MINEX Forum

Tag: lithium

  • Teesside to Host One of Europe’s Largest Lithium Refineries, Creating 1,700 Jobs

    Teesside to Host One of Europe’s Largest Lithium Refineries, Creating 1,700 Jobs

    Teesside is set to undergo a significant transformation with the establishment of one of Europe’s largest lithium refineries, a project that promises to create approximately 1,700 jobs across construction, supply chain, and operational phases. The initiative was highlighted during a roundtable discussion at the Darlington Economic Campus, attended by key stakeholders including Paul Atherley, Chairman of Tees Valley Lithium, and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

    The lithium refinery project is expected to contribute around £1 billion in gross value added to the Tees Valley, and approximately £2.1 billion to the wider UK economy. The first phase of the project aims to refine 25,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, which accounts for nearly half of the UK Government’s Vision 2035 target. The design of the facility is scalable, with plans to increase production capacity to over 100,000 tonnes per year.

    Atherley emphasised the importance of this project for the region, stating that it represents a shift towards future-facing industries rather than merely rebuilding traditional sectors. He noted that the Tees Valley Lithium initiative positions the UK strategically in the global energy transition landscape, which is considered one of the most significant transitions in history.

    Support for the project has been robust, with over 320 businesses expressing their backing for the £185 million investment at Billingham. The positive response from local employers and stakeholders underscores the potential economic benefits and job creation that the lithium refinery will bring to the region. The discussions at the roundtable reflect a collective commitment to reindustrialisation that aligns with national goals for sustainable energy and economic growth.

  • US Government Invests $500 Million to Boost Domestic Lithium and Cobalt Processing. Views from Ukraine.

    US Government Invests $500 Million to Boost Domestic Lithium and Cobalt Processing. Views from Ukraine.

    In a significant move to bolster its domestic supply chain for strategic materials, the United States government has announced a $500 million investment aimed at enhancing the processing capabilities for lithium and cobalt, essential components in battery production. This initiative comes in the wake of recent export restrictions on ‘black mass’—a waste product from lithium-ion batteries that contains valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The rationale behind these restrictions is to prevent the U.S. from becoming reliant on foreign processing facilities for materials critical to its technological and energy sectors.

    The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated funds to seven private companies that are engaged in various aspects of lithium extraction, cobalt processing, and battery recycling. Notably, $100 million has been awarded to Lilac Solutions for direct lithium extraction in Utah, while Jervois has received a similar amount to develop an integrated cobalt mining and processing complex. Another $100 million is going to Nth Cycle, a company focused on processing black mass into high-purity metals and battery-grade materials, directly addressing the materials that the U.S. has sought to keep within its borders.

    This strategic funding is not merely a financial boost for these companies; it reflects a broader shift in U.S. industrial policy towards a more interventionist approach. The government is actively identifying vulnerabilities in its supply chain and taking steps to mitigate them through direct investment and support. This includes an additional $150 million earmarked for projects that focus on recovering cathode materials, developing battery electrolytes, and creating silicon anodes to reduce dependence on imported graphite.

    The overarching theme of this initiative is clear: the U.S. is committed to maintaining control over its strategic resources and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to process these materials domestically. This shift in policy indicates that the government is no longer relying solely on market mechanisms to address supply chain issues, but is willing to intervene directly to safeguard national interests.

    As the U.S. takes these steps, it raises questions about how other nations, particularly those like Ukraine, might respond to similar challenges in their own industrial sectors. The implications of this investment could resonate beyond American borders, influencing global supply chains and the dynamics of the mining and battery industries.

  • Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber Lithium Project Achieves Key Operational Milestones in Finland

    Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber Lithium Project Achieves Key Operational Milestones in Finland

    Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber lithium project in Finland is making significant strides in its operational ramp-up, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s efforts to enhance lithium production. Following the successful commencement of the Syväjärvi open-pit mine earlier in 2026, the project has now seen the Päiväneva concentrator achieve an impressive 142 hours of continuous testing. This phase is crucial as it aims to safely scale up the production of high-quality spodumene concentrate, a key material in the lithium battery supply chain.

    The ongoing infrastructure development at the Kokkola Industrial Park lithium refinery is also noteworthy. The area has been recently asphalted, signalling progress as teams undertake essential preparatory work to initiate production. This development is expected to bolster the overall efficiency and output of the Keliber project, which is strategically positioned to meet the growing demand for lithium in electric vehicle batteries and other applications.

