MINEX Forum

Tag: United States

  • Meeting of Kanat Shralapayev with the leadership of the Kazakhstan-American Business Council at the US Chamber of Commerce

    Meeting of Kanat Shralapayev with the leadership of the Kazakhstan-American Business Council at the US Chamber of Commerce

    As part of strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kanat Shralapayev participated in a roundtable with members of the Kazakhstan-American Business Council (USKZBC) and representatives of American companies. The event took place at the US Chamber of Commerce, where key representatives of the business community gathered, such as Bechtel, BHP, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Chevron, Morgan Stanley, Turkish Airlines, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as USKZBC.

    The US Chamber of Commerce, the leading business association in the country, represents the interests of over 3 million companies, advocating for the American business community at national and international levels. Acting within the framework of the Chamber of Commerce, USKZBC promotes the development of trade and investment relations between Kazakhstan and the United States, opening up new opportunities for both countries.

    During the roundtable, Kanat Shralapayev emphasized the importance of the longstanding and successful partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, focusing on the strategic potential of cooperation in the field of rare earth metals extraction, as well as industrial cooperation development. The Minister highlighted key areas for investment and technological cooperation, emphasizing the significance of creating a cluster in Kazakhstan for battery raw materials production, including nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. Particularly noting the key reforms in the field of subsoil use aimed at attracting investments, the Minister invited US mining companies to participate in upcoming auctions for subsoil use and emphasized the key role of the Investment Council under the chairmanship of the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a guarantee for project support.

    This event opened a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations, confirming both sides’ readiness for deep and fruitful cooperation. The roundtable served as a vivid testimony to mutual interest in further expanding industrial and trade ties, contributing to the strengthening of economic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.

  • Pensana’s Saltend plant recognised as a strategically important UK project

    Pensana’s Saltend plant recognised as a strategically important UK project

    A magnet metal processing facility at Saltend, led by rare earth specialist Pensana, has garnered attention as a significant component of the Mineral Security Partnership between the UK and the US. Paul Atherley, the Chair of Pensana, met with Business and Trade Minister Nusssrat Ghani prior to the inaugural Mineral Security Partnership talks with US Under Secretary Jose Fernandez. Pensana has been recognized as a partner in this new platform, with the participation of the UK, US, and international allies.

    During the meeting, Mr. Atherley emphasized the importance of Saltend’s development in supporting the UK’s automotive supply chain, which employs over 780,000 individuals, as it transitions to electric vehicles. The project seeks support from both the UK and US governments, and construction is already underway. The facility is expected to create 150 highly skilled jobs and will play a crucial role in domestic magnet metal provision for electric vehicle and wind turbine components.

    Mr. Atherley stated that by 2030, the UK aims to shift from being a major European producer of internal combustion engines to becoming a global leader in the production of electric drive units, manufacturing three million units annually, with a significant portion intended for export. However, the absence of a secure magnet metal supply chain poses a threat to this objective. Pensana is taking steps to establish an independent and sustainable rare earth supply chain, incorporating mid-stream processing to produce magnet metal within the UK. The Saltend project will create 450 jobs during the construction phase and sustain 150 high-value jobs during operation, with room for further expansion. The facility is designed to be flexible, capable of processing feedstock from the Longonjo project in Angola, as well as other rare earth mining projects.

    The Minister assured Pensana that the project holds strategic importance for the UK and expressed her commitment to raising support for the venture during discussions with Under Secretary Jose Fernandez as part of the Mineral Security Partnership talks held during the London Metal Exchange Week. The goal of the Mineral Security Partnership is to stimulate private sector investment and collaboration with key government partners, focusing on strategic mining, processing, and recycling opportunities that adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards. This initiative particularly targets critical minerals essential for core technologies like electric vehicles and clean technologies.

    Pensana is at the forefront of the Humber Freeport initiative. This transatlantic endorsement follows another notable investment at Saltend, which was highlighted during UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s trade visit to the US earlier this year. Meld Energy’s £180 million hydrogen production plans were announced during the visit, with strong support from Fortune 500 constituent World Fuel Services Corporation.

  • U.S, EU business groups push for steel deal, minerals drive at summit

    U.S, EU business groups push for steel deal, minerals drive at summit

    The largest business federations in the United States and the European Union have jointly called upon leaders convening for a summit on Friday to swiftly resolve an ongoing dispute regarding the metals tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Additionally, they emphasized the need for increased cooperation in the realm of critical minerals, which are vital for facilitating the green transition.

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and BusinessEurope issued this call to action on Monday, in anticipation of President Joe Biden’s meeting with European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel in Washington. The European Union aims to prevent the reinstatement of import tariffs on steel and aluminum, as imposed by former President Donald Trump, and to establish a mutually beneficial agreement that supports EU exporters of critical minerals to the United States.

    Highlighting their concerns, the two business groups underscored the risks posed by protectionist policies, citing anemic economic growth and misguided narratives surrounding industrial decline. They cautioned that such policies could hinder innovation and impede prosperity. Consequently, the groups urged officials from both the EU and the U.S. to reach a lasting agreement that prevents any reimplementation of metals tariffs by the U.S., while also addressing the challenges posed by global excess capacity and carbon emissions in metals production.

