    The SMR Industrial Alliance used their General Assembly last week to define a work plan for the rest of 2024, establishing eight working groups to deliver on their objectives. The SMR alliance, a collection of public and private actors with European Commission backing, aims to develop a European ecosystem for small nuclear modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced atomic modular reactors (AMRs).

    These next-generation reactors have a power output of between 200 and 300 megawatts. They can be used for various applications, from generating electricity or heat for industrial or community applications to replacing coal-fired power plants. The alliance hopes the first projects will operate in the first half of the 2030s – maybe earlier – allowing the technology to contribute towards reducing Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. These deployments would also contribute to the 50 gigawatts (GW) target of additional nuclear capacity by 2050, set by pro-nuclear EU Member States.

    The alliance has 277 members, all based in Europe, divided into various working groups, according to the conclusions of the general assembly, which met on 29 – 30 May. Since the gathering, eight technical working groups (TWG) have now been chaired by European companies. These focus on a range of areas, from supply chains, to research and development (R&D), public commitments, skills, and waste management. The R&D, supply chain, skills, and financing working groups will start working in June. The others will begin their work in October.

    “The next important step is to define a technological roadmap ready for the end of the year,” Andrei Goicea, policy director at Nuclear Europe, European nuclear association and member of the alliance’s steering committee, told Euractiv. Currently, 24 different SMR designs are listed: 14 of which are AMRs and 14 of which are not.

    The main objective is to produce a general action plan for the first quarter of 2025, structured around ten tasks; including objectives to be achieved, activities to be carried out, and products to be delivered. “For the moment, the work to be carried out is not yet completely defined,” NuclearEurope Director General Yves Desbazeille explained.

    At the same time, the chairman of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), Bernard Salha, also a member of the alliance’s steering committee, announced that each project selected for support will potentially be able to participate in an important project of common European interest. This mechanism allows participants to bypass some EU State Aid rules. In the meantime, the first meeting of the governing board, made up of EU member states and the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group, will take place in early July, concludes Yves Desbazeille.

  • Germany’s Climate Change Targets at Risk, Urgent Action Needed

    Germany’s Climate Change Targets at Risk, Urgent Action Needed

    Germany’s climate advisory body has issued a call for immediate policy measures to address the country’s escalating greenhouse gas emissions, cautioning that it is on track to miss its 2030 climate change targets. In a report released on Monday, the Council of Experts on Climate Change, an independent body appointed by the government, emphasized that Germany is unlikely to achieve its goal of reducing emissions by 65% by the end of the decade compared to 1990 levels.

    The council highlighted sectors such as transport and construction as particularly problematic in terms of decarbonization efforts. These sectors are facing significant challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing their carbon footprint. The findings directly contradict statements made by German Climate Protection Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who had previously claimed that emissions were decreasing and the country would meet its targets based on projections from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

    According to the Council of Experts on Climate Change, the UBA’s estimates were overly optimistic, and the emissions from the energy, building, and transport sectors had been underestimated. This indicates a pressing need for additional action and stronger measures to be taken to curb emissions effectively.

    Under the Climate Protection Act, if the council’s findings are confirmed in its next annual report in 2025, the government will be required to implement further measures to meet its 2030 targets. However, the council’s chairman, Hans-Martin Henning, advised against waiting for the targets to be missed again and instead recommended prompt examination and implementation of additional measures.

    The council also warned that Germany may face challenges in meeting future targets, including its aim to reduce emissions by 88% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels and achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The transition away from burning fossil fuels is considered crucial in addressing the global warming threat and reducing emissions.

    The release of the council’s report coincides with ongoing government negotiations in Bonn, Germany, where officials are laying the groundwork for the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for the end of the year. The discussions are expected to focus on the contentious issue of funding the escalating costs associated with climate change.

  • Germany Shuts Down Seven Coal-Fired Power Stations Over Easter

    Germany Shuts Down Seven Coal-Fired Power Stations Over Easter

    Over the Easter weekend, Germany closed seven coal-fired power stations, according to statements from power generators RWE and LEAG on Sunday. The government’s decision to reactivate five plants during the winter due to a gas supply shortfall, coupled with its efforts to decrease reliance on Russian gas, led to this action.

    Five of the shut-down plants were situated in the Rheinish mining district near Cologne, Western Germany, including sites like Grevenbroich-Neurath and Bergheim-Niederaussem. This move results in decommissioning approximately 2,100 megawatts (MW) of lignite capacity, as stated by operator RWE. Additionally, two plants in Jänschwalde, Brandenburg, near Berlin, were shut down after being brought back online recently.

    The decision to keep coal plants operational stemmed from Germany’s strategy to address climate change, which faced challenges following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response to the war and subsequent energy price spikes, Germany opted to extend the lifespan of some coal-fired plants and temporarily restart others. This strategy also involved delaying the closure of several nuclear power plants as a contingency measure.