    Sibanye-Stillwater has made it a priority to keep stakeholders informed about the project’s progress. Interested parties can view the rapid advancements and layout of the facilities through the official project updates available on the Sibanye-Stillwater Keliber Video Gallery. Additionally, the construction timeline is accessible via the Keliber Project Progress Playlist on YouTube, providing a visual representation of the project’s evolution.

  • Nordx Metals: Pioneering the Future of Critical Minerals in the Nordic Region

    Nordx Metals: Pioneering the Future of Critical Minerals in the Nordic Region

    Nordx Metals Corp. has released a comprehensive corporate presentation outlining its strategic vision and operational framework as it positions itself at the forefront of the Nordic critical minerals sector. The presentation provides an overview of the company’s current affairs and highlights its commitment to responsible mineral exploration and development in Sweden and Finland, two countries renowned for their stable political environments and rich mining heritage.

    The company emphasizes its focus on uranium and lithium, two critical minerals that are increasingly vital for energy transition and technological advancements. With a portfolio that includes several promising projects, Nordx aims to leverage its first-mover advantage in the underexplored Nordic belt, which is supported by world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce. The presentation outlines the company’s disciplined exploration strategy, which aligns with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, aiming to bolster the continent’s battery and energy supply chains.

    Nordx Metals boasts a strong management team with a proven track record in mineral discovery and development, further enhancing its credibility in the industry. The company has reported significant historical non-compliant mineral resources, particularly in uranium, across its various projects, including the Bergby Lithium Property and the Kietyönmäki Lithium Project. These assets are strategically located near major infrastructure, facilitating efficient operations and potential future expansions.

    The presentation also addresses the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the mining sector, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and market fluctuations. Nordx Metals cautions prospective investors about the risks associated with forward-looking statements, urging them to conduct thorough due diligence before making investment decisions. The company remains optimistic about the future, citing growing demand for uranium in Europe and the potential for resource expansion across its projects.

  • Critical Metals Corp Advances Acquisition of European Lithium Limited

    Critical Metals Corp Advances Acquisition of European Lithium Limited

    Critical Metals Corp (Nasdaq: CRML), a prominent player in the critical minerals sector, has provided an update regarding its proposed acquisition of European Lithium Limited (ASX: EUR, FRA: PF8, OTC: EULIF). The acquisition aims to secure 100% of the issued share capital of European Lithium, alongside its listed options, through court-approved schemes of arrangement under the Australian Corporations Act 2001. This strategic move is designed to enhance Critical Metals’ portfolio and strengthen its position in the critical minerals market.

    The process commenced with the lodgement of a draft explanatory statement, known as the Scheme Booklet, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on August 26, 2026. This document is crucial as it will provide European Lithium’s securityholders with essential information regarding the proposed schemes. The first court hearing is set for September 15, 2026, where European Lithium will seek orders from the Supreme Court of Western Australia to convene meetings for shareholders and optionholders to consider and vote on the schemes.

    If the court grants the necessary approvals, the Scheme Meetings are expected to take place in mid-October 2026, followed by a general meeting of shareholders to discuss resolutions related to the schemes. The implementation of these schemes is anticipated for early November 2026, contingent upon the satisfaction of all conditions, including approvals from shareholders and the court.

    Mike Hanson, a board director at Critical Metals Corp, expressed optimism regarding the progress of the acquisition, highlighting the importance of the Scheme Booklet’s lodgement as a significant step forward. He noted that both companies are making steady progress towards the completion of the transaction, which aims to integrate European Lithium and its assets into the Critical Metals group.

    Critical Metals Corp is focused on developing critical minerals essential for electrification and next-generation technologies. Its flagship project, Tanbreez, located in Southern Greenland, is one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, with advantageous shipping access. Additionally, the Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria is poised to become a major producer of lithium products, further solidifying Critical Metals’ role as a key supplier in the European market.

    This acquisition aligns with the growing demand for critical minerals, driven by the clean energy transition and advancements in technology. As the mining industry continues to evolve, Critical Metals Corp is strategically positioning itself to meet the needs of the Western world, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of essential resources.

  • UK Government Integrates Trelavour Lithium Project into National Infrastructure Programme

    UK Government Integrates Trelavour Lithium Project into National Infrastructure Programme

    In a significant move for the UK mining sector, the Government has included the Trelavour Lithium Project in its Lead Environmental Regulator pilot programme. This initiative places the project alongside other major infrastructure undertakings such as Sizewell C, East West Rail, and the Lower Thames Crossing, marking a pivotal moment for the Cornish Lithium initiative. Previously, the notion of a lithium project in Cornwall being recognised alongside nuclear energy and national grid developments would have seemed implausible. However, the Trelavour project is now the only critical minerals project featured in this prestigious list, highlighting its importance to the UK’s energy future.