    Furthermore, the business federations stressed the importance of transatlantic collaboration with countries that possess significant reserves of critical minerals. This collaborative approach seeks to reduce reliance on any single country, particularly China, which currently holds a dominant position. In order to advance the green transition, the groups emphasized that global mining companies must substantially increase their production of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earths, by 500% over the next decade. This ambitious goal is crucial for driving the necessary advancements in sustainable technology.

  • U.S. optimistic it will reach critical minerals deal with EU

    U.S. optimistic it will reach critical minerals deal with EU

    The United States expresses optimism regarding the possibility of reaching an agreement with the European Union (EU) that would enable critical minerals mined or processed in Europe to qualify for U.S. clean vehicle tax incentives. This encouraging statement was made by a senior U.S. official on Monday.

    Negotiations between the transatlantic partners are underway to determine the eligibility of EU critical minerals, such as lithium and nickel, for green subsidies under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. This act specifically promotes products manufactured in North America. Jose Fernandez, the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the State Department, shared during a briefing in Brussels that intense negotiations are being conducted.

    Fernandez expressed hope and optimism, stating that negotiations are progressing well. Acknowledging the need for collaborative efforts, he expressed confidence in reaching an agreement between the United States and the European Union.

    He also clarified that there are no plans to link the critical minerals agreement to the resolution of the separate transatlantic negotiations addressing U.S. import tariffs on EU steel. It is important to note that the United States has already signed a minerals agreement with Japan in March. Currently, both the EU and the United Kingdom are seeking similar agreements.

    Additionally, Fernandez mentioned that he is engaging in discussions with EU officials to establish an agenda for the upcoming joint Trade and Technology Council, which the United States will host before the end of the year.

    He emphasized that both sides are committed to establishing safeguards for artificial intelligence and moving beyond general statements to concrete actions. While there is no specific timetable for reaching an agreement, there is a shared understanding that it should occur sooner rather than later. Furthermore, both parties agree that any technological advancements should uphold democratic values, human rights, and individual freedoms.

    The United States remains positive about the ongoing negotiations with the European Union, recognizing the importance of collaboration and the need to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

  • US aiming to deploy Europe’s first small modular reactor ‘in late 2020s’, official says

    US aiming to deploy Europe’s first small modular reactor ‘in late 2020s’, official says

    The United States, with a firm resolve, is aiming to deploy the first American-made small modular nuclear reactor in Romania and Czechia by the end of the decade. A US official stated that the projected timeline for deployment is 2029.

    Romania is the first country in line for this endeavor, with US company NuScale partnering with the national company Nuclear Electrica to develop the country’s inaugural small modular reactors (SMRs). During a recent visit to Bucharest, US Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt commended the “civil nuclear alliance with Romania” and the plans to construct a small modular reactor in the country.

    Pyatt emphasized that no one has yet deployed such a technology. He stated in a video briefing with journalists that the forecasted deployment timeline is 2029. He expressed confidence in achieving this goal, highlighting the significance of the civil nuclear partnership with Romania.

    SMRs are significantly smaller in size compared to traditional nuclear reactors, with a capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit. One of their main advantages is the ability to be factory-assembled and transported to areas with limited grid coverage.

    During his visit, Pyatt announced US funding for the construction of a simulator at Bucharest’s Polytechnic University. This simulator aims to build the necessary capacity so that when Nuclear Electrica’s new SMR becomes operational, Romania will have the skilled technicians required to operate the facility.

    The Romanian SMR project is part of a broader US initiative called “Project Phoenix.” This initiative aims to replace coal-fired power plants in central and eastern Europe with small modular reactors. Project proposals from Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland have been selected to participate in Project Phoenix and will receive support for feasibility studies on transitioning from coal to SMRs.

    Furthermore, Kerry launched the Nuclear Expediting the Energy Transition (NEXT) program, which acts as a one-stop-shop for SMR support, providing training and advice to European and Eurasian countries on deploying SMRs.

    Pyatt emphasized the importance of nuclear power in the energy transition, stating that Project Phoenix demonstrates the repurposing of past infrastructure to support cleaner, greener, and more resilient technologies.

    The US’s commitment to small modular reactors was highlighted during the Three Seas initiative summit in Bucharest. The US announced a $300 million contribution to the Three Seas investment fund, which will be used to enhance connectivity and accelerate the clean energy transition in participating countries. Civil nuclear technology, along with wind, solar, and geothermal, is eligible for support.

    While it is assumed that the funding from the US will be directed towards SMR projects utilizing American technology, Pyatt dismissed the notion that Project Phoenix is solely driven by US interests. He emphasized the international nature of the undertaking and cited interest in SMRs from various countries, including Bulgaria, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, and Ghana.

    Pyatt also mentioned that NuScale is not the only US company developing SMRs. Larger groups like Westinghouse and GE, as well as innovative companies like TerraPower and X energy, are also involved in the development of different SMR concepts.

    While acknowledging the hope that American companies will be chosen for Czechia’s large civil nuclear tender, Pyatt emphasized the enduring commitment of the US to its alliance with the Czech Republic.

    The objective in both Romania and Czechia is to expedite the completion of SMR projects, moving the anticipated deployment from the 2030s to the late 2020s. This acceleration aligns with the urgency demanded by the climate crisis.