    Despite concerns, Germany’s grid operator assured the public that the shutdown of coal plants wouldn’t impair power supply security following the end of the 2023/4 winter season. However, the decision to delay closures necessitates a review by the Economy Ministry to assess the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and propose offsetting measures by the end of June.

    The move to close coal-fired power plants was praised by Green Party lawmaker Kathrin Henneberger, who emphasized its significance in combating the climate crisis and achieving climate goals.

  • Economy Minister: Azerbaijan aims for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050

    Economy Minister: Azerbaijan aims for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050

    Within the framework of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28), a Leaders Summit has been held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

    Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan – Head of the Department of Foreign Policy of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev and Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov attended the Summit.

    Speaking at the event, Mikayil Jabbarov said that as the Chair of the Azerbaijan Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the country paid a special attention to climate change.

    “Since the adoption of global initiatives, Azerbaijan has demonstrated a firm commitment to their universal promotion and the implementation of the climate initiatives and the 2030 Agenda. The commitment to fostering transformative changes reflects a dedication to reshaping the national economy with a focus on sustainability, inclusive growth and clean energy. Additionally, remodeling economies requires effective and sustainable financial sources globally. For that reason, it is crucial to establish networking platforms to explore opportunities for private sector investors making a positive impact on accelerating green growth,” the Azerbaijani minister emphasized.

    “As a driver of the green energy transformation, renewable energy sources will constitute 24% of the installed capacity for electricity generation in Azerbaijan by 2026, with a more ambitious target of reaching 30% by 2030. Azerbaijan aims for a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050. This includes the establishment of a green energy zone in the Karabakh and Easter Zangazur regions liberated from 30 years occupation of Armenia, contributing to the implementation of the commitments on climate change. The path to realizing a sustainable future is apparent, yet it presents challenges demanding our immediate and collective attention. One notable challenge in our pursuit of a green economy is the contamination of our lands resulting from extensive mine activities. Azerbaijan acknowledges the crucial role of demining initiatives in fostering sustainable development and facilitating green transformation. Recognizing the substantial impact of demining on the wellbeing and advancement of the region, as well as its broader significance for our country’s development, humanitarian demining is formally designated as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal in Azerbaijan,” Mikayil Jabbarov added.

  • EU carbon price to hit €400 mark with 90% climate goal: analysts

    EU carbon price to hit €400 mark with 90% climate goal: analysts

    In a display of strong commitment to ambitious climate policies, the European Union’s new climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, has affirmed his support for a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This declaration, made during a Parliament hearing earlier this week, has garnered backing from the Parliament’s environment committee and has led to Hoekstra’s formal confirmation in his new role.

    The 2040 target for greenhouse gas reductions will have a significant impact on the supply of CO2 allowances in the EU’s emissions trading scheme, which imposes limits on carbon emissions from large industrial emitters. Financial analysts predict that a 90% reduction target for 2040 will push EU carbon prices above €400 by that time, according to researchers at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSGE).

    Currently, carbon prices on the EU ETS stand at €81 per tonne, reaching a peak of €100/t in February of this year. LSGE’s analysis suggests that with the current 2030 decarbonisation target of -55%, the EU’s carbon price is expected to rise to €160/t by the end of the decade. However, if the 90% decarbonisation target is met, the carbon price could soar to €400/t by 2040.

    Paula VanLaningham, the director of LSEG Carbon Research, emphasizes that the €400/t price is not the cost of decarbonisation itself, but rather the potential cost faced by businesses that fail to decarbonize under the 90% scenario. Achieving the 90% target would result in near full-decarbonization across various industries, such as power, manufacturing, transportation, and construction.

    The European Commission is set to present its 2040 climate target plan in early 2024. This proposal will undergo scrutiny and approval by EU member states and the European Parliament. Hoekstra assures that the Commission’s 2040 plan will be informed by the recommendations of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, which supports a 90-95% target range. Hoekstra pledges to act in line with the Board’s advice and utilize all available instruments to facilitate the EU’s achievement of the minimum recommended target of 90% net reductions.

    Maroš Šefčovič, the Slovak EU commissioner overseeing the coordination of Europe’s green policies, also backs the 90% target, emphasizing that it will provide clarity and predictability to economic actors and citizens. While the responses from Hoekstra and Šefčovič are not binding decisions, they indicate a clear direction from the commissioners on this issue. The European Union’s carbon market underwent significant reforms this year to align with the EU’s decarbonization objectives for 2030.

  • Vulcan fires up European lithium extraction plant

    Vulcan fires up European lithium extraction plant

    Vulcan Energy Resources has fired up its lithium extraction optimisation plant (LEOP) in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley – a moment the company describes as a “significant milestone”.

    The budding carbon-neutral lithium developer is nudging closer to being the first company in Europe to produce the sought-after lithium hydroxide concentrate – crucial in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries – for the European market.