    The inclusion in the pilot programme provides a streamlined regulatory process, as the Environment Agency will serve as the single point of contact for environmental regulation. This coordination aims to facilitate quicker decision-making and enhance communication between various regulatory bodies. The government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the regulatory framework is crucial, as it allows projects like Trelavour to progress without unnecessary delays. The expectation is that while standards remain unchanged, the time taken to reach decisions will be significantly reduced.

    This shift in perspective reflects a broader recognition of domestic lithium as a vital component of national infrastructure. As the UK seeks to bolster its battery and clean energy supply chains, the Trelavour Lithium Project is increasingly seen as essential rather than merely a niche mining operation. The government’s approach underscores the importance of better coordination in delivering national ambitions and ensuring that critical minerals projects are realised.

    The Trelavour project represents a key step in the UK’s reindustrialisation efforts, demonstrating how strategic planning and regulatory support can facilitate the development of critical mineral resources. The focus on lithium is not just about mining; it is about laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future, where domestic resources are harnessed to support the transition to clean energy technologies. As the UK continues to navigate its energy landscape, the successful implementation of projects like Trelavour will be instrumental in achieving its long-term sustainability goals.

  • EU Grants €116 Million to EMILI Project for Lithium Supply Enhancement

    EU Grants €116 Million to EMILI Project for Lithium Supply Enhancement

    The EMILI project has secured a significant grant of €116 million from the European Union’s Innovation Fund, aimed at bolstering the EU’s domestic lithium supply chain. This funding initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to promote innovative low-carbon technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Innovation Fund, which is one of the largest funding programmes globally, is financed through revenues generated by the EU Emissions Trading System. It prioritises projects that demonstrate substantial European added value and contribute to the transition towards a sustainable economy.

    The EMILI project has been identified as a strategic initiative under the EU’s ‘Critical Raw Material Act’, highlighting its importance in ensuring a secure and resilient supply of lithium, which is essential for various applications including electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. By strengthening domestic capacities for lithium extraction and processing, the project aims to reduce the EU’s reliance on external sources of this critical raw material.

    The grant specifically supports the construction of a conversion plant in Saint-Victor, which is a key component of the EMILI project. This facility will play a crucial role in the EU’s clean tech manufacturing sector, contributing to the development of innovative technologies in energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, and carbon capture.

    As the EU continues to push for a green transition, projects like EMILI are vital in driving forward the agenda for sustainable resource management and climate action. The funding not only underscores the EU’s commitment to reducing emissions but also its recognition of the strategic importance of securing critical raw materials for future technological advancements.

  • Critical Elements Lithium Expands Rose West Discovery in Québec

    Critical Elements Lithium Expands Rose West Discovery in Québec

    Critical Elements Lithium (TSX-V:CRE) has announced significant advancements in its phase two summer drilling program at the Rose West Discovery, located in Eeyou Istchee, Québec, Canada. The latest drilling results indicate a substantial increase in the mineralised footprint, now measuring 1,250 metres by 800 metres. This expansion is part of a systematic drilling initiative that aims to cover a total of 10,000 metres around the wholly owned discovery site.

    The company has successfully completed 18 drill holes, amounting to approximately 3,000 metres, with promising assay results emerging from the recent explorations. Notably, hole RW-26-36 revealed an impressive 2.05% lithium oxide (Li2O) and 221 parts per million (ppm) tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) over a 7.70-metre interval through Pegmatite 5. Additionally, the same hole also intersected 1.46% Li2O and 176 ppm Ta2O5 over 23.35 metres through Pegmatite 3, which included a peak of 2.12% Li2O and 147 ppm Ta2O5 over a 6-metre section.

    Further drilling results from hole RW-26-37 showed 1.32% Li2O and 157 ppm Ta2O5 over 13.25 metres through Pegmatite 5, alongside 0.94% Li2O and 258 ppm Ta2O5 over 22.40 metres through Pegmatite 3. The phase two drilling program has successfully expanded the mineralised footprint by an additional 300 metres by 300 metres, enhancing the thickness of Pegmatites 5, 3, and 2, which now range from 10 to 30 metres.

    Critical Elements has received assay results for 11 previously drilled holes, with an additional seven holes currently being prepared for assaying. The Rose West Discovery is situated approximately 10 kilometres west of the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project, which was initially intercepted in winter 2024 over a footprint of 450 metres by 370 metres. As a Canadian critical minerals explorer, Critical Elements Lithium is advancing a diverse portfolio of properties across the Nemaska Belt, including its flagship Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project and the newly expanded Rose West discovery.

