MINEX Forum

Tag: Tomasz Zdzikot

  • Poland extracts key metal needed for energy evolution, looks for rare earths abroad

    Poland extracts key metal needed for energy evolution, looks for rare earths abroad

    “Copper is the driving force behind the energy revolution and a crucial strategic resource. Without it, the energy transformation is not possible,” emphasized Tomasz Zdzikot, CEO of KGHM Polska Miedź, during the XXXII Economic Forum in Karpacz. Poland is also actively engaged in geological explorations in Mongolia to locate deposits of rare earth elements.

    Zdzikot participated in a panel discussion titled “Raw Materials of the Future – Which Raw Materials Should Poland Extract.” He highlighted the significance of “The State Raw Materials Policy 2050,” a strategic document accepted by the government last year, which identifies critical resources for Poland.

    The CEO of KGHM stressed that copper plays a pivotal role in the energy revolution. He pointed out that the US Energy Department added copper to its list of strategic raw materials in August, signaling a projected doubling of global copper demand by 2035. Additionally, copper is classified as a strategic raw material in the European Union.

    Zdzikot underlined the copper requirements for green technologies, noting that an electric car necessitates 150 kilograms of copper, while a 3MW wind turbine requires nearly 5 tons of the metal.

    He also emphasized KGHM’s role in ensuring Poland’s raw material security, highlighting that 50 percent of the EU’s total copper output comes from copper extraction in Poland’s Lower Silesia. Furthermore, KGHM is recognized as the world’s second-largest producer of silver.

    In the same discussion panel, Poland’s chief geologist, Piotr Dziadzio, disclosed the country’s geological work in Mongolia to locate rare earth element deposits. These geological surveys are conducted in collaboration with the local geological service.

    Dziadzio noted that various countries have established strategies for identifying rare earth element deposits, which are expected to yield benefits in the long run. He emphasized the need for transparent partnerships and community engagement in mining these minerals, ensuring they are not perceived as a form of colonialism.

    Furthermore, Dziadzio indicated that Poland has proposals for additional cooperation on rare earth element projects, including one in the Dominican Republic.

  • KGHM Polska Mied has entered into long-term agreement with NKT

    KGHM Polska Mied has entered into long-term agreement with NKT

    “The continuation of cooperation in such a demanding market environment is a mark of effectiveness and attests to the quality of our products. We are efficient and trustworthy. We ensure the security of supplies of metals which are critical for the global energy transformation. We are satisfied with our cooperation with NKT, our wire rod is going to one of the leaders of the European wire and cable marketplace, which provides key solutions for the European energy transformation,” said Tomasz Zdzikot, President & CEO of KGHM.

    “We are pleased to strengthen our long-term collaboration with KGHM by entering into this frame agreement for the supply of copper rod for the coming years. And even more so, that we are able to source copper close to where it is needed, which supports our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our operations,” says President & CEO of NKT, Claes Westerlind.

    Responsible production

    KGHM consistently strengthens its status as a preferred supplier. Company’s products and services meet the highest market standards, while its stability in delivering raw materials, rapid reaction time to customer needs and its “just in time” logistics distinguish the Company on the European wire rod market.

    The metallurgical plants of KGHM produce metals responsibly and in accordance with the highest standards. KGHM’s Głogów and Legnica Copper Smelters/Refineries and Cedynia Wire Rod Plant are Copper Mark certified, which is a testimony to responsible operating practices with regards to the environment, employees, local communities and governance.

    The Company ensures the safe supply of metals which are critical for the global energy transformation through its access to primary copper deposits. At the same time the goals of the Circular Economy are being developed whilst the possibilities of utilizing recycled materials are growing. In response to the global challenge associated with sustainable development, the Company adopted an ambitious Climate Policy, in which it declared the intention of achieving climate neutrality by the year 2050. KGHM has published the results of its analysis of the environmental and carbon footprint of its products: cathodes, wire rod and Cu-OFE rod. The carbon footprint of its copper wire rod at the level of 2.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of copper is significantly lower than the global average of such indicators.

    Highest quality

    8 mm copper wire rod is one of KGHM’s main products. It is manufactured through the Contirod® continuous process of melting, casting and drawing, and is mainly produced from cathodes manufactured by KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. The Cedynia Wire Rod Plant produces wire rod in five classes of quality, depending on the needs of the customer. The product is primarily used in the wire and cable, electromechanical and electrotechnical industries. The wire rod market, due to its specific nature, is highly competitive and demanding.

    In 2022 KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. produced 284.8 thousand tonnes of wire rod and OFE rod, nearly 11% of European production. This result makes the Company one of Europe’s leading producers of these copper semi-products.

    About NKT

    NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology building the infrastructure for the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 4,500 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 2.1 billion in 2022.

    NKT – We connect a greener world. www.NKT.com.

    Disclaimer

    KGHM Polska Miedz SA published this content on 22 August 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 22 August 2023 07:05:06 UTC.