    Management has today revealed it has begun the commissioning phase for its LEOP and it is is expected to run until October, when the first bubbling-hot brine will be introduced into the plant for the lithium extraction process to begin.

    The newly-constructed LEOP is a ramped-up version of Vulcan’s pilot plant that has successfully produced lithium chloride from its producing well sites for the past two and half years.

    To extract lithium from brines, Vulcan is employing the adsorption-type direct lithium extraction (A-DLE) method, which has the added benefits of lower operating costs, greater time efficiency and a lower carbon footprint than legacy industry methods of lithium production.

    In the extraction process, the company will use its proprietary sorbent “VULSORB®”, which it has demonstrated to have a higher performance and lower water consumption for lithium extraction when compared with other commercially-available sorbents.

    From the LEOP, the lithium chloride will be refined to lithium hydroxide at Vulcan’s downstream central lithium electrolyser optimisation plant (CLEOP) in Frankfurt- Höchst and packaged up for further testing by notable offtake partners including Stellantis, Volkswagen, Renault, Umicore and LG Energy Solution.

    The commencement of the commissioning of our LEOP facility represents a significant milestone for us, as well as the entire European battery industry. By 2030, Europe is likely to face a significant lithium shortage, which could have serious implications for the European battery and automotive industries if domestic supplies are not realised. Vulcan is gearing up to be the first to produce lithium from Europe, for Europe, but also to be the first company worldwide to produce carbon-neutral lithium. The start of the commissioning of our LEOP facility is a key step toward the implementation of Phase One of our Zero Carbon Lithium Project, and in enabling a secure and independent European supply chain for lithium.

    Vulcan Energy Resources managing director and chief executive officer Cris Moreno

    With the company’s sights set firmly on a 2025 production target, it is also stepping up to help solve Europe’s looming lithium supply shortfall, with production forecast to supply up to 24,000 tonnes per annum of lithium hydroxide monohydrate.

    Located in the Upper Rhine Valley that extends across France, Germany and Switzerland, Vulcan has its foot on a 300km “graben” system that contains a sedimentary-hosted geothermal lithium reservoir that hosts 26.6 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent – the biggest lithium resource in the European Union.

    Pioneering a carbon-free future, the company lays claim to the world’s first integrated renewable energy lithium extraction and lithium hydroxide project with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with the co-production of renewable geothermal energy on a mass scale.

    As Europe sweats through one of its hottest summers on record, discussions around climate change continue to be front and centre as the subcontinent steers towards its lofty 2050 carbon-neutral goals. With the transition to a global electric mobile fleet in full swing, Vulcan is neatly positioned to meet the unprecedented demand for the critical battery metal with its net-carbon neutral lithium.

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Coal Dependency: Environmental and Economic Implications

    Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Coal Dependency: Environmental and Economic Implications

    Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country in Southeast Europe, is heavily dependent on coal for its energy needs. The country is rich in coal reserves, which account for more than 60% of its total energy production. While this may seem like a boon for the nation’s economy, the reliance on coal has significant environmental and economic implications.

    Coal-fired power plants are the primary source of electricity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country has three major power plants – Tuzla, Kakanj, and Ugljevik – which are all coal-fired. These plants have been operating for decades and are responsible for the majority of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions from these plants contribute to climate change, which has been linked to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other environmental problems.

    In addition to contributing to climate change, coal-fired power plants also release harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina causes approximately 44,000 years of life lost each year. This is a significant public health concern, as well as an economic burden on the country’s healthcare system.

    Despite the environmental and health risks associated with coal, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to invest in new coal-fired power plants. In recent years, the country has signed agreements with Chinese companies to build two new coal-fired power plants – Banovici and Tuzla 7. These projects have been met with opposition from environmental groups, who argue that the country should be investing in cleaner, renewable energy sources instead.

    The continued reliance on coal also has economic implications for Bosnia and Herzegovina. While coal may seem like a cheap source of energy, the true cost of coal is much higher when considering the environmental and health impacts. Moreover, as the world moves towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for coal is expected to decrease. This could lead to a decline in the coal industry, which currently employs thousands of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Furthermore, the European Union (EU) has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its member states. Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a potential candidate for EU membership, will need to align its energy policies with these targets. This could mean phasing out coal-fired power plants and investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

    There are already signs that Bosnia and Herzegovina is starting to recognize the need for a transition to cleaner energy sources. In 2020, the country adopted a new energy strategy, which includes plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. However, the strategy still relies heavily on coal, and it remains to be seen whether the country will be able to meet its renewable energy targets.

    In conclusion, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dependence on coal has significant environmental and economic implications. The country’s coal-fired power plants contribute to climate change and air pollution, posing risks to public health and the environment. Moreover, the continued reliance on coal could hinder the country’s economic development and its prospects for EU membership. To address these challenges, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to invest in cleaner, renewable energy sources and reduce its dependence on coal. This will not only benefit the environment and public health but also help the country to achieve long-term economic growth and stability.