  • European Lithium and Critical Metals Corp: A Market-Driven Merger with Variable Exchange Rate

    European Lithium and Critical Metals Corp: A Market-Driven Merger with Variable Exchange Rate

    The merger between European Lithium and Nasdaq-listed Critical Metals Corp has taken a complex turn with the introduction of a variable exchange ratio linked to the price of CRML shares. This new structure, which replaces the original fixed exchange ratio, allows for a dynamic calculation that can either enhance or diminish the value for shareholders depending on the fluctuating stock price of CRML. Investors are now faced with a situation where the exchange ratio can range from 0.025 to 0.045 CRML shares for each European Lithium share, contingent on CRML’s stock price falling within a specified band of USD 8 to USD 16.

    As of the latest trading session, European Lithium shares experienced a decline of 1.86 percent, while Critical Metals Corp saw a slight increase of 2.11 percent. This divergence highlights the differing market perceptions of the revised merger terms. The situation is further complicated by a recent downgrade from Freedom Broker, which lowered its price target for CRML from USD 17 to USD 8, raising concerns about the viability of the merger for European Lithium shareholders.

    European Lithium’s primary asset, the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria, has yet to generate revenue, and the company has never issued dividends. The focus has shifted towards the 92.5 percent stake in the Tanbreez project in Greenland, where a significant drilling program is currently underway. This transition means that any changes to the exchange ratio will directly affect how much exposure Austrian shareholders have to the Greenland project.

    Despite the recent fluctuations, European Lithium’s stock has shown a remarkable recovery, up 109 percent since the start of the year. However, the volatility remains high, with annualized volatility reaching 100 percent, indicating ongoing uncertainty in the market. The broader environment for critical minerals projects in Europe is also challenging, with increasing local opposition to new mining initiatives, as seen in the Jadar lithium project in Serbia.

    The merger process is still ongoing, with court and security holder approvals pending. The Scheme Booklet, which will provide an independent expert’s assessment of the transaction, is expected to be released in early September. This document could significantly influence the market’s perception of the merger’s value. The completion target for the merger remains set for October 2026, contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals. Until then, the floating exchange rate mechanism will closely tie European Lithium’s valuation to the performance of CRML shares on the Nasdaq, making the outcome of this merger highly dependent on the stock’s daily fluctuations.

  • Savannah Resources Gains Local Support for Controversial Barroso Lithium Project in Portugal

    Savannah Resources Gains Local Support for Controversial Barroso Lithium Project in Portugal

    Savannah Resources has secured new backing from local landowners for its Barroso lithium project in northern Portugal, which is set to become Europe’s largest lithium mine. This development comes as the company seeks to navigate years of community opposition and legal challenges that have delayed the project. The Barroso project, with a capital expenditure of $417 million, has been designated as strategic by the EU, highlighting its importance in establishing a European lithium supply chain critical for the electric vehicle industry.

    The company announced three new benefit-sharing agreements with local communal land managers, known as baldios, which aim to ensure that the communities have a stake in the project and its benefits. CEO Emanuel Proença emphasised that these agreements are not just about land access but also about recognising the rights of local communities that have managed these lands for generations. Savannah is optimistic about receiving its final environmental licence in the third quarter of this year, with plans to make a final investment decision by the end of the year and commence production by 2028.

    Despite the backing from local landowners, the Barroso project has faced significant opposition from residents and environmental groups concerned about its potential impact on agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity in the region, which is recognised by the UN as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. The project’s feasibility study, released in July, indicated that it could produce an average of 183,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, enough to supply batteries for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles.

    Savannah’s study also projected a robust after-tax net present value of $913 million and an internal rate of return of 43%, with a payback period of less than two years. The project is positioned competitively within the global hard-rock lithium cost curve, with average operating costs estimated at $473 per tonne of concentrate.

    To address environmental concerns, Savannah has proposed measures such as dry-stack tailings, a lined storage facility, and a water recycling system. The new agreements with local baldios include provisions for community participation in project oversight, local reinvestment of project benefits, and inflation-indexed rental payments. Additionally, a partnership with the regional baldios secretariat aims to support forest management and wildfire prevention in the area.

    Portugal has a history of lithium production for the ceramics industry, but the Barroso project represents a significant step towards developing a large-scale battery materials sector in the country. Earlier this year, the Portuguese government awarded Savannah a €110 million grant to support the advancement of the Barroso project, further underscoring the official backing for this initiative. The project has also seen a 40% increase in its mineral reserve estimates, reinforcing its economic viability as it aims to become western Europe’s first major lithium